Program Description and Overview An associate degree in Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) or a certificate in Paramedic Education is accessible through application to Harper College. Paramedic courses are conducted at Northwest Community Hospital. Clinical rotations are completed at area-wide hospitals and the field internship is completed at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider agency with which the student is either employed or has a participation agreement. General education, sciences and other support courses for the associate degree can be taken at Harper College. Paramedic courses required in both the degree and the certificate offerings must be taken sequentially as defined in the curriculum plan of study. For the student pursuing the associate degree, non-paramedic courses can be taken as desired, assuming prerequisite course work or defined competencies have been met. Program Outcomes (Graduate Competencies) Graduate outcomes from the program are to: Understand theoretical foundations of the profession. Be proficient in performing psychomotor skills. Understand the integration of this practice as it fits within the greater whole of the healthcare continuum. Include the ability to use conceptual and technical skills in the right context. Integrate theory and practice to competently perform the role of a paramedic. Change with evolutions in medicine or modify the care of one patient based on changing clinical presentations. Demonstrate professional behavior through: - Professional identity - Ethical standards - Scholarly concern for improvement - Motivation for continued learning Demonstrate integrity, empathy, self-motivation, appearance and personal hygiene, self-confidence, communications, time management, teamwork and diplomacy, respect, patient advocacy and careful delivery of service.