Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S.

Ben Tacy, EMS Program Coordinator
Caperton Center/ (304)367-4501
Ben.Tacy@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The A.A.S Emergency Medical Services Degree’s primary goal is to produce entry-level basic, intermediate, and advanced Emergency Medical Technicians who are competent to work within West Virginia’s health care system. The program is designed to produce graduates who possess the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high quality emergency care to the sick and injured in their respective communities. Students completing the EMS Associate of Applied Science may also complete the EMS Certificate of Applied Science degree and EMT-Basic Skill Set during their time in the program.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S. program is based upon the following criteria:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. First-time students should select “Emergency Medical Services” as their educational goal on their application.
   2. Current students will need to complete a Change of Major form and select “Emergency Medical Services: AAS” as their requested major.

Qualified students are accepted until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the summer semester.

Program Requirements

• Students are required to complete a student orientation with the Program Coordinator.
• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

NOTE: If a student holds a current paramedic certification, the student may be eligible to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services after fulfilling the general education components of the program as well as all residency policies of the institution. The equivalent evaluation is done on an individual basis taking into consideration all EMS training and related courses to the field of study.

After complying with the above steps, the student must submit the following to the EMS Coordinator:

A photocopy of the following certifications if held by the applicant: EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic and American Heart Association Provider and /or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer CPR certification.

Qualified students will be ranked according to an impartial scoring system. ACT or SAT scores; high school or college grade point average or High School Equivalency Exam score; active member of an approved West Virginia EMS agency; and college courses completed that apply to the Associate of Applied Science in EMS degree ( if applicable) are considered in the evaluation process. Students who are not admitted must reapply if they wish to be considered for the next academic year.

Students must be able to travel to various clinical affiliate sites located throughout North Central West Virginia during the EMS Practicum courses. Additional mini-courses have been incorporated into the EMS courses as needed to better prepare the student for employment after graduation. Participation in these courses is mandatory. Certification fees are required for State or National certification by the agencies governing these courses.

To remain in the EMS program and to be eligible to take the National Registry of EMT’s Paramedic examination, a “C” must be maintained in each EMMS course and a favorable recommendation from the program faculty and medical director is required. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in dismissal from the program. Readmission is on the basis of reapplication and reacceptance.

According to West Virginia Division of Health Legislative Rules 64 CSR 48-9 and 48-10, anyone wishing to receive certification from the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services must meet and maintain the qualifications contained in this legislation. Certification will be denied or revoked to anyone not being able to meet these requirements. Contact the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services at (304) 558-3956 or http://www.wvoems.org to obtain a copy of these requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the A.A.S. in EMS, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Be advocates for patients
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of a Paramedic within an EMS system
• Apply the basic concepts of development, pathophysiology and pharmacology to assessment and management of emergency patients
• Properly administer medications
• Communicate effectively with patients

Opportunities

Emergency Medical Services play a key role in the health care delivery system in the United States by providing the appropriate basic and advanced life support to the sick and injured to the pre-hospital setting.  The primary responsibility of the Paramedic is to provide expert emergency medical care to victims of emergencies and to transport them safely to the appropriate facility.  The individuals who successfully complete the A.A.S. will possess these attributes and will be eligible for employment with public and private EMS providers, hospitals, and aeromedical services.