The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) - Paramedic program offers two paramedic training options, a certificate or a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree, both designed to prepare individuals to become an entry-level paramedic in the State of Illinois. The EMS - Paramedic program at Carl Sandburg College is designed to prepare the graduate to administer emergency care to the critically ill or injured in pre-hospital settings, as well as inside emergency departments.
Working Conditions
Paramedics work all shifts ranging 12-24 hours per shift, weekends, and holidays. Their work is physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations. The Paramedic provides direct patient care and must be able to obtain the necessary knowledge (cognitive function), skills (psychomotor function), and demonstrate professionalism (affective function). Please refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of a Paramedic to determine if you are able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
Employment
Graduates gain employment primarily with ambulance services, fire departments, helicopter flight crews and hospitals. It is projected employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics will grow 24 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as acute illness, car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to create demand for EMTs and paramedics. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Accreditation/Approval
The Carl Sandburg College Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Carl Sandburg College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Higher Learning Commission
30 LaSalle Street,
Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Licensure
Graduates will be eligible to take the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Paramedic licensure exam and/or the NREMT exam.
Admission to the Program: Selective
The Paramedic Program has limited enrollment and a selection process for admission into the program. Applicants need to refer to the Eligibility & Admission Requirements for this program to determine eligibility criteria and selection process. The online application deadline date for the Paramedic Program is June 30 for Fall enrollment and December 1 for Spring enrollment.
Please note applicants who do not hold a current EMT license need to apply by December 1 for Spring enrollment into EMS 101- EMT course. Upon successful completion of the EMS 101 course and EMT state examination the student will progress into paramedic courses in the Fall or Spring. Applicants who have a current EMT license need to apply by June 30 for Fall enrollment or December 1 for Spring enrollment. We notify applicants approximately two weeks after the application deadline date whether or not they have been accepted into the program. Applicants accepted into the Paramedic program must attend the required program orientation session.
Students accepted will be required to possess Healthcare Provider CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check, and drug screen. Students are responsible for all fees incurred, in addition to tuition. Please refer to the EMS-Paramedic Program Cost Sheet. Please note findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program. Findings on the physical examination and drug screen may prevent placement at the clinical sites.
Department of Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309.341.5299
For Additional Information Contact:
The Welcome Center
Phone: 309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
For Graduation Requirements:
See the graduation policies and procedures page for details .
Note: Students must apply for admission to this program. Please click here to view the program’s page for admission requirements including coursework and prerequisites prior to applying.
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