Program Description

Paramedics are healthcare professionals who possess special know ledge and advanced skills in pre-hospital emergency medicine. They are the eyes, ears, and hands of the physician at the hospital, and as such, they render basic and advanced life support to patients at the scene of their injuries or illness and continue this while transporting these patients to the hospital. At all times, Paramedics are in radio contact with the physician at the hospital. Paramedics are part of the rapidly expanding branch of the health care profession known as EMS (Emergency Medical Services).

Paramedic training is a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Classroom time is approximately 700 clock hours with an additional 600-800 clock hours of clinical experience. Both day and night sections are offered every fall semester. Classes meet two times per week. Occasional mandatory days will occur throughout the three semester program. Attendance is extremely important. Three absences are permitted per semester, regardless of the reason.

Students who complete the Paramedic Training program may receive Advanced Placement credit hours toward the completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in either Management with a Health Services concentration or Fire Science Technology with an Emergency Medical Care concentration (EMC).

Accreditation

The Paramedic Program at Chattanooga State is approved by the Committee of Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession (CoAEMSP). CoAEMSP, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244. (817)-283-9403

Admission Information

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or a GED. Applicants must be licensed as EMT-basic or eligible for licensure in the state of Tennessee. Please submit application by March 15. Go to the Paramedic website for detailed information about the curriculum, admission requirements, and estimated cost.