Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers perform basic to advanced skills on patients with life-threatening illnesses and injuries in highly stressful situations. An EMS provider works as part of a team in providing first-responder services in the community.
Our EMS programs prepare you for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic. Your duties and skills as an EMS provider depend on your level of education.
Responsibilities may include skills such as administering oxygen, splinting fractures, administering medications, and interpreting EKGs. All levels of EMS education are based on a thorough understanding of the human body, and the knowledge of a variety of illnesses and injuries.
High Success for Students
Our school has an excellent reputation for EMS education, including a high percentage pass rate for first-time test takers on the NREMT boards. Classroom instruction is provided by experienced paramedics, physicians, and nurses with a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
As a student, you will complete your hospital clinical rotations within the Reading Hospital and other local affiliates. In addition, we have contracts with more than 30 ambulance companies enabling students to complete their ambulance field time. The combination of classroom, hospital, and field time ensures a comprehensive educational program, preparing you for an exciting career as an EMS provider.
The combination of classroom, hospital, and field time ensures a comprehensive educational program, preparing you for an exciting career as an EMS provider.
Approvals and Accreditations
Our EMS programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Tel: 727-210-2350
To contact CoAEMSP:
Tel: 214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org
Pennsylvania EMS Resources
More information on the EMS professions and technical standards can be found by visiting The Pennsylvania Code - EMS Providers and PA Dept. of Health EMS Functional Job Description [PDF].
Articulation with Immaculata University
Our program has an articulation agreement with Immaculata University’s College of Lifelong Learning. The arrangement provides a smooth transition for paramedic graduates wishing to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management and Planning.
Students may transfer up to 45 credits earned through the EMT and Paramedic courses as part of their acceptance to the baccalaureate degree completion program. This accelerated program is offered either on the university campus or online.
