Overview
Degrees Offered: AAS, Program Certificate
Limited Enrollment: Yes
Program Begins:
- Paramedic Technology: Fall
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Fall, Spring
Delivery Method: On Campus
Phone: 701-224-2429
Email: bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu
Description
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and the Paramedic Technology Program at BSC are limited enrollment programs that prepare students to become entry-level Emergency Medical Services providers. BSC affiliates with healthcare facilities throughout North Dakota to provide concurrent training with classroom, laboratory, and clinical/field education.
The Bismarck State College Paramedic Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 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
9355 113th St. N, Suite 7709 • Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350 • www.caahep.org
Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312 • Rowlett, TX 75088
214-702-8445 • FAX 213-701-8992 • www.coaemsp.org
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMT study encompasses 16 weeks of classroom, lab, and clinical/field education offered in the fall and spring semesters. Coursework includes basic anatomy and physiology, airway management, medical and trauma emergency management, and EMS operations in conjunction with hands-on, skill-based training.
It is designed for those wishing to become entry level patient care providers and provide basic life support with ambulance services, fire departments, law enforcement, security, and a variety of other settings. It is also required to advance to the higher levels of Emergency Medical Services certification such as the Paramedic.
Paramedic Technology Program
Paramedic study begins in the fall and encompasses three semesters of classroom, lab, and hospital clinical/field education. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, cardiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, airway management, and medical /trauma emergency management in conjunction with hands-on, skill-based training.
This option is available for students pursing an Associate in Applied Science degree who are already Nationally Registered or State Licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Current EMT certification or licensure is required prior to entry into the EMS 200-level courses. Emergency Medical Technician courses are available through Bismarck State College to meet this prerequisite.
Preparation
EMTs and Paramedics often work with police officers, firefighters, nurses and doctors. They may be out in any weather and have irregular hours. Work is physically strenuous and can be stressful. Potential students must be emotionally stable, able to lift and carry heavy loads, and have good dexterity, eyesight, and accurate color vision.
Requirements
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and the Paramedic Technology program is selective with limited enrollment. See Program Admission tab for more information.
All students completing the EMT or Paramedic Technology program must take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians cognitive and psychomotor exams to become certified as an EMT or Paramedic.
Students who successfully complete the curriculum requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) earn a Certificate of Completion.
Students who successfully complete the curriculum requirements for Paramedic Technology earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and/or Program Certificate.
This program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service over non-covered persons. (20 CFR 1010)
Career Opportunities
Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics. The need for volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas will also continue.
Growth in the middle-aged and older population will lead to an increase in age-related health emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes. This increase, in turn, will create greater demand for EMT and paramedic services. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require more EMTs and paramedics to transfer patients with specific conditions to these facilities for treatment.
Sarah Haugen Scholarship
Available to eligible Paramedic students only and is completed in the fall for spring semester. Contact the BSC Foundation.
College Admission
Review BSC's How to Apply page and complete the college admission requirements.
Paramedic Technology
Program Admission
Prior to applying to the Paramedic Technology program student should:
- Show national registration or state license as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
- Note: Current EMT certification or licensure is required prior to entry into the EMS 200-level courses. Emergency Medical Technician courses are available through Bismarck State College to meet this prerequisite.
- Provide proof of American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS-Healthcare Provider) CPR.
- Note: CPR must remain valid throughout the Program.
- Students for whom English is not their native language must complete an English Language Proficiency Test.
- Note: A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success as well as for patient safety. In addition to general college English proficiency requirements, all applicants for whom English is not their native language (including International and/or U.S. residents) and have not attended 4 years of U.S. high school and achieved a HS GPA of 3.0 or higher must meet additional language proficiency requirements for admission to the program.
To be considered for admission to the Paramedic Technology program, English Language Learners (ELL) applicants must achieve minimum scores:
- Minimum TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL IBT) test scores of:
- Minimum cumulative score of 86 combined AND minimum individual scores of:
- 26 in Speaking
- 20 in Writing
- 20 in Reading
- 20 in Listening
- Minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) test scores of:
- Minimum overall score of 115.
- It is expected that the applicant reaches a content score (variation as determined by the admission and progression committee) of 90 in the following four areas:
- Literacy (Reading)
- Comprehension (Listening)
- Conversation (Speaking)
- Production (Writing)
Note: Students for whom English is not their native language should be aware that they may not be able to complete the program of study within the described time frame. Students are encouraged to consult their advisor before submitting the program application. This gives the opportunity to discuss requirements and arrange to either take the English proficiency exam (TOEFL or DET) if applicable or seek assistance to be successful on the English proficiency exam in the future.
Application
Admission occurs in the Fall. Applications will be accepted up to May 1.
- Complete the Paramedic Technology Program application.
- Application packet includes:
- Paramedic Technology program admission application
- Copy of valid driver’s license or state-issued identification
- Copy of current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS-Healthcare Provider) CPR certification.
- Copy of current NREMT or State EMS certification or license
- Submit application packet to:
- Bismarck State College
EMS/Paramedic Program Director
PO Box 5587
Bismarck ND, 58506
Pre-Acceptance
Application Receipt: Upon receipt of all application materials, the Paramedic Technology program will evaluate the applicant's file for completeness.
Interview: An interview will be scheduled with the Paramedic Technology program interview panel.
Post-Acceptance
- Program officials will notify student of acceptance.
- Accepted students will be required to successfully complete a background check, provide immunizations required by clinical affiliations, and drug screen at their own cost.
- Note: Program acceptance is conditional until the completion of the required background check.
- Any background check that reveals a candidate may be a potential risk to the program, faculty, patients, or preceptors will be denied acceptance into the program.
- Any background check that reveals a candidate is not eligible for State Licensure and National Certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians will be denied acceptance into the program.
- Note: Clinical affiliates maintain sole discretion as to the student's ability to participate in Field Experience activities.
- Students will attend program orientation prior to classes starting.
Program Completion
- All Paramedic Technology classes must be taken in sequence.
- Students are required to earn "C" or higher or "T" (test credit) or "S" (satisfactory) in all designated courses for successful completion of the program.
- A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all prescribed technical program requirement courses to continue in the program.
- Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the student will receive either an Associate in Applied Science degree or a Program Certificate in Paramedic Technology and is eligible to take the National Registry Certification examination for Paramedics.
- Note: Students with any criminal record should be prepared to submit official court documents to the State EMS office for review prior to licensure.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Program Admission
Prior to applying to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program student should:
- Provide proof of American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS-Healthcare Provider) CPR.
- Note: CPR must remain valid throughout the Program.
- Students for whom English is not their native language must complete an English Language Proficiency Test.
- Note: A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success as well as for patient safety. In addition to general college English proficiency requirements, all applicants for whom English is not their native language (including International and/or U.S. residents) and have not attended 4 years of U.S. high school and achieved a HS GPA of 3.0 or higher must meet additional language proficiency requirements for admission to the program.
- To be considered for admission to the EMT program, English Language Learners (ELL) applicants must achieve minimum scores:
- Minimum TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL IBT) test scores of:
- Minimum cumulative score of 86 combined AND minimum individual scores of:
- 26 in Speaking
- 20 in Writing
- 20 in Reading
- 20 in Listening
- Minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) test scores of:
- Minimum overall score of 115.
- It is expected that the applicant reaches a content score (variation as determined by the admission and progression committee) of 90 in the following four areas:
- Literacy (Reading)
- Comprehension (Listening)
- Conversation (Speaking)
- Production (Writing)
- Note: Students for whom English is not their native language should be aware that they may not be able to complete the program of study within the described time frame. Students are encouraged to consult their advisor before submitting the program application. This gives the opportunity to discuss requirements and arrange to either take the English proficiency exam (TOEFL or DET) if applicable or seek assistance to be successful on the English proficiency exam in the future.
Application
Admission occurs in the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Fall Semester: Applications will be accepted up to July 20th.
- Spring Semester: Applications will be accepted up to December 1st.
- Complete the EMT Program Application.
- Application packet includes:
- EMT Program Admissions Application
- Copy of valid driver’s license or state-issued identification
- Copy of current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS-Healthcare Provider) CPR certification.
- Submit application packet to:
- Bismarck State College
EMS/Paramedic Program Director
PO Box 5587
Bismarck ND, 58506
Pre-Acceptance
Application Receipt: Upon receipt of all application materials, the EMT Program officials will evaluate the applicant's file for completeness.
Interview: An interview will be scheduled with the EMT program interview panel.
Post-Acceptance
Program officials will notify student of acceptance.
- Accepted students will be required to successfully complete a background check, provide immunizations required by clinical affiliations, and drug screen at their own cost.
- Note: Program acceptance is conditional until the completion of the required background check.
- Any background check that reveals a candidate may be a potential risk to the program, faculty, patients, or preceptors will be denied acceptance into the program.
- Any background check that reveals a candidate is not eligible for State Licensure and National Certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians will be denied acceptance into the program.
- Note: Clinical affiliates maintain sole discretion as to the student's ability to participate in Field Experience activities.
- Students will attend program orientation prior to classes starting.
Program Completion:
- All EMT classes must be taken in one semester.
- Students are required to earn "C" or higher or "T" (test credit) or "S" (satisfactory) in all designated courses for successful completion of the program.
- Upon successful completion of the above curriculum, the student will receive an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate of Completion and is eligible to take the National Registry Certification examination for EMTs.
- Note: Students with any criminal record should be prepared to submit official court documents to the State EMS office for review prior to licensure.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, Paramedic Technology students will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge as a competent entry-level Paramedic in the cognitive (knowledge) learning domain.
- Knowledge as a competent entry-level Paramedic in the psychomotor (skills) learning domain.
- Professional behavior as a competent entry-level Paramedic in the affective learning domain.
