Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic) Certificate

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好色先生

Respond to emergencies and provide advanced life-saving care.

Master the skills and confidence needed for a career as a paramedic

The Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic) Certificate Program prepares students for careers as paramedics in both public and private sectors. This program also is a strong pathway for individuals currently working in fire science or emergency services who are looking to advance their skills and responsibilities.

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Find Your Purpose through a Career as a Paramedic

The emerging of pre-hospital emergency medical services has created a demand for professionally trained, highly qualified healthcare workers to deliver specialized care.

With an Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic) Certificate, you can begin a career providing advanced, life-saving care in emergency situations. Paramedics respond to medical emergencies, assess patients, administer treatment and transport individuals safely to healthcare facilities.

The paramedic program runs three consecutive semesters starting in the spring of each year. Successful completion of the Paramedic Core Curriculum and achieving the minimum program GPA provide eligibility to take the paramedic certification examination offered by the , which can lead to licensure by the .

Paramedic Certificate Program

The 40-credit hour Paramedic Certificate Program prepares the emergency medical technician to meet license standards to become an advanced life support provider in accordance with the IDPH Emergency Medical Services Act. The program is offered on campus at Moraine Valley through three consecutive semesters.

  • The EMT-P, Paramedic Certificate Program consists of EMS-102, EMS-103, EMS-104, EMS-233 and EMS-237.
  • Application to the program must be submitted four weeks after the first day of the semester prior to the start of the program (i.e., paramedic program start Jan./spring semester 鈥 application deadline four weeks after Aug./fall semester start).

After completion of the Paramedic courses and final exam, students are eligible to take the NREMT Examination. The exam must be passed in order to receive the paramedic state license.

The paramedic curriculum at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in three semesters.

The program runs for three semesters and combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training and clinical experience to prepare students for advanced emergency medical care. Upon successful completion of the Paramedic Core Curriculum and meeting minimum GPA requirements, students are eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs certification exam, which can lead to licensure through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Recommended Classes Prior to Paramedic Program

  • Anatomy and Physiology 115 or equivalent
  • Biomedical Terminology 110 or equivalent

Emergency Medical Technician
You must have a current EMT license to apply to the Moraine Valley EMS Paramedic Program.

Paramedic Program 
The application to the Paramedic Education Program requires licensure as a State of Illinois EMT and a completed application with supported documentation.

Download the application to the Moraine Valley Paramedic Program.

 Physical Requirements

  • Use digital fine motor skills with both hands continually throughout the day.
  • See clearly enough to read handwritten and computer-generated communications.
  • Hear clearly enough to accept verbal orders from incident commanders and electronically generated orders broadcast from emergency room personnel.
  • Work standing on their feet for the majority of the day.
  • Walk quickly to and from service locations for the majority of the day.
  • Lift patients onto gurneys, into ambulances as well as up and down stairwells.
  • Write and speak to patients, peers and staff, effectively.
  • Interact appropriately with patients, physicians, peers and supervisors.
  • Use good judgment to seek assistance when needed.
  • Lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted.
  • Apply safety and infection control standards learned in the program to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, staff and self.
  • Capable of handling stressful situations, remain calm and prioritize patient treatments.
  • Ability to work in extreme and hazardous conditions including darkness, heat, cold, dampness and very small spaces.

Selection of candidates for this program is highly competitive and is based on:

  • Successful completion of the application process, including following all instructions and submitting the proper paperwork by the assigned deadline.
  • A passing grade on the entrance exams, which will include didactic and psychomotor testing.
  • Completion of the Admission Committee oral Interview.
  • Attendance at the mandatory orientation (date provided in application packet).

Preference Points
Preference points will be awarded to applicants with proper proof and documentation. These points will be added to your cumulative didactive and psychomotor entrance exams. 

  • 4 points 鈥 Awarded to veterans of military service.
  • 3 points 鈥 Awarded to full-time firefighters at a precepting department.
  • 2 points 鈥 Awarded to an applicant sponsored by a fire department or a private ambulance service that is an approved precepting department.
  • 1 point 鈥 Awarded to six (6) months of experience or more in an ambulance, fire department or ER technician position.
  • 1 point 鈥 Awarded to an applicant who successfully completed the Moraine Valley EMT-B Program.
  • 1 point 鈥 Awarded to an applicant who successfully completed the Moraine Valley Fire Academy Program.

In-district applicants will be considered before out-of-district applicants unless sponsored by in-district employment.

Accreditation

The 好色先生 Paramedic Program has been granted provisional accreditation and has applied for full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs () upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions ().鈥

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 
25400 US Highway 19 North 鈥 Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 210-2350

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway 鈥 Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
(214) 703-8445

To qualify for EMS licensure, an individual must successfully complete a state-approved course and achieve full competency in cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. In addition, the individual must achieve a passing score on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) licensure examination.

EMS personnel must be at least 18 years of age. The knowledge, skill and responsibility required of paramedics demand a minimum of a high school education or equivalent.

EMS personnel must possess the ability to:

  • Communicate verbally, in person and via telephone/radio in proficient English.
  • Lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
  • Interpret written, oral and diagnostic instructions in real time and in English.
  • Use good judgment, set priorities and anticipate issues in highstress situations.
  • Work effectively in an environment with loud noises, chaos and flashing lights.
  • Function efficiently throughout a 24-hour shift, including when awoken from sleep.
  • Act calmly under time constraints, managing time effectively.
  • Read and understand English language manuals.
  • Interview patients, family members and bystanders.
  • Document all relevant information.
  • Communicate effectively with coworkers and hospital staff.
  • Follow and apply oral and written directions.
  • Stay organized and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrate a desire to care for all people and be culturally competent.
  • Demonstrate ability to focus and provide attention to detail.
  • Recognize an emergency.
  • Apply knowledge in an emergency.
  • Make sound critical-thinking decisions under duress.
  • Maintain self-discipline and emotional stability.
  • Understand the principle of 鈥渇irst do no harm.鈥
  • Relate to and communicate with diverse clientele of all ages.
  • Remain flexible in ever-changing situations.
  • Uphold ethical standards, morals and professionalism under pressure.
  • Draw valid conclusions and defend them as necessary.
  • Apply best practices in an unstructured environment.
  • Remain safe and take measures to avoid errors.
  • Be assertive, assume a leadership role and direct a crew.
  • Understand personal/professional strengths, weaknesses and limitations.
  • Work efficiently and accurately in time-sensitive situations.
  • Accept accountability for self and crew.
  • Advocate for patients and loved ones.
  • Maintain sound mental, emotional and physical health.

EMS personnel must possess manual dexterity and prove the ability to perform all tasks related to quality patient care. The ability to bend, stoop and crawl on uneven terrain and the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture is vital. The ability to work in low light, confined spaces and other dangerous environments is required. Paramedics must be able to function in chaotic, noisy environments.

Potential careers in Emergency Medical Services

Moraine Valley鈥檚 Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic) Program prepares you for careers delivering advanced, life-saving care in high-pressure situations. You鈥檒l develop the skills to assess patients, provide emergency treatment and respond quickly to a wide range of medical incidents.

Paramedic
Fire Department Paramedic
Emergency Response Team Member
Air Medical Transport
Tactical Paramedic

Employment Outlook

About 19,000 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, as fast as the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics.

$22.28

Median Hourly Pay

$58,410

Median Annual Salary

Source:

Explore credentials within this program

These degree and certificates are part of the same program and allow you to explore specialized areas, with some designed for graduates looking to advance their skills.

  • Emergency Medical Services A.A.S.
  • Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

This certificate program prepares the student for a beginning career as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic, installer, or service representative. Get started in the workforce in as few as two semesters by earning this stackable certificate.

Stackable certificates allow you to earn additional certificates by taking a few additional credits and give you the freedom to begin your career while continuing to advance your options. Make yourself more marketable to future employers by earning the next certificate in the HAC series. The Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate can be completed by taking one additional semester.

This program combines both lecture and hands-on components for commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration maintenance and installation training. The certificate will serve students who are currently in the field and can demonstrate advanced proficiency or those students who have completed the courses necessary for the Advanced Air Conditioning Tech Certificate. The Commercial Systems courses deliver advanced content that is not appropriate for students who have not had the initial training on residential equipment. Students will be trained on commercial equipment and will use advanced digital controls like those found in large commercial buildings or multi-building campuses.

The Electrical Trouble Shooting Certificate consists of four courses and can be completed in one semester or taken over two semesters.

This Electrical Trouble Shooting Certificate is automatically earned after completing these three certificates:

  • Basic Air Conditioning Technician Certificate
  • Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate
  • Advanced Air Conditioning Certificate

The Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate offers additional skills to individuals who have completed the Basic Air Conditioning Technician Certificate or currently work in the field as an air conditioning technician. This certificate can be completed in one semester.

Real stories of success.

Moraine Valley’s Automation and Engineering Technology program will expose students to robotics, cybersecurity, 3D printing and automation/programmable logic controllers. Learn more about how to enter this growing field.

Faculty with real-world experience.

Your instructors don鈥檛 just teach the material, they鈥檝e worked in the field. With experience in counseling, treatment programs, and community outreach, they bring real examples and practical knowledge into every class. You鈥檒l learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first role in the field.

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Program Details

View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.

ProgramType of CredentialCurriculum CodeDepartment or Division
Certificate1320Health Sciences

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