General Information

Paramedics are advanced health care professionals who possess special knowledge and advanced skills in pre-hospital emergency medicine. They are the eyes, ears, and hands of the physician at the hospital, and as such, they render basic and advanced life support to patients at the scene of their injuries or illness and continue this while transporting these patients to the hospital. At all times, Paramedics are in radio contact with the physician at the hospital. Paramedics are part of the rapidly expanding branch of the health care profession known as EMS (Emergency Medical Services).

Paramedic Length of Training

Paramedic training is a combination of classroom instruction (lectures and hands-on practical skills) plus numerous areas of clinical experience. Actual classroom time is approximately 600 clock hours with an additional 600-800 clock hours of clinical experience. Classes meet two days per week. Occasional mandatory days will occur throughout the three semester (12 month) course of instruction. Day and evening sections are offered in the fall semester every year. The class meets two day/evenings per week. Attendance is extremely important. Classroom absences are strongly discouraged and clinical absences are very limited, regardless of reason. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry/State of Tennessee Paramedic Cognitive and Psychomotor examinations.

Paramedic Progression Policy

Students must maintain satisfactory attendance with no more than three absences per semester. An overall average of 70% must be maintained on written examinations and demonstrated competency of all practical skills. Clinical rotations are PASS/FAIL.

The Paramedic Training Program follows the 2009 National EMS Education Standards. Additional materials and skills required by the Tennessee Division of Emergency Medical Services are included.

A.A.S. Paramedic Degree

Students now have the opportunity to receive an AAS degree in Paramedic.  Interested applicants should contact Jeff Roberts by email for advising and an educational plan. Email address: Jeffrey.roberts@chattanoogastate.edu . Options for degree completion include:

1. Incorporates the Paramedic Technical Certificate (43 credit hours);
2. Requires 17 additional credit hours in 5 General Education courses:
   ENGL 1010 - English Composition (3)
   BIOL 2010 – Anatomy & Physiology I (4)
   BIOL 2020 – Anatomy & Physiology II (4)
   PSYC 1030 – General Psychology OR   PSYC 2130 – Lifespan Psychology
   PHIL 2230 – Ethics OR MUS 1030 – Music Appreciation  OR ART 1030 – Art Appreciation
3. Designed for General Education courses to be completed either, prior to the Paramedic Program, OR In-curriculum with the Paramedic Program, OR after the Paramedic Technical Certificate is completed.

Additional Requirements & Expectations

Upon acceptance into the Paramedic program, the student will be required to undergo a drug screen and a physical examination. The drug screen is required in order to attend clinicals and the physical is required for state licensure. All immunizations records must be up-to-date.

Malpractice insurance must be purchased when registering for the first semester of training. This is required in order to attend clinical rotations.

Clinical uniforms must be purchased prior to the start of clinical rotations.

Criminal Background Checks

Following acceptance and prior to entering the first career course in a designated health care program, each student must undergo a criminal background check in order to comply with policies of affiliating clinical practice agencies. It shall be the student’s responsibility to comply with instructions provided upon acceptance and provide the results by a designated date. The check will be at the expense of the student. Students who do not meet this requirement in a timely manner or whose background does not meet agency standards will not be able to successfully complete the program.

Additionally, a criminal background may preclude licensure or employment. Individuals with a question concerning this should schedule an appointment with the program director.