Paramedic SciencePhoto of EMT Jacket

 

At IPFW you may complete one year toward the Associate of Science in paramedic science. You must apply and be admitted to the paramedic science program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to complete the degree. Completion of IPFW course work does not guarantee admission to the IUPUI program. Graduates receive their degree from the IU School of Medicine.

Overview

Paramedics provide care to emergency patients in pre-hospital settings. They determine the nature and extent of victims’ emergencies, immobilize fractures, supply intravenous therapy, and provide other life-saving interventions for the victims of acute illness or injury. 

Prerequisite Courses

Prior to entering IUPUI’s paramedic science program, the student must complete the minimum prerequisites. Exclusive of emergency medical technologist (EMT) training, these prerequisites may be completed at IPFW. Students should consult with an IPFW health sciences advisor for appropriate courses and semester sequencing.

IUPUI Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Total Number of Prerequisite Credit Hours Exclusive of EMT Training

23

Limitations of Course Work

courses will not fulfill prerequisites or count as credit hours toward the degree.

Class Size

Ten students per cohort entering either spring or fall semester.

Criteria Used for Selection of Class

Grade point average, personal interview, and EMT experience.

Application Deadline

October 1 of the year prior to desired spring semester entry. February 1 prior to desired fall semester entry.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average

2.30 on a 4.00 scale. This requirement is applied at the time of program application and must be maintained.

Minimum Grade Requirement in a Stated Prerequisite Course

C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale)

Certification Requirement

You must be an Indiana or nationally certified EMT with at least 20 hours of documented patient contact in an ambulance to apply to the program. 

To Become an Emergency Medical Technologist

Take the EMT Basic Training (7.5 credit) course through Ivy Tech and pass the EMT credentialing exam or complete an EMT course through one of the many local hospitals or township fire departments and pass the EMT credentialing exam. For any questions regarding EMT course work at Ivy Tech, contact the Ivy Tech EMT Program Chair at (260)480-2087.

Technical Standards

See IUPUI Health Professions Programs policy.

Medical Requirements

All students are required to provide a current immunization record that indicates immunizations in hepatitis B, rubella, rubeola, mumps, PPD, tetanus, and chicken pox.

Interview

Qualified applicants must participate in an interview. Interviews are generally conducted in December for the spring cohort and March for the fall cohort.

Clinical Observation/Volunteer Experience

While volunteer experience is not required, it is helpful in making a career choice.

The details of your prerequisite course work should be discussed with an IPFW health sciences advisor. You are also encouraged to consult an advisor at the IUPUI campus to discuss the degree by calling (317)278-4752 or by e-mail at askhpp@iupui.edu. The most current program information is found at http://msa.iusm.iu.edu/hpp/.

At IPFW you may complete the following courses:

  • ENG W131 - Elementary Composition I Cr. 3.
  • MA 113 - Intermediate Algebra Cr. 3.
  • PSY 120 - Elementary Psychology Cr. 3.
  • SOC S161 - Principles of Sociology Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following Credits: 3

  • COM 114 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication Cr. 3.
  • COM 212 - Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following sequences Credits: 8

  • BIOL 203 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Cr. 4.
  • and
  • BIOL 204 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Cr. 4.

 

Or select:

 

  • BIOL 215 - Basic Human Anatomy Cr. 4.
  • and
  • BIOL 216 - Basic Mammalian Physiology Cr. 4.

Total Credits: 23

 

A Suggested Plan of Study

The following is a suggested one year plan for completing the prerequisites. Variations of this schedule can be made. Please check with advisor to be sure all admission requirements are being met.

Semester 1 Courses (IUPUI application by Oct 1st or Feb 1st of year before application entry)
Credit Hours
*EMT Basic Training (See above) Not offered at IPFW
7.5 cr
BIOL 215 or 203
4 cr
ENG W131
3 cr
Total
14.5 cr
Semester 2 Courses
Credit Hours
BIOL 216 or 204
4 cr
COM 114
3 cr
MA 113 or higher
3 cr
PSY 120
3 cr
Total
14 cr
Semester 3 Course (Summer)
Credit Hours
SOC S161
3 cr
*See bulletin or speak with your advisor for alternative plans if EMT-Basic Certification is already completed  
Total
3 cr

 

For questions regarding IPFW course requirements, contact:

 

Student Success Center
IPFW - College of Health and Human Services

Wayne Williams, Advisor
Neff Hall Room 120B
Phone: (260)481-0144

 

For additional IUPUI information:
www.iupui.edu

Contact:

Leon Bell , Director
Paramedic Sciences Program
Ott Building 115, Wishard Hospital
1001 W 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317)630-7614
E-mail: lbelll@iupui.edu



IUPUI Program Facts

Length of the Program

Two years; one year (24 – 26 credit hours) of prerequisite work plus 12 months of professional course work (42 credit hours).

Structure of the Professional Program

The prerequisites may be taken on a part-time basis; the professional program is a full-time program conducted primarily during the day. Clinical activities occur during the evening or on weekends. Students can enter in either spring or fall semester.

Design of the Professional Curriculum

The curriculum is a competency-based education program of clinical, didactic, and practical instruction integrated with a field internship in advanced emergency care and services.  This program will serve students seeking careers in emergency medical services. It will serve students entering the program immediately after high school as well as nontraditional students. The majority of students are nontraditional in that they have begun to pursue a career in the emergency medical services field on a part-time, full-time, or volunteer basis before deciding on a full-time role in emergency medicine as an EMT-Paramedic.

The program follows guidelines established by the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission integrating general-education course work and paramedic science course work leading to an associate of science degree. The degree program will build on resources established in the largest and most comprehensive EMT-Paramedic Program in Indiana, which is the program at Wishard Hospital. In addition to classroom and laboratory facilities located on the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis campus, area health care facilities involved in the preparation of EMT-paramedics in this program include Wishard Hospital, Wishard Ambulance Service, Avon Fire Department, and Riley Hospital for Children.

Location of Clinicals

The primary locations of the clinical rotations are in Indianapolis. A few rotations may be required in central Indiana.

Additional Costs

In addition to regular university fees, students will need to purchase a personal stethoscope, EKG caliper, and uniform for the clinical rotation. Contact the program for a current cost sheet.

Opportunity for Students to Work

Some students have part-time jobs while completing the professional course work.

Description of Facilities

The program offices are located at Wishard Memorial Hospital. The classroom and laboratory are located in the basement of Ball Residence Hall. The primary clinical site is at Wishard Ambulance Service. Other clinical sites may be available in central Indiana.