Paramedic Science, A.A.S.

Purpose

Southern’s Paramedic Science Program prepares students to be competent entry-level paramedics. The nationwide demand for paramedics continues to rise while the numbers have declined. Today’s paramedics must have a firm grasp of anatomy and physiology, the pathologies of numerous disease processes, kinematics of trauma, pharmacology, basic and advanced life support skills and procedures, and have the ability to apply this knowledge to all age groups. Furthermore, the paramedic must be a leader, able to gain control of the often chaotic scene environment, be a team leader, able to communicate with patients and family members and intelligently with physicians and other hospital personnel. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be ready to provide pre-hospital care to the ill or injured patient following the guidelines of standard patient care. The use of various web sites is a vital part of this program used in documentation of clinical rotations and course work.

The full Paramedic Science Program is available on the Logan Campus. The Boone/Lincoln, Williamson, and Wyoming/McDowell campuses offer the general education/program support courses only.

Program Level Outcomes:

1. Relate the concepts of anatomy and physiology and the pathologies of numerous disease processes.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the mechanics and kinematics of trauma.
3. Apply the concept of pharmacology in a safe, consistent manner.
4. Proficiently display use of basic and advance airway management devices.
5. Prove competency in basic and advanced cardiac life support and apply the knowledge to all age groups.
6. Exhibit competency in the ability to be a team leader in the pre-hospital environment.
7. Develop critical thinking skills in patient assessment, to all age groups, to properly identify a differential diagnosis. The student will then develop and implement a treatment plan based on the differential diagnosis.