Ridgewater/HCMC
Paramedic Training Program
PARAMEDIC PROGRAM INFORMATION
Associate in Applied Science – Summer 2015
Thank you for your interest in the Ridgewater College/Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program.
Please read the following information carefully and let us know if you have any questions.
Overview
The Ridgewater College/Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program is committed to providing the
highest quality Emergency Medical Paramedic program with rigorous and comprehensive didactic instruction,
extensive hands-on educational/training labs, and broad clinical and field experiences. In addition to
maintaining the standards established by CAAHEP, our program outcomes include academic and professional
standards designed to meet the expectations of Health Care Organizations and ensure that graduates are
prepared to provide safe and effective patient care.
Paramedic classes are currently held Tuesday and Thursday from 6-10pm and approximately one Saturday a
month from 8-4:30pm (It is expected that this schedule will continue in 2015-16). Course delivery includes a
blend of classroom and/or web-based lecture and on-site lab sessions. Classroom and lab sites may include
HCMC in Minneapolis and one of the Ridgewater campus sites in Hutchinson and/or Willmar depending on
enrollment. In addition, ambulance and hospital clinicals will require approximately 600 hours scheduled at
ambulance and healthcare facilities at multiple locations. Note, clinical assignments include both hours and
specific patient contacts, and the hours required to complete the patient contacts may impact the total clinical
hours.
The Ridgewater College/ Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program offers two program options:
1. The Paramedic Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree option is designed for any student seeking to
become a paramedic. The program includes EMT courses, general education and science courses, and
core paramedic courses. This option is appropriate for individuals with no EMT experience, and it is
also an option for experienced EMTs who are seeking an associate’s degree.
2. The Paramedic diploma is a one-year option available only for individuals who are experienced
Emergency Medical Technicians with documented prior EMT education, extensive, recent and
appropriate EMT experiences, and meet additional admission requirements.
IMPORTANT: All Paramedic applicants - those seeking either the Diploma or AAS option - are required to
apply to Ridgewater College and be accepted into the Health Science major first. You are not required to
complete the Health Science AS degree. While in this major you will be: (1) working on the courses you
need to apply to the Paramedic program, and (2) preparing documentation to fulfill the admission
requirements. When you have completed all of the admission requirements for the Paramedic program you may submit an application and application check list requesting to be placed in the Paramedic class for
Summer 2015. If you should decide to further your education in another health related field, courses in the
Health Science major may be beneficial depending on your major. If you have completed all of the courses
and obtained the documentation needed to submit the checklist, you may do so starting October 27, 2014.
The educational plans for the Health Science AS and the Paramedic AAS degree are attached to this packet
for your review.
Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Program
Paramedic AAS Admission Requirements
The Paramedic AAS is designed for individuals who are just starting their education to become a Paramedic. It
is also a great option for the experienced EMT seeking a Paramedic associate’s degree. Once you have been
accepted to the Ridgewater College Health Science major, you will be completing the courses that fulfill the
general education academic admission requirements for the Paramedic program. When you have completed the
required prerequisite coursework and met all admission requirements, you will eligible to submit the application
and check list form with supporting documentation. Submitting this form indicates that you have completed the
requirements and are requesting to be officially admitted into a Paramedic cohort. (The application and
checklist form are included in this packet.)
Paramedic AAS Admission Requirements
 EMS 1116 & EMS 1118, or equivalent EMT-B credit course. Note, non-credit EMT-B or higher certification will
require credit for prior learning for the AAS degree option.
 Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
 EMSP 1096 – BLS Internship. The course must be completed or you must be currently enrolled and completed
with at least 50% of course requirements when you submit the application checklist. Note, this course is taken the
semester after you complete your EMT certification.
 Must be enrolled in or have completed with a C grade or above in one of the following : Biology 108, 210 or 211
 Must be enrolled or have completed with a C grade or above in one of the following: English 121, CMST 121 or
CMST226
 Completed FISDAP Entrance Exam(taken after EMT completion)
http://www.fisdap.net/what_we_make/entrance_exam . Contact Gary Zvorak for details 320-234-8563
[email protected]
 Accuplacer assessment scores as follows:
Admission Criteria Table: Required Assessment Test Scores or Course Equivalents
ACCUPLACER Score
Developmental Coursework
College-Level Coursework
Reading
78 or higher on Reading Comprehension
Test
OR
"C" or higher in Reading 99 or equivalent
OR
"C" or higher in a college-level reading
course
English
86 or higher on Sentence Skills Test AND
78 on Reading Comprehension Test
OR
"C" or higher in ENGL 94 AND
OR
"C" or higher in ENGL 121 or
equivalent
Math
56 or higher on Elementary Algebra
Test
OR
"C" or higher in MATH 97 or equivalent
OR
"C" or higher in college-level math
course
ENGL 99
If you have taken courses at another MNSCU college/university – please list them on your college application
so we can get your official transcripts. You do not need to request them. If you have college transcripts from a
private or out of state college/ university – you will need to request that official copies be sent directly to the
Admissions Office – Attention: Stacey Kohn
If you have any questions regarding admission, please contact Sally Kerfeld, Director of Admissions
at 1-800-722-1151 or [email protected].
The application to Ridgewater College - Health Science - can be completed online at www.ridgewater.edu or
you can print off and submit a paper copy. At this point, please list Hutchinson as your campus even if you
will be applying for the HCMC Paramedic cohort. Also required with the initial application are a high school
transcript/GED and a $20 application fee.
Other Important Requirements after Application/Acceptance
In addition to the admissions requirements, completion of background study and immunizations are
mandatory. You will be contacted regarding these items by the Paramedic program prior to starting classes.
Accepted Paramedic students who do not fulfill these requirements will lose their space in the program.
 MN Human Services Background Study is required prior to all clinical experiences. Minnesota Human
Services requires any individual having contact with patients to complete a background study prior to
starting clinical experiences. An individual may be disqualified from having patient contact and would
not be permitted to participate in the clinical experience.
o Note, the background study is completed by the college when the student enrolls. Individuals
with concerns or questions should discuss with the Paramedic Advisor.
 Completion of the Health Information Packet which includes documentation of current immunizations
for rubella, chicken pox and mumps (Hepatitis B and a Mantoux test is also required), and a physical
examination.
o
The Physical Examination and Health Information Packet should be completed prior to the Paramedic
Orientation session. Individuals with concerns or questions should discuss with the Paramedic Advisor.
Paramedic AAS Degree Program Course Planner
Prior to beginning courses, all previous
transcripts should be evaluated for transfer
credits.
Summer Term
Introduction to Emergency Care
Anatomy & Phys for the Paramedic
Ambulance Operations I
Airway and Patient Assessment
Field Clinical
Pulmonology
Subtotal Credits
Total Credits Required: 64
Cr
1
2
1
2
2
1
9
Fall Semester 1
Emergency Medical Technician 1
Emergency Medical Technician 2
General Education Courses
Subtotal Credits
Cr
4
3
6
13
Spring Semester 1
BLS Internship
Cr
2
General Education Courses
Subtotal Credits
10
12
Fall Semester 2
Pharmacology for the Paramedic
ACLS Provider
Cardiology
Medical Emergencies
Clinical I
Field Clinical II
Subtotal Credits
Cr
2
1
4
4
2
2
15
Spring Semester 2
Ambulance Operations II
Shock and Trauma
Special Populations
Clinical II
Field Internship
PALS Provider
Subtotal Credits
Cr
2
3
3
3
3
1
15
Ridgewater/HCMC Paramedic Program
Application and Checklist for AAS Option - Summer 2015
You are required to be an accepted student at Ridgewater College and have ALL admission criteria completed prior to submitting
this application and checklist. The submission of this checklist and information indicates you have completed all of the admission
requirements and are requesting to be officially enrolled in the Summer 2015 Cohort Paramedic classes.
Name (Last, First, Middle) ____________________________________ Date of Application: ____________
Student ID#: ______________________
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Paramedic AAS Option
Which site? Hennepin County Medical Center _____
Ridgewater – Hutchinson______ or Willmar ______
Current Mailing Address
(Street, Rural Route, House/Apartment Number, P.O. Box)
Home Phone ________________
(City, State, ZIP, County)
Cell Phone __________________ Email ______________________________
Paramedic Application Checklist for AAS Option
□
Accepted to Ridgewater College – Health Science major
□
EMT-B or higher certification – attach a copy of the card with expiration date
□
Healthcare Provider CPR – attach a copy of the card with expiration date
□
Accuplacer testing or course required
____ Reading – 78 or higher on test or take Reading 99 – or testing was waived
____ Sentence Skills – 86 or higher on test or take English 94 – or testing was waived
____ Math – 56 or higher on Elementary Algebra or take Math 97 – or testing was waived
□
Biology course – enrolled or completed
□
Communication course – enrolled or completed
□
EMSP 1096 – BLS Internship completed: Date: ________________ Currently enrolled? __________
□
Completed FISDAP Entrance Exam
I have read and understand the information provided in the Paramedic Application Package.
Name (printed) ________________________________
Signature _____________________________________
Date_________________
Checklist and all supporting documents must be mailed to:
Ridgewater College
Attn: Stacey Kohn - Admissions
2 Century Avenue SW
Hutchinson MN 55350
Fax: 320-234-8506
Ridgewater College/Hennepin County Medical Center
Acute Care Paramedic Associate in Applied Science Degree
2014-2015 Educational Plan (64 credits)
Paramedic Courses (48 Credits Required)
General Education (16 Credits Required)
EMS 1116
EMS 1118
EMSP 1096
EMSP 1502
EMSP 1504
EMSP 1506
EMSP 1510
EMSP 1530
EMSP 1540
EMSP 1552
EMSP 1554
EMSP 1560
EMSP 1570
EMSP 1580
EMSP 1582
EMSP 1590
EMSP 1592
EMSP 1596
EMSP 1512
EMSP 1600
EMSP 1602
Choose at least one course from the following list:
ENGL 121 College Composition I............................... 3
CMST 121 Intro to Communications ........................... 3
CMST 226 Interpersonal Communications .................. 3
Emergency Medical Technician 1 ............ 4
Emergency Medical Technician 2 ............ 3
BLS Internship ......................................... 2
Introduction to Emergency Care .............. 1
Anatomy & Phys for the Paramedic ......... 2
Pharmacology for the Paramedic ............. 2
Ambulance Operations I .......................... 1
Airway and Patient Assessment .............. 2
Shock and Trauma ................................... 3
Pulmonology ............................................ 1
Cardiology ................................................ 4
Medical Emergencies ............................... 4
Special Populations .................................. 3
Clinical I ................................................... 2
Clinical II ................................................. 3
Field Clinical ............................................ 2
Field Clinical II ........................................ 2
Field Internship ........................................ 3
Ambulance Operations II ......................... 2
ACLS Provider ......................................... 1
PALS Provider ......................................... 1
Choose at least one course from the following list;
BIOL 108 Human Biology ......................................... 4
BIOL 210 Human Anatomy ....................................... 4
BIOL 211* Human Physiology .................................... 4
Choose at least one course from the following list:
PSYC 131 Introduction to Psychology........................ 4
SOC 105
Introduction to Sociology .......................... 3
SOC 106
General Social Problems ........................... 3
SOC 242
Racial and Cultural Minorities .................. 3
PSYC 263** Developmental Psychology ....................... 3
General Education Electives:
A minimum of 16 credits of general education courses
are required for this degree. General education elective
courses may be selected from any MNTC goal area.
Elective courses should be selected with
recommendation from advisor.
Notes:
*BIOL 210 and CHEM 101 or higher are prerequisites for BIOL 211
**PSYC 131 is a prerequisite for PSYC 263
Ridgewater College
Health Sciences Broad Field Associate in Science Degree
2014-2015 Educational Plan (60 Credits)
Program Requirements
(49 Credits Required)
BIOL 100 Introduction to Biology
4
BIOL 210 Human Anatomy
4
BIOL 211 Human Physiology
4
BIOL 215 Microbiology
4
CHEM 101 Survey of Chemistry
4
CMST 121 Introduction to Communications
3
ENGL 121 College Composition
3
MATH 112 College Algebra
4
MATH 201 Elementary Statistics
3
PSYC 131 Introduction to Psychology
4
PSYC 263 Developmental Psychology
3
PHIL 102 Introduction to Ethics
3
PUBH 107 Nutrition
3
SOC 105 Introduction to Sociology
3
Notes:
*BIOL 210 and CHEM 101 or higher are prerequisites for BIOL 211
**PSYC 131 is a prerequisite for PSYC 263
Elective courses
(11 Credits Required)
Elective courses are selected based on intended major and transfer
college/university requirements. Consult advisor for planning
assistance.
Suggested elective courses for Paramedic students are:
EMT 1 and EMT 2
CMST 226 Interpersonal Communication
SOC 106 General Social Problems
SOC 242 Racial and Cultural Minorities
BIO 108 Human Biology
Or
BIOL 210 Human Anatomy
BIOL 211 Human Physiology
7
3
3
3
4
4
4