Emergency Medical Services
The Emergency Medical Services Program includes a series of emergency medical services (EMS) courses that lead either to an EMT, Paramedic, or critical care transport certificate or to an associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Services at the Paramedic level. The curriculum meets the criteria established by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Division of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety. The program prepares individuals to provide basic or advanced life support in an out-of-the-hospital setting to critically ill and/or injured persons and to prepare the patient for transport to a medical facility. A combination of educational methods will be used including theory instruction, demonstration, and practice of life-saving skills for simulated and real emergency situations. Physicians specializing in emergency medicine and paramedics who have advanced education in medical and trauma management provide instruction. An Illinois EMT license is required to advance in the EMS program. Also required for employment is successful completion of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Cognitive and Psychomotor Examinations.
This is a career and technical education program. Some of the courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.
Accreditation and Program Approval
The Richland Community College Paramedic (EMS) Program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status; it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual program accreditation.
To contact CoAEMSP:
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org
Each course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Sample Job Titles
EMR, EMT, Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, Flight Paramedic
Job opportunities for EMTs and Paramedics include hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, air ambulances, and rescue squads.
Available Degrees and Certificates