Emergency Medical Sciences Paramedic

(Jefferson Davis Campus)

Fall Entry

Paramedics are advanced-level providers of emergency care who are trained to care for patients in the field and while transporting patients to the hospital. They manage many emergencies including cardiac, respiratory, and trauma events. Paramedics conduct more extensive patient care than EMTs. They are licensed to administer medication, perform and interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use other complex biomedical equipment.

This program is designed to prepare qualified* Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) to become professional healthcare providers at the Paramedic level. Paramedic students successfully completing the program are eligible to write the National Registry Examination for EMS Paramedic.

The curriculum meets the requirements of local, state, and national accrediting agencies. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and Joint Review Committee on Emergency Medical Services (JRCEMS), 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208.

*for those students who are interested in the Paramedic program but are not yet qualified at the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) level, please contact your campus counselors or the Paramedic Program Director for advisement on how to qualify and enroll in the EMT-Basic course; EMT 1118 .

Program Goals

Operation of the EMS Paramedic Training Program is centered on two identified goals:

1. To prepare students as competent entry-level paramedics.
2. To meet the employment needs of the health care community in the MGCCC district and surrounding areas for paramedics.

To accomplish these goals, MGCCC provides the didactic, clinical, and field internship experience for qualified EMS Paramedic students to achieve national and state certification as an EMS Paramedic and perform to the expectations of the local health care system for entry-level paramedics.

Admission Procedure

5. Make application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
6. Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed by the Office of Admission for determination of course credits.
7. Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
8. After successful completion of all academic and entry requirements, the student may submit an Allied Health Application for Program Admission beginning April 15^th of each year. Please meet with a counselor on the Jefferson Davis Campus to submit and complete your Paramedic Program Application Packet.

Application deadline for Fall Entry programs is July 1^st. All test scores, transcripts and required documentation must be received by this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Late applications may be considered depending upon the availability of program openings.

Academic and Entry Requirements

• Achieve a minimum ACT Reading sub-score of 16 (or COMPASS equivalent = 74 Reading)
• Complete prerequisite course BIO 2514 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 
• Must be a National registered EMT; students must obtain state EMT certification after admission into the program if not held previously.
• Register for and complete the EMT-Basic Review Exam; see program webpage or contact the EMS Paramedic Program Director for test registration instructions.
• Attend a Mandatory Pre-Allied Health Orientation Session (Check http://www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/ for current dates & times)

Selection Process

Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission; applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. Student ranking for entry into the EMS Paramedic program is based on a point system. Students are awarded points for their required ACT Reading sub-score (or COMPASS equivalent), their EMT-Basic Review Exam score and given points for successful completion of BIO 2514  (prerequisite) and BIO 2524  based on their achieved grades. Bonus points will also be awarded for successful completion of any other college credit courses which could be used to complete degree requirements for the AAS option. Program enrollment is a floating number which can fluctuate each year based on availability of clinical rotation slots. Students who are selected are also held to the following program policies.

EMS Paramedic Program Policies

• Once a program opening has been awarded, the student will be required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police at JD, JC, Perkinston or the George County Campus/Center. MGCCC’s Criminal Background Check Policy can be viewed on-line at www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/
• All Nursing and Allied Health students must submit to substance testing in accordance with the Substance Testing Policy and Procedures for Associate Degree Nursing and Allied Health Programs. The Nursing and Allied Health Program’s substance testing policy can be viewed on-line at www.mgccc.edu/programs_of_study/health_related_programs/.
• A student must be deemed physically and emotionally able to meet the requirements for the EMS Paramedic program. A physical examination, immunization records and completed health form, signed by a Medical Physician, is required prior to the first meeting of the program. (Required immunizations: measles and rubella, diphtheria-tetanus (within last 10 years), chicken pox, and current TB skin test. The Hepatitis B series is recommended.)
• Upon admission to the Paramedic Program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on the required courses and complete each course with a C or better.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. hospital orientation, HIPPA training, CPR certification)