Paramedic Technology, AS

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The New England Institute of Technology Paramedic Technology program seeks to prepare paramedics at the associate level to practice today’s complex and highly technological healthcare system. The program’s mission is to prepare students as  professionals whose practice reflects evidence-based, ethical, and articulate membership in the paramedic profession.

Program Goals

The goal of the Paramedic Technology (PAR) program is “to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.”

1. The Paramedic Technology program will prepare students to sit for the national certification examination.
2. The Paramedic Technology program will endeavor to instill in the student a sense of commitment to the Paramedic profession’s core values and ethics.

Program Outcomes

Students who graduate from the Paramedic Technology program will be able to:

1. Use their paramedic education to provide safe, culturally competent, and patient-centered care across the lifespan.
2. Communicate effectively with diverse patients, families, support systems, and the allied health team to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
3. Apply evidence-based, clinical judgments to deliver safe, quality paramedic care.
4. Demonstrate caring and ethical interventions that incorporate patient and family advocacy.
5. Collaborate with members of the allied health team to optimize patient outcomes.
6. Utilize patient care technologies and information management systems to support safe processes of care across the healthcare continuum.
7. Demonstrate professional accountability and commitment to standards of professional practice within legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks.
8. Integrate leadership principles to advocate for safe, quality outcomes of patient care across the healthcare continuum.

Courses Offered

The Paramedic Technology program covers all the knowledge and skills EMT and paramedic students need in their careers. This includes conducting life support procedures, cardiac life support, and provide various other means of medical assistance and emergency care as part of an ambulance company or team of first responders. Students of our paramedic program study the following courses as part of their paramedic studies:

• Basic EMT
• Introduction to Advanced Pre-Hospital Care
• Cardiology and Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Advanced Pre-Hospital Care
• Patient Assessment and Human Systems
• Trauma Management
• OB/Pediatrics
• Comprehensive Anatomy and Physiology
• Healthcare Communications (online)

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet?Day Classes: Technical classes normally meet for at least three hours a day for up to five days a week. Classes normally begin in the early morning (7:45 a.m.), late morning (usually 11:25 a.m.), or mid-afternoon. The time slot for your program may vary from term to term.Evening Classes: Technical classes meet on the average of two nights a week, although there may be times when they will meet three nights a week. Classes normally begin at 5:45 p.m.

   In addition, to achieve your associate degree, you will take a total of approximately eight liberal arts courses, which will be scheduled around your technical schedule over the course of your entire program. Each liberal arts course meets approximately four hours per week. Liberal arts courses are offered days, evenings, and Saturdays.

   At the beginning of each term you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time and location of all your classes. The College requires that all students be prepared to take courses and receive services at any of NEIT’s locations where the appropriate classes and services are offered.

   When a regularly scheduled class falls on a day which is an NEIT observed holiday (Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day), an alternate class will be scheduled as a make up for that class. The make-up class may fall on a Friday. It is the student’s responsibility to take note of when and where classes are offered.

2. How large will my classes be?The average size for a class is about 20 to 25 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.
3. How much time will I spend in lab?Almost half of the courses in your major consist of laboratory work. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory experiences, you will first receive a thorough explanation of the theory behind your lab work.
4. Where do my classes meet?Students should be prepared to attend classes at any of NEIT’s classroom facilities: either at the Post Road, Access Road, or East Greenwich campus.
5. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED: can I enroll in an Associate Degree Program?A candidate for admission to the associate degree program must have a high school diploma, have earned a recognized equivalency diploma (GED), or meet the federal home school requirements.
6. I don’t have my Basic EMT License. Can I still start the program?Yes, if you don’t have a Basic EMT license you can take a basic EMT course here at NEIT as part of your program. The course will extend your program from eight terms to nine term.
7. How long should it take me to complete my program?To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take the courses outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical eight-term curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 24 months.To complete all your degree requirements in the shortest time, you should take at least one liberal arts course each term. Students who need more time to complete their curriculum may postpone some of the liberal arts courses until after the completion of the technical requirements. Students are provided up to two additional terms of study to complete the liberal arts requirements without any additional tuition assessment fee. During these additional terms of study, students are required to pay all applicable fees.

   Students may also elect to complete some of their liberal arts requirements during Intersession, a five-week term scheduled between Spring and Summer Quarters. Students will not be assessed any additional tuition for liberal arts courses taken during the Intersession but may be assessed applicable fees.

   Students wishing to extend the number of terms to complete the required technical courses in their curriculum will be assessed additional tuition and fees.

8. Is NEIT accredited?NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NECHE. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.
9. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.
10. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for admission based on the following table and upon receipt of an official transcript:
    

    Courses	Age of Courses	Grade Needed for Transfer to PAR
    EN 100 Introduction to College Writing		B or above
    EN 200 Workplace Communications (or EN 110 Healthcare Communications)		B or above
    MA 109 Math for Life Sciences		B or above
    English/Communications Liberal Arts Courses	10 years old	C or above
    Math Course	3 years old	C or above
    Biology Course	3 years old	C or above
    Science Course	3 years old	C or above
    Major Courses	3 years old	C or above

    The Office of Teaching and Learning maintains the prerogative to waive these requirements based upon individual review.

    An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved major courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final major term of the curriculum’s tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses which are not a part of the major curriculum. If the student has a degree from another institution, every opportunity will be reviewed to give the student as many transfer credits as possible for liberal arts courses (math, science, English, humanities, and social sciences) regardless of the age of the degree. Courses in the major will be reviewed individually for relevancy.

11. What is the “Feinstein Enriching America” Program?New England Institute of Technology is the proud recipient of a grant from the Feinstein Foundation. To satisfy the terms of the grant, the College has developed a one-credit community enrichment course which includes hands-on community enrichment projects. The course can be taken for a few hours per term, spread over several terms. Students who are already engaged in community enrichment on their own may be able to count that service towards course credit.
12. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid award, you need to maintain at least 12 credits per academic term.
13. What does my program cost?The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more terms than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who elect to take the technical portion of the degree requirements at a rate faster than the rate prescribed in the curriculum and the enrollment agreement will be assessed additional tuition.Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement.

    If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed.

    Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance. Second re-entries and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter. The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the six terms necessary to complete your degree requirements.

14. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?The Office of Career Services assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing of a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, graduates may submit a resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Office of Career Services contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and NEIT does not, guarantee to its graduates’ employment or a specific starting salary.
15. Where will job opportunities exist?Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of this program is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities.
16. What is a Registered Paramedic?A paramedic is a licensed individual who treats patients, educates patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provides advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. Paramedics record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical equipment, administer treatment and medications, and are recognized as top-level pre-hospital care providers.
17. Is there state or federal licensing required in my field?Yes, upon successful completion of the PAR 100 course, students must take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Licensing Exam for the EMT level. Upon successful completion of the PAR program, graduates must take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Licensing Exam for the paramedic level.
18. When I graduate, will I be a Paramedic? No. Upon completing the program, you will receive an Associate in Science Degree in Paramedic Technology. This program will prepare you to sit for the NREMT Exam: the mandatory licensure examination for paramedics. Only individuals who have graduated from an accredited paramedic program from an accredited institution may sit for the NREMT Exam. Once you have passed the NREMT written and practical exam you will officially become a NREMTP and may practice as one. You have the opportunity to register for the examination in any of the 50 states within the United States.
19. Who employs Paramedics?Private-based and municipal fire departments employ the majority of paramedics. Other industries include hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices, outpatient treatment facilities, home health care agencies, and medical sales. There are further opportunities in government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services.
20. What types of environment does a Paramedic work in?Communities require 24/7 Advanced Level EMS coverage; consequently, paramedics work nights, weekends, and holidays. Paramedics may also be on call – available to work on short notice. Paramedics who work in offices, schools, and other settings that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours.
21. What if I have taken science courses more than 3 years ago? It is a requirement that all science courses are completed within 3 years of entering the Paramedic Technology program. These courses are important and serve as foundation courses for the information you will receive in the program. Students with science courses greater than 3 years old will have the opportunity to take a challenge exam or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test. The CLEP test allows students to earn credit for knowledge they have acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.
22. How much time will I spend in lab?Most Paramedic Technology courses consist of laboratory/clinical experiences. Approximately 60% of your class time is spent in a laboratory or clinical setting. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory/clinical experiences, you will first receive an explanation of the theory behind your lab and clinical work. In addition to the time required for lecture and laboratory/clinical experiences, a minimum of 1 hour is required in the Simulation and Skills laboratories each week for assessment of clinical competencies.
23. Is there any open lab time?Yes. The NEIT skill laboratory will be opened during selected hours for clinical practice. Students are encouraged to attend the lab for skill development. Additionally, the Simulation Center will be available during selected hours to practice patient scenarios. Patient scenarios ensure a successful learning experience.
24. How much time will I spend in the hospital while still in school, and how will that course work?Actual clinical experience begins in the 4th term of the program. The clinical placements will vary with the course requirements. Students may be in the hospital/clinic setting 1-3 days a week.
25. Where do I go for the Paramedic Technology Clinical? Will that site be provided for me or must I find a site on my own?Clinical rotations are completed at various hospital, community, and healthcare facilities throughout the state of Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. The clinical experiences may be held on weekends, and weekday morning and evening time schedules and holidays. The clinical rotations will be assigned to the student. The College cannot guarantee that placement for internships will be in or near the student’s hometown. Students may be required to commute up to an hour from their home. The College does not provide transportation to internship sites. The College does not reimburse students for traveling expenses (parking, mileage, etc.). Students should be prepared to attend clinical experiences when and where they are assigned. The hours and locations will vary from term to term.
26. If I should experience a disruption in my paramedic (EMS) courses, due to illness, etc., is there a laboratory skill refresher course that might be available to me?No. The experience students obtain from the clinical rotations at health care facilities cannot be duplicated in the Paramedic Technology laboratory.
27. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?Yes. A minimum grade of C (73%) is required for all courses taken to complete the Associate in Science Degree in Paramedic Technology and to advance to the next term. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 must be maintained throughout the program. Students will be allowed to repeat one paramedic course once and one BIO course once, before being dismissed from the program. A student who withdraws from a technical or BIO course will have one opportunity to repeat, and pass, the course. A student will be dismissed from the program if any two PAR or BIO courses are not passed with a C or better.
28. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program?All students must have a complete physical examination and required immunizations completed prior to first Paramedic Technology course. Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella immunization or titres, and tetanus immunizations are required. A TB test is required each year. Personal negligence and malpractice insurance is also required by affiliating facilities where internships are scheduled. Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees and textbooks will also need to be purchased.
29. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check?The Joint Commission requires all healthcare facilities which they accredit to perform criminal background checks on students. Prior to entering fieldwork, students will be required to undergo a criminal background check. In addition to the criminal background check required by The Joint Commission, some clinical sites may also require a national criminal background check. It will be necessary for students to sign a Consent and Disclaimer permitting NEIT to perform a criminal background check and a Release and Authorization permitting NEIT to disclose the results of the criminal background check to a clinical site where the student is being considered for placement. In the event that a criminal conviction or pending criminal federal, state or local charge occurs after a criminal background check has been performed, the student must undergo an updated background check. If a background check reveals any criminal convictions, the student may be disqualified from a clinical placement or employment in the field. When a student is declined a placement by a site as a result of a positive background check, another attempt will be made to place a student in a clinical site. Students assume the cost for all background checks.NEIT makes no guarantee that once a student is matriculated, the student will be able to attend any fieldwork training setting, sit for the national certification if the student has a prior criminal conviction. This is the student’s responsibility to discover what they must do to manage a positive criminal background investigation.
30. Must I attend classes during the summer 5-week intersession?The liberal arts courses need to be completed prior to graduation. This may include having to take up to two liberal arts classes during Intersession.
31. Are there any behavior standards for this program?Paramedic Technology students are expected to exhibit professional behavior on an ongoing basis. This behavior will be assessed continually and will not only encompass grades, but also adherence to classroom protocol, laboratory safety, attendance, participation and preparedness for class, appearance, ability to work as a team member, and general professional behavior. Clinical placement is dependent on the above.
32. Are there evening classes? Currently there are evening classes offered in the Paramedic Technology program. Students may also choose to take their liberal arts classes during evening hours or online.

Technical Standards

Students enrolled in the NEIT’s Paramedic Technology program will be held to the high standards defined by the institution, as well as the program itself. Any student found to be negligent or dismissive of the policies defined by NEIT and/or the program may be removed from the program at the discretion of the program director and/or institution.

Paramedic Standards of Professional Performance

• A paramedic must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English with clients, teachers and all members of the health care team.
• The paramedic systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of paramedic practice.
• The paramedic evaluates his or her own paramedic practice in relation to professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
• The paramedic acquires and maintains current knowledge in paramedic practice.
• The paramedic contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.
• The paramedic’s decisions and actions on behalf of clients are determined in an ethical manner.
• The paramedic collaborates with the clients, significant others, and health care providers.
• The paramedic uses research findings in practice.
• The paramedic considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering client care.

Code for Paramedics

• Each person, upon entering the paramedic profession, inherits a measure of the responsibility and trust associated with the profession, along with the corresponding obligation to adhere to the standards of ethical practice and conduct it has set. Paramedic Technology students are expected to show responsibility in their behavior, to deal with faculty, peers, patients, and clinical staff in a direct and honest manner, and to be professional in their conduct. Students who violate accepted standards for professional paramedic may be discharged from the program.
• The paramedic, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
• The paramedic’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
• The paramedic promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
• The paramedic is responsible and accountable for individual paramedic practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the paramedic’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
• The paramedic owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
• The paramedic participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
• The paramedic participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
• The paramedic collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.
• The profession of paramedic, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating paramedic values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Essential Abilities

NEIT’s Paramedic Technology faculty has specified essential abilities (professional standards) critical to the success of students enrolled in the NEIT Paramedic program. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria, and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities (professional standards) with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Essential judgment skills to include ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conditions surrounding patient situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or courses of action.
• Essential neurological functions to include ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct judgments regarding patient conditions for the purpose of demonstrating competence to safely engage in the practice of paramedicine. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological functions include, but are not limited to, observing, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and employing psychomotor abilities.
• Essential communication skills to include ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, patients, and all members of the health care team. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities consistent with effective communication.
• Essential emotional coping skills to include ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of paramedicine as determined by professional standards of practice.
• Essential intellectual and conceptual skills to include ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of paramedicine.
• Other essential behavioral attributes to include ability to engage in activities consistent with safe paramedic practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Paramedic Technology program and as a developing professional paramedic.