Paramedics play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing emergency medical care to those in need. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a paramedic, Ivy Tech Community College offers a comprehensive program to help you achieve your goal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become an Ivy Tech paramedic:
Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements To apply for the paramedic program at Ivy Tech, you'll need to meet the following admission requirements:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and biology
- Possess a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Pass a background check and provide proof of immunizations
Step 2: Complete the Paramedic Program Ivy Tech's paramedic program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent paramedic. The program consists of:
- 12-18 months of classroom and clinical instruction
- 1,200 hours of training, including 300 hours of clinical experience
- Coursework in topics such as patient assessment, trauma care, and medical emergencies
- Hands-on training in skills such as IV insertion, medication administration, and cardiac rhythm interpretation
Curriculum and Coursework
The paramedic program at Ivy Tech includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Patient assessment and trauma care
- Medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest and stroke
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Cardiac rhythm interpretation and electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis
- Advanced airway management and ventilation
- Pediatric and geriatric care
Step 3: Pass the National Registry Exam After completing the paramedic program, you'll be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. This exam is required for paramedic certification and consists of:
- A written exam that tests your knowledge of paramedicine
- A practical exam that assesses your skills in patient assessment, trauma care, and medical emergencies
National Registry Exam Prep
Ivy Tech provides resources to help you prepare for the NREMT exam, including:
- Review courses and study groups
- Practice exams and assessment tools
- Individualized instruction and mentorship
Step 4: Obtain State Certification After passing the NREMT exam, you'll be eligible for state certification as a paramedic. Requirements for state certification vary, but typically include:
- Passing the NREMT exam
- Completing a background check
- Providing proof of immunizations
- Maintaining continuing education requirements
State Certification Requirements
Ivy Tech's paramedic program is designed to meet the certification requirements for the state of Indiana. However, certification requirements may vary depending on the state in which you plan to practice.
Step 5: Maintain Certification and Continuing Education As a certified paramedic, you'll be required to maintain your certification through continuing education and professional development. This includes:
- Completing continuing education courses and workshops
- Participating in professional organizations and conferences
- Staying current with advances in paramedicine and medical technology
Continuing Education Opportunities
Ivy Tech offers continuing education opportunities for paramedics, including:
- Workshops and conferences on topics such as trauma care and medical emergencies
- Online courses and webinars on topics such as pharmacology and cardiac rhythm interpretation
- Professional development opportunities, such as mentorship and leadership training
We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to pursue a career as an Ivy Tech paramedic. Remember to follow these 5 steps: meet the admission requirements, complete the paramedic program, pass the National Registry exam, obtain state certification, and maintain certification and continuing education. Good luck!