The Blessing Hospital / JWCC Paramedic program is offered in conjunction with John Wood Community College. The purpose of this program is to prepare the student to function in the prehospital setting as a competent entry level paramedic. The specialty courses of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), PreHospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) and Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers (PEPP) are included in the program. Classes meet Monday and Wednesday evenings 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Some Saturdays or alternative weekdays will be required at times to accommodate the schedule.
After successful completion of all EMS courses, clinical and skills (39 credit hours), the student is eligible to sit for the Illinois State licensing exam or the National Registry Paramedic exam. An Associate Degree is offered through JWCC with completion of additional courses. The program is limited to twelve students in order to provide an excellent classroom and clinical experience.
Prerequisites
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Eighteen years of age.
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Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
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Current Illinois EMT-B license.
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Six months experience as an EMT-B preferred (If less than 6 months experience, additional ambulance ride time will be required prior to the start of the program.).
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Successful completion of a pre-entrance exam.
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Interview with course faculty, EMS System Coordinator or EMS Medial Director.
Curriculum: Meets current State of Illinois and U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum for Paramedic requirements.
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Didactic / lab = 490 hours
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Clinical hospital = 260 hours
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Clinical ambulance = 260 hours
Cost of the program