Program Admission Requirements

Completed applications are due October 1 for the following January class. Once accepted, students will submit to a criminal background check and drug screen. The CSI paramedic program is a limited access program. For further information, email: gkokx@csi.edu

Students are accepted into the Paramedic Program on a point-based system after all of the following requirements are completed:

1. Admission to CSI.
2. Proof of competence or successful completion of required pre-requisite courses with at least a "C" grade in English 101, Math 123, and both Biology227 and Biology 228 for AAS Degree candidates, or English 101, Math 123, and Biology 127 for Technical Certificate candidates.
3. Completed Paramedic Program Application.
4. Copy of current EMT Certification (EMT-B, Advanced EMT, or EMT-I) and CPR for Healthcare Providers certification.
5. 3 Letters of Recommendation.
6. Proof of Health Insurance (which must remain valid throughout the program).
7. A completed physical exam form and immunization records, all completed and signed by a physician, physician assitant, or a certified nurse practitioner. Immunizations to include: Chicken Pox (or documentation from doctor stating student has had the chicken pox), Tetanus, TB, 2 MMR's and the Hepatitis B series (must be started before class begins in January).
8. Resume (including EMS work history).
9. Copy of current EMT-B (or higher level) certification.
10. Letter of Intent: (A handwritten letter of intent must be written at the Academic Development Center on the CSI campus). In this letter, be prepared to discuss the following: Your reason(s) for wanting to become a paramedic, your expectations of the paramedic field, a discussion of your own personal strengths and weaknesses, and your career plans after you become a paramedic. The letter cannot be pre-written.
11. A Criminal Background Check and Drug screen is required of each student who is admitted to the program after he/she is notified of acceptance.

If it is determined at a later date that any of the above requirements have not been met, the student will be required to withdraw from the Paramedic Program.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or equivalent. Must have proof of valid driver's license. Ability to communicate verbally; via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 with assistance); ability to interpret and respond to written, oral, and diagnostic form instructions; ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations and take on role of "leader".

Must have the ability to read road maps; drive vehicle, accurately discern street signs and address numbers, read medication/prescription labels and directions for usage in quick, accurate, and expedient manner, ability to communicate verbally with patients and significant others in diverse cultural and age groups to interview patient, family members, and bystanders, and ability to discern deviations/changes in eye/skin coloration due to patient's condition and to the treatment given. Must be able to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse with dispatcher and EMS providers via phone or radio as to status of patient.

Good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to advanced emergency patient care and documentation. Ability to bend, stoop, balance, and crawl on uneven terrain; and the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Ability to perform quickly, precise, practical mathematical calculations pertinent to ratio and proportion of medication and supplies used in emergency patient care. Must be independent, confident, able to work independently without defined structure, have good stable reasoning ability with ability to draw valid conclusions expediently relevant to patient's condition, often, using limited information. Must have knowledge and skills relevant to position and be able to implement them in stressful situations. Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical, and moral obligations inherent within scope of practice.

Must be able to perform mathematical calculations/ratios and apply them in expedient, practical manner. Must be independent, confident, able to work independently without structure, have good stable reasoning ability and able to draw valid conclusions quickly relevant to patient's condition, often, using limited information. Must have knowledge and skills relevant to position and be able to implement them in practical fashion in stressful situations. Must be cognizant of all legal, ethical, and moral obligations inherent within scope of practice. Must have successful completion of approved curriculum with achievement of passing scores on written and practical certification examinations as defined by programmatic guidelines. Re-certification is dependent upon an individual's successful completion of inter-agency approved Paramedic continuing education fresher courses. At any given time, performs any or all tasks performed by a lower level EMT. May supervise activities of students or interns, and/or may engage in writing of journal articles or teach. Meets qualifications within the functional job analysis.

Source:  US DOT National Standard EMT-P Curriculum