Paramedicine (A.S.)

Ambulance

Program Overview

Paramedicine (A.S.)

A paramedic is an allied health professional who is a link from the community to the healthcare setting whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system.

Students will be able to apply the knowledge of paramedicine in the scope of the overall healthcare system and understand the paramedic's role in the community as a provider, educator and leader. A Paramedic 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.

EMT and Paramedic Key Similarities and Differences

EMTs and paramedics both work for EMS to provide urgent and emergency care for patients. Both careers require a high school diploma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 鈥� basic life support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers, a license to practice in their state, and certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). To become a paramedic, one must already hold EMT certification.

Paramedics must receive an additional , so they can lead their team on the field, make decisions about where to take the patient for the best care, give oral and intravenous (IV) medication, and use advanced airway management techniques. Paramedics often earn higher pay because they receive additional education and learn more skills.

What is an EMT?

An EMT is a member of EMS who evaluates the patient's condition, provides them basic medical care, and transports them to the hospital.

What is a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a healthcare professional within EMS who has earned EMT certification and learned additional skills, such as stitching wounds, giving oral and IV medications, and reading electrocardiograms (EKG) for patients who need urgent medical care.

Points to Consider EMT Paramedic
Admission Requirements EMT
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • CPR certification
 Paramedic
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • CPR certification
  • EMT certification from NREMT
Degree Required EMT
  • None
 Paramedic
  • Associate degree or bachelor's degree could be required
Certification Options EMT
  • CPR-BLS certification for healthcare providers
  • EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
  • An EMT license issued by the state
 Paramedic
  • CPR-BLS certification for healthcare providers
  • Paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
  • A paramedic license issued by the state
Recertification Options EMT
  • Schedule and pass the recertification exam for EMTs
OR
  • Complete 40 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements the National Continued Competency Program
 Paramedic
  • Schedule and pass the recertification exam for paramedics
OR
  • Complete 60 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements the National Continued Competency Program
Duties and Responsibilities EMT
  • Responding to 911 calls
  • Asses patients' medical condition
  • Driving the ambulance
  • Providing first aid
  • Providing life-support
 Paramedic
  • Leading the EMS team in the field
  • Deciding where to take the patient for the best care
  • Stitching wounds
  • Reading EKGs
  • Giving oral and IV medication
Average Annual Salary (2023) EMT: Paramedic:

Paramedicine Training

If you're interested in paramedicine training, contact Jason LeFebvre, Action Ambulance:
info@neipm.com
978-253-2664

Contact Us

Lori Moon, Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness
lmoon@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4720

Paramedic Wages in MA*

  • Median hourly wage: $32.03
  • Annual mean wage: $66,620

*Source:

Learn More

  • Expected Outcomes
    • Demonstrate the ability to gather information, assess a patient, develop and execute a treatment plan as a team leader relative to the role of an entry-level paramedic
    • Conduct oneself in a professional manner consistent with moral, altruistic, legal, ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles
    • Demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal relations respecting the cultural and personal traits of patients in a variety of settings
    • Use critical thinking skills to assess and treat patients with altered health conditions in a variety of settings
    • Communicate effectively through oral and written methods in a patient care setting
  • Admission Requirements
    • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET
    • Math: ACCUPLACER Next Generation QAS score of 262 or greater OR successful completion of MAT-028, MAT-028

    Please note: To graduate with Health Science A.S. Degree in Paramedicine, students need to obtain Paramedic certification (any current state paramedic or National Registry Paramedic certification).

  • Graduation Requirements
    1. Program  
      • 24 credits transferred as credits for prior learning for successful completion of the paramedic certification course and passing the state exam.
      • 36 credits earned at 91爆料 to fulfill the requirements for an associate's degree.
      • Total degree would be 60 credits leading to a Health Science Degree 
    2. General Education  
      • ENG COMP 鈥� 6 credits
      • SOC-105 鈥� 3 credits
      • COM 鈥� 3 credits
      • PSY-107 鈥� 3 credits
      • AHS-230 鈥� 3 credits
      • BIO-201 鈥� 4 credits
      • BIO-202 鈥� 4 credits
      • MAT-136 or MAT-123 鈥� 3 credits
      • BIO-105 鈥� 4 credits
      • Humanities elective 鈥� 3 credits

U.S. Bureau of Statistics

Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023
29-2043 Paramedics
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals. Excludes 鈥淓mergency Medical Technicians鈥� (29-2042) and 鈥淎mbulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians鈥� (53-3011).