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 actual sick and injured patients. Students are required to perform clinical and/or field internships in cooperating healthcare agencies and/or licensed EMS agencies 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
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: www.vdh.state.va.us/oems.
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 VPCC Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), www.coaemsp.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2023.
To contact CAAHEP:
113th Street N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350.
The most recent success rate for the National Registry of EMT’s Paramedic Cognitive exam was 76.5%.
The most recent positive placement rate for graduates was 91.3%. Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as “Employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military.” Positive placement is measured at completion of the program.
The most recent retention rate was 71.9%.