Certificate of Acheivement in Pre-Paramedic

Designed to provide prerequisite knowledge required to be successful in a paramedic program course of study. Students are introduced to the paramedic skills and advanced life support protocols and will develop a strong baseline knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology and pathology.  Sierra College has partnered with the CSUS (California State University Sacramento) Paramedic Program in selecting this course of study in preparing students with the greatest opportunity to be successful in a paramedic program.

Expected student enrollment completions in 2020-2021 are about 20 with steady increases expected in the future  All of the classes in the Health Science certificate pattern are currently being offered. The program will begin  outreach and marketing activities next fall and expect enrollment in the program to steadily trend upward.   Currently the department awards an A.S.  Degree that articulates with   the CSUS Health Sciences Baccalaureate program.  An additional EMS certificate of achievement  is proposed in the department. The projected awards below do not meet the statewide or local needs and there is no other community college Health Science program in our regional area.

Benefits

The addition of this certificate of achievement will ensure that Health Sciences at Sierra College is recognized as a program of distinction. This program would benefits students by providing not only a CTE pathway, but also a transfer pathway to baccalaureate granting institutions.  

Resources

No additional resources will be required beyond the college’s current resources.  This includes library, and learning resources, facilities and equipment, and financial support.  All of the faculty members that will teach in this program meet the state minimum qualifications.

Other

There are no licensing or accrediting standards that apply to this degree.  No additional student selection criteria are in place. This degree complies with the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 55201 and 58106.  Additionally, there are no fees required beyond those identified in California Education Code, Section 76300.

This skills certificate prepares students with the technical knowledge to successfully advance their education and training in paramedic school, improve their performance as an Emergency Medical Technician, and professional advancement opportunities with careers in Public Safety and Prehospital Care.

Upon completion of core components of the curriculum, the Health Science student should be able to:

• Describe the paramedic curriculum, certification requirements and how the paramedic level differentiates from EMT and Advanced EMT scope of practice.

• Demonstrate the proper technique and sequence for administering intravenous catheterization and intraosseous fluid therapy in the hypovolemic patient.

• Identify the different EKG rhythms and underlying cardiac physiology; explain the  advanced interventions of the symptomatic patient.

• Identify, describe and compare the anatomical location, histology and gross anatomical structure of all human body systems in appropriate detail.

• Describe and compare the physiology of all human body systems in appropriate detail for symptomology and patient interventions.

• Recognize and correctly spell common medical terms in relationship to illnesses injuries, pharmacology, diseases, medical procedures and medical procedures.

• Identify and recall medical terms referring to anatomical landmarks, anatomy of major body systems, and associated physiology of the human body.

The skills certificate provides the required prerequisites for paramedic programs and increases the specific knowledge and skills for paramedic student success. The certificate will also provide improved occupational  knowledge and career enhancement at the professional level of an Emergency Medical Technician.  

Required courses:  9.5 units

HSCI 03   Medical Terminology                                      (3.0 units)

HSCI 30  Anatomy and Pathophysiology  for EMS       (3.0 units)

HSCI 50  Intro to Advanced Life Support                      (3.5 units)