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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get started?
Your first step is to make application to the program. The procedure for
doing that can be found at the program Web site: http://www.harpercollege.edu/apply/pdf/ems.pdf
2. How much does the program cost?
Based on 2003-2004 academic year costs, the certificate program will cost
approximately $2615, and the associate degree program will be approximately
$5365. Tuition and fees are paid to Harper College, and are due as defined
by the College.
3. I realize this program is affiliated with Northwest Community Hospital
and that the EMS courses are taught there. From which of these institutions
will I graduate?
The student who successfully completes the certificate or associate degree
program will graduate from Harper College. Students will participate in
the Harper College graduation. Certificate or degree will be conferred
upon transcript audit revealing successful completion of required coursework.
4. What grades are required in these programs?
Students must carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in EMS course work. Students
must have a grade of C or higher in all required core curriculum courses.
5. How will I learn the material in this program?
The program uses problem-based teaching, behavioral pedagogy (lectures)
and narrative pedagogy (case studies, critical incidents), Socratic questioning
(ranging from spontaneous to preplanned), scholarly writing and using
multiple intelligences through activities that appeal to visual, auditory,
and kinesthetic learners. Student-centered learning based on computer
technology will be introduced as resources become available. Interactive
learning experiences will engage students in meaningful outcome-focused
exercises to stimulate self-reflection creativity, critical analysis and
the acquisition of new knowledge.
6. What will I learn to do in the program specific to the paramedic
role?
Upon completion, graduates will demonstrate competency/mastery in:
A. Assess and observe appropriate safety precautions and triaging multiple
patients.
B. Gain patient access using a variety of extrication tools and techniques.
C. Perform patient assessments, recognizing alterations from health, setting
patient care priorities and coordinating their efforts with those of other
agencies who may be involved in the care and transportation of patients.
D. Establish rapport with patients and significant others to decrease
anxiety and meet their emotional as well as physical needs.
E. Initiate and continue care at the basic through ALS levels as prescribed
by the EMS MD.
F. Exercise critical judgment skills where direct communication has been
delayed, interrupted or aborted, e.g., in cases where initial emergency
care interventions have been authorized in advance by standing medical
orders (SOPs).
G. Communicate patient data to the designated medical command authority.
H. Thoroughly documenti patient demographics, history, assessments, interventions,
and on going monitoring on a pre-hospital medical record.
I. Maintain ambulance inventories per the Drug and Supply list and prepare
emergency care equipment and supplies before and after each call.
7. What is required to practice as a paramedic after I graduate from
the program with a degree or certificate?
Upon successful completion of the certificate or degree program, successful
candidates must take a registry exam. State exam registration: Following
graduation and a recommendation from the EMS MD, a graduate will be allowed
to take the State Exam for Paramedics. Candidates who achieve a passing
score on the exam will be licensed as an EMT-P.
All candidates must be pre-registered by the EMS System. No walk-ins are
allowed. You must present three pieces of identification at the testing
site: photo ID (ex. a driver's license); your EMT-B license; and a transaction
card authorizing admittance to the exam and recommending licensure signed
by the course coordinator and EMS MD. A candidate who presents without
these items of identification, or who arrives late, will not be allowed
to sit for the examination. The testing site will strictly enforce this
policy.
Examination fees: There is a $40.00 fee for the state EMT-P examination.
These fees are paid by Northwest Community Hospital from student tuition
monies. Times and location: EMT-P graduates are tested at central locations
within their EMS regions. Exams for Region IX are offered in January,
April, June and September. The course coordinator will inform students
regarding the date, time and location of the exam.
Passing score: Minimum-passing score is 70%. An applicant may retest,
if necessary, after paying an additional examination fee. Non-compliance
with testing: If an applicant neglects, fails without an approved excuse,
or refuses to take the next available Illinois State Licensure examination
offered, they forfeit the examination and will be dropped from the program.
National Registry Exam: Students who opt to test under the National Registry
(NR) must prepare applications and money orders made out to the NR. (National
Registry sites can charge more for the practical examination.) A NR representative
must be present at each written and practical examination. The course
coordinator must make arrangements for the test through the NR Office.
Students who test under NR must pass according to National Registry standards,
which include achieving, required minimum sub-test scores.
8. What is the difference between the certificate program and the associate
of applied science (AAS) degree program?
The certificate program involves taking only the EMS courses, whereas
the AAS degree program involves additional coursework including general
education and support courses required for an associate degree. Some of
these additional courses will be helpful if pursuing another degree such
as nursing. Additionally, many employers are now requiring the associate
degree as a condition of employment.
Additionally, students who pursue the AAS degree by making program application
will have first priority to enrolling in select course such as anatomy
and physiology. Likewise, once accepted as a program student, opportunities
to communicate updates and connect you with resources is enhanced. Please
note that there are some differences in admission requirements for the
certificate versus the degree program.
9. I am a veteran. Am I eligible for educational and training benefits
with this program?
Yes, the EMS/Paramedic program has been approved by the Department of
Veteran's Affairs for educational and training benefits. Eligible veterans,
dependents, reservists and service members may be able to seek tuition
reimbursement while they are in good standing in the EMT-P training program.
10. Are there opportunities for advanced standing or credit for work
experience in this program?
Advanced standing credits may be awarded to graduates of non-college based
paramedic programs who present appropriate documentation of graduating
from an IDPH-accredited program that meets or exceeds the 1998 National
DOT paramedic curriculum standards. Credit earned toward an associate
degree in a health sciences field will be evaluated for transfer as academic
credit.
11. Is a physical examination required to participate in this program?
Yes, there are physical exam requirements for this program.
Health requirements for entry into first year clinical experience are
required by clinical sites within your program and include:
1. Physical exam signed and dated by health care provider within current
year
2. Mumps, Rubella, Rubeola and Varicella titers – Lab report required
as proof of immunity
3. Hepatitis B: dates of immunization series or positive titer or signed
waiver declining immunization. Hepatitis B immunization/titer is recommended
4. Verification of health insurance coverage: insurance card with student’s
name and current year date or written statement from employer or insurer
confirming current coverage or enrollment in student health insurance
plan
5. TB testing – Two step Mantoux test per Illinois Department of
Public Health
• Administered and documented by health care professional
• First test read and documented in mm by health care professional
within to 48 hours to 7 days after the test is administered
• Measure only induration in mm (i.e., 5 mm or 0 mm), not red area
• If the reaction to the first test is positive (>10mm), a person
shall be referred for chest X-ray
• Repeat procedure within 7 to 21 days if first TB test negative
(<10 mm)
• The second test must be read 48 to 72 hours after administration
All requirements must be submitted to Health and Psychological Services
(HPS), A364, prior to August 1, 2003. Call HPS at 847.925.6849 or Life
Science/Human Services at 847.925.6533 for questions.
Student is responsible to confirm that all requirements have been met.
Upon completion, a VERIFICATION form will be given to the student by HPS
to submit to program office.
Additional requirements:
Urine drug screen may be required depending on clinical sites; instructors
will advise. Dietary Tech students must have stool culture and stool for
ova and parasites.Northwest Community Hospital Outpatient Laboratory and
its satellite treatment centers offer testing for the Mumps, Rubella,
Rubeola and Varicella titers, stool culture and screening for ova and
parasites and Hepatitis B antibody. However, you must first pay fees and
obtain the order form from HPS, Health and Psychological Services, A364,
can provide the following requirements at a reasonable cost:
• Physical examinations
• Immunizations
• TB skin testing
• Student insurance coverage
Second year students require the following:
Health history form
TB testing – 1 Mantoux, read and documented 48 to 72 hours after
administration
Update of immunizations, if needed
Insurance documentation
12. Will I be required to do
a criminal background check for this program?
The College is currently in the process of developing a policy related
to requiring clinical background checks for students entering select career
programs. Please contact the Life Sciences and Human Services Division
office (847.925.6475) or Admissions Outreach (847.925.6247) regarding
the status of this requirement.
13. Will I need to have secured my own “field experience affiliate?
“
Yes, student will need to be employed or sponsored by an approved affiliate
prior to enrolling in EMS 210.
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