Emergency Medical Services

Paramedic

Diploma

The 40-credit Paramedic diploma program offers comprehensive educational and occupational preparation in the field of advanced pre-hospital emergency care. The program is ideal if you already have a degree or wish to obtain certification as a paramedic without taking additional liberal arts coursework.

Paramedics are employed by advanced life support ambulance services as well as in various out-of-hospital care settings to provide care in medical and traumatic emergencies. As a graduate of the diploma program, you are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written and practical exams to become certified nationally and in the state of Minnesota.

As a student in this diploma program, you will complete the Paramedic curriculum (40 credits).

A separate program application is required for admittance into the Paramedic diploma program.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid.

Some courses within this program require a criminal background study to successfully complete. Please see the course description section of the catalog for more details. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

2023-2024 Required Courses

Paramedic Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  EMS 1120
Introduction to EKG Interpretation
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Designed to teach the student how to interpret and label the electrocardiogram (EKG). The focus of the course is basic rhythm interpretation, but will also cover such topics as: electrophysiology, EKG monitoring, genesis of the EKG, and cardiac output as it relates to cardiac rhythms.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1122
EMS Systems
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Explores the complex systems which make up Emergency Medical Services. Students will learn the history, development and current model for the delivery of out-of-hospital medical services in the United States. The role of EMS in public health and other current issues will be explored. Prerequisites: Completion of EMS 1101 or equivalent recommended.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1131
Field Skills Practicum I
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the opportunity to practice Basic Life Support and learn Advanced Life Support skills. Scenarios, skill drills and other interactive classroom activities will be required. Emphasis placed on skill competence.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1150
Introduction to Pharmacology
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Introduces basic and advanced concepts in pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, alpha-receptors, beta- receptors, biotransformation, and elimination. This introductory course will also focus on administration methodologies as well as drug calculation.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 1101 Emergency Medical Technician

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 1188
Patient Care Clinical
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides supervised work experience in the hospital and emergency prehospital environment. Emphasis on performance of psychomotor skills, patient assessment, development of critical thinking, leadership and development of interpersonal skills in an actual patient care setting or simulation environment.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 1110 EMS Operations
  • EMS 1130 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • EMS 1131 Field Skills Practicum I
  • EMS 1150 Introduction to Pharmacology

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2420
Pathophysiology for EMS
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Applies anatomy and physiology to common diseases and injuries encountered by EMS personnel. Students develop an understanding of how different disease processes interrupt normal bodily functions. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the Paramedic program or instructor permission.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2440
Trauma Management
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Focuses on the pathophysiology of shock and the kinematics of trauma. An epidemiological approach will be used to show the effects of traumatic injuries on the human body and its systems. Heat and cold emergencies will also be reviewed. This course will utilize case study review to emphasize total patient care in a traumatic situation. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic program or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2460
Medical Emergencies I
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
This course examines medical emergencies such as; Strokes and TIA, Seizure, Endocrine Emergencies, & Anaphylaxis. The course will discuss assessment and care of patients experiencing a medical emergency with a focus on interpreting vitals and advanced monitoring of patients.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2430
Advanced Pharmacology
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Builds upon the concepts and medications learned in EMS 1150. Includes instruction on medications used in ACLS and PALS and introduces RSI pharmacology and non-prescription medications and supplements. Students also learn common lab values and common medications used in critical care transport. Proper documentation and use of controlled substances is also covered. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic Core Program, or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2464
Respiratory Emergencies
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the student with knowledge to assess a patient experiencing a respiratory emergency. It includes a review in respiratory anatomy, and the physiology of respiration. Assessment techniques and equipment will be presented using stethoscopes, pulse oximetry, End-Tidal CO2 and power ventilators. Assessment and monitoring techniques will be integrated with the care and treatment of the respiratory patient. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the paramedic program and completion of EMS 2420 (C or better).

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2420 Pathophysiology for EMS

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2466
Cardiovascular Emergencies
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Presents information to educate the paramedic student to assess and treat the cardiac patient. Information will include review of standard cardiac protocols, reading the 12- and 15-lead electrocardiogram (EKG); integrate pharmacologic intervention as prescribed by the American Heart Association advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) algorithms. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Paramedic program.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2470
Field Skills Practicum II
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the opportunity to practice Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support skills. Scenarios, skill drills and other interactive classroom activities will be required. Emphasis placed on skill competence and preparation for certification exams. Acceptance into Paramedic program, current EMT certification, completion of EMS1131.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 1131 Field Skills Practicum I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2488
Paramedic Patient Care Internship I
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
Provides competency-based clinical experiences in emergency medical services field response units, hospitals, health care clinics and other venues. Students perform advanced life support skills and patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and direct patient care teams. Students are under the supervision of a preceptor or instructor. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic program.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2440 Trauma Management
  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I
  • EMS 2470 Field Skills Practicum II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2560
Medical Emergencies II
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Explores medical emergencies and their effect on patients in the prehospital environment. This course is a continuation of Medical Emergencies I, and covers topics such as: The immune system, infectious diseases, endocrine emergencies, anaphylaxis, environmental emergencies, the acute abdomen, toxicology and psychiatric emergencies. This course also addresses special topics such as geriatrics, alcohol and drug abuse. Prerequisites: EMS 2460 or permission of instructor

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  EMS 2530
Pediatric and OB/GYN
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Provides comprehensive instruction on obstetrical emergencies, childbirth, pediatric assessment, evaluation and stabilization. This course consists of discussion and hands-on practice of simulated childbirth, neonatal resuscitation, pediatric advanced life support and medical emergency evaluation of the pediatric patient. Pediatric medical emergencies and trauma are also discussed. This course incorporates material outlined in the American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course, and certification is available to those successfully completing the requirements. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Paramedic program.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2540
Special Rescue Operations
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides classroom and practical training in rescue operations and techniques including extrication, water rescue, high-level and sub-level rescue, search and recovery, multiple casualty situations, incident command, and hazardous material awareness. Also includes emergency driving skills practice. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Paramedic program, or Instructor Permission.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2570
Field Skills Practicum III
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides the opportunity to practice Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support skills. Scenarios, skill drills and other interactive classroom activities will be required. Emphasis placed on skill competence and preparation for certification exams. Prerequisites: Acceptance into Paramedic Program, current EMT certification, completion of EMS2470.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2470 Field Skills Practicum II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2580
Synthesis of Advanced Life Support
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides a summary review and evaluation of all core content in EMS courses. This course helps students apply theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the EMS program toward its completion and successful paramedic state and national certification. Prerequisites: EMS 2460, EMS 2464, EMS 2466 and acceptance into the Paramedic program

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2460 Medical Emergencies I
  • EMS 2464 Respiratory Emergencies
  • EMS 2466 Cardiovascular Emergencies
  • EMS 2530 Pediatric and OB/GYN
  • EMS 2560 Medical Emergencies II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2588
Paramedic Patient Care Internship II
2

Course Outline
Credits: 2
Provides competency-based clinical experiences in emergency medical services field response units, hospitals, health care clinics and other venues. Students perform advanced life support skills and patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and direct patient care teams. Students function as advanced life support team leaders are under the supervision of a preceptor or instructor. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Paramedic program. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2488 Paramedic Patient Care Internship I
  • EMS 2560 Medical Emergencies II
  • EMS 2570 Field Skills Practicum III

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

  EMS 2589
Paramedic Capstone Field Internship
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides competency-based clinical experiences in emergency medical services field response units. Students perform advanced life support skills and patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and direct patient care teams. Students are to function as advanced life support team leader and are under the supervision of a preceptor or instructor.

Prerequisites:

  • EMS 2588 Paramedic Patient Care Internship II

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Paramedic Curriculum 40