The Paramedic is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is a link from the scene into the health care system. (from the National EMS Scope of Practice Model)

The Ventura College Paramedic Studies Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (coaemsp.org).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 10 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Successful completion of the program will allow students to sit for the paramedic National Registry licensing examinations and then gain employment in the wide range of public and private agencies who incorporate the advanced life support skills of a paramedic into their operations.

Recommended Courses

In addition to the required courses listed above, it is recommended that students who seek to obtain additional insight into this field of study consider taking one or more of the following courses: ANAT V01 Human Anatomy (Units: 4) and PHSO V01 Human Physiology (Units: 4), or ANPH V01 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (Units: 5); ENGL V05 (Units: ); MATH V35 Intermediate Algebra and Applications for Health Care Personnel (Units: 5); PSY V15 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology (Units: 3); or PSY V30 Multicultural Psychology (Units: 3). Although these supplemental courses may be of value to the student, please note that they do not satisfy the requirements for this degree.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Function within the paramedic scope of practice to provide professional, competent and safe care while applying scientific knowledge and demonstrating mastery of skills, management and leadership to a group of patients with complex and diverse needs.
• Utilize effective communication and interpersonal skills with patients, patient family members, the public, and health care teams.
• Understand and observe the concept of lifelong learning, including the pursuit of advanced degrees and practice in the health field.