Emergency Medical Services AAS Degree Courses

An introduction to the principles of human anatomy and physiology beginning with the cellular/biochemical level of organization and progressing through a comprehensive study of organ systems emphasizing homeostasis. This is a one-term transfer level class designed for students entering allied health fields or biological sciences. Each student must enroll for one laboratory section.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in BIO-168.

Prepares the student to provide emergency care at an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Services Education standards. Introduces basic emergency care concepts including fundamental knowledge of the EMS system, safety/well-being of the EMT and medical/legal and ethical issues to the provision of emergency care. Focuses on patient assessment, care and transportation.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Introduces shock and resuscitation, patient assessment, care and transportation of the acutely ill, trauma patient, special patient populations and EMS operations. Focuses on Geriatric Education for EMS (GEMS), Hazmat Awareness, and Incident Command. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency for skills within the scope of practice for patients of all ages.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-363.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-363.

Prepares students to provide emergency medical assessment, care and transportation of acutely ill or injured patients of all ages. Develops student proficiency in previously learned skills when providing direct patient care in selected clinical settings. Requires student participation in and documentation of patient contacts and field experience approved by the medical director and the EMS program director. Students must demonstrate competency in skills for patients of all ages within the scope of practice.

Co-op Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-364.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in EMS-364.

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.

This course is for students interested in the practice and principles of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems management and the processes that contribute to the effectiveness of day-to-day operations within an EMS organization. This course introduces the EMS professional to topics that include government structure, strategic planning, injury prevention, risk management and safety, customer service, human resources management, financial management, fleet management, career development, quality management, data collection and research, labor relations, and special operations.

Lecture Hours: 48

This is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): The ability to enter data using a computer keyboard at a rate of no less than 15 words per minute on a three-minute timing. A minimum grade of C- in ENG-081 Academic Literacy II or equivalent placement score.

After completing the course the student will have met the sections required for a Firefighter I in the NFPA® 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and the requirements for National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 472, Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents for the for the Awareness and Operational Levels.

Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 96

This is an introductory level course designed to explore wellness in all dimensions. Students will assess their overall level of wellness, assess current lifestyle choices, and be enabled with strategies that will lead to an improved lifestyle and overall level of wellness.

Lecture Hours: 48

This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This course provides an intensified study of algebraic techniques and prepares students for future study in mathematics. The central theme is the concept of functions, their properties, graphs and applications. Functions studied include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-102. Or equivalent placement score.

This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course will provide a clinical atmosphere for performance of psychomotor skills. To successfully complete this course, students must demonstrate competency in skills for patients of all ages within the scope of practice. The student will participate in and document patient contacts and field experience. Additional contact hours (up to 3 times the stated minimum) may be needed to meet the course competencies.

Co-op Hours: 192

This is a required course in Hawkeye's National Paramedic Education Program. This course prepares the paramedic to administer medications per the paramedic scope of practice.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

This course will prepare the entry-level paramedic in advanced airway management, physical assessment, field assessment, clinical decision making, and the assessment and management of respiratory emergencies.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

This course provides an overview of paramedic roles and responsibilities and the emergency medical service system. Included is discussion of medicolegal and ethical issues in EMS, agents of trauma and disease, career opportunities for paramedics, demonstration of proper documentation in EMS, and non-patient care aspects of EMS.

Lecture Hours: 48

Cardiology for the Paramedic will focus on assessing the prehospital cardiac patient, interpreting electrocardiograms, and formulating treatment regimens for these patients.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

This course will provide a clinical atmosphere for performance of psychomotor skills. To successfully complete this course, students must demonstrate competency in skills for patients of all ages within the scope of practice. The student will participate in and document patient contacts and field experience. Additional contact hours (up to 3 times the stated minimum) may be needed to meet the course competencies.

Co-op Hours: 192

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-541.

This course will provide education for the paramedic in the areas of pathophysiology, recognition, assessment and management of neurological, endocrine, genitourinary/renal, behavioral, toxicological, immunological, hematological, infectious diseases, respiratory and abdominal/gastrointestinal and non-traumatic musculoskeletal complaints.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

This course will provide the paramedic student with knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities to ensure patient, public and personnel safety.

Lecture Hours: 32

This course provides a foundation for the paramedic in the assessment and management of patients who require special considerations.

Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 32

Traumatic Emergencies for the Paramedic explores the science of traumatic injuries, their detection and treatment. Major topics include: soft tissue, shock, hard tissue, nervous system, and internal injuries.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course enhances learning through the practice of paramedicine in a field environment and through experiences with actual patients under the supervision of preceptors. It is required prior to the paramedic field internship/capstone.

EMS-541 with minimum grade of C-.

Co-op Hours: 64

This course will provide a platform for the student to apply cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills to actual practice during a field internship. This course will also include comprehensive psychomotor exercises in a lab setting to prepare the paramedic student for national certification.

Lab Hours: 32 Co-op Hours: 192

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in EMS-546.