Clinical/Field and Behavioral Requirements
Clinical and internship courses are a critical component in any medical program, but the practice of medicine requires the strictest of safe and appropriate behaviors, when dealing with sick and injured patients. Students are required to perform clinical and/or field internships in cooperating healthcare agencies and/or licensed EMS agencies and must conform to all clinical and/or field requirements of participating clinical and/or field facilities/agencies. Students are always supervised by trained and certified professionals, and there is zero tolerance for inappropriate and/or unsafe actions or behaviors. Transportation to and from the multiple clinical and internship sites is solely the responsibility of the student. Punctuality and the wearing of appropriate uniforms are program, facility and/or agency requirements. Essential documentation of all patient care is also a critical element of each clinical and internship course, and grades in each course will be strongly based on each of these components.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements An EMS provider is faced with many physical and psychological challenges. Please refer to the Virginia Office of EMS website for a more detailed functional job description to ensure being well suited for this challenging yet rewarding pursuit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/
Credit for Prior Learning
Students in the Emergency Medical Services program may be eligible to receive credit for prior learning and/or industry certifications in accordance with department policies at no additional costs to their program of study. See an academic advisor or the department head for further information.
Employment Requirements
Volunteer opportunities and gainful employment in emergency medical services and/or fire and rescue agencies may have specific medical and/or physical entrance requirements, as well as require an acceptable criminal background check and/or drug screening. Additional requirements may be required prior to entry, requirements vary by agency/facility.
Financial Requirements
In addition to college tuition, fees, and course software and textbooks, the Emergency Medical Services program has additional costs for which students will be responsible. Costs may include but are not limited to criminal background investigation; drug screening; immunizations including seasonal influenza vaccines; Tuberculosis screening and/or other required immunizations/titers; employment verifications; uniforms; test site, certification and licensure fees; and successful completion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) [must be American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers] certification (if not already certified). Students are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements.
It is the responsibility of the student to maintain current certifications and accurate up-to-date immunizations and records throughout the program. Virginia Peninsula Community College uses a third-party vendor for all criminal background investigation and drug screenings. Criminal background investigation and/or drug screenings will not be accepted unless they are completed through the College’s third-party vendor. Program faculty and/or staff will provide you with all details to purchase this service, including deadlines for completion.
Accreditation
The Virginia Peninsula Community College Paramedic 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 accreditation.
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Basic Life Support Accreditation Status: The Virginia Peninsula Community College EMS program has been conferred accreditation as a Virginia Basic Life Support (BLS) Education Program (Emergency Medical Technician is classified as a BLS program/certification) by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services in compliance with Virginia Administrative Code 12 VAC 5-31.
To contact The Virginia Office of EMS
Division of Educational Development:
1041 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Phone: 804-888-9120
Fax: 804-371-3108
www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services