About
The Paramedic Program is a 12-month, intensive hybrid training. The program consists of 3 sequenced courses: EMT245 ; EMT246; EMT247. Each course provides training using the following strategies: in-class instruction, online learning, skills laboratory, & clinical site training. The professional expectations for paramedicine are highly regulated to ensure competency and safe patient care. As such, students must complete specific skills & clinical time to demonstrate competency for licensure. Following completion of all program requirements, students will be eligible to complete licensure testing through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. With successful licensure, students will be prepared for entry-level paramedic positions in emergency medical services and other healthcare settings.
History
Since 1999, Mclean County Area EMS System has been a partner in EMS professional education in Central Illinois. Through collaboration with local healthcare institutions including Carle BroMenn Medical Center and OSF Healthcare: St. Joseph Medical Center, Mclean County Area EMS System provides exceptional EMS education to produce nationally-certified and state licensed entry-level EMS providers. In 2013, this group estabilished a consortiuum to create the first accredited paramedic program within Mclean County. This designation is nationally recognized as the standard for EMS education and has demonstarted our organizational committment to local workforce development and sustainability. In 2017, the consortium partnered with Heartland Community College to provide students with college-level credit for their course work. This local articulation has supported continued educational opportunities for students, developing additional skills and obtaining advanced degrees.
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Program Accreditation
The Carle BroMenn Medical Center, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, McLean County Area EMS System Paramedic Training Program Consortium is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)."
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Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
www.caahep.org
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8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Program Outcomes
Program outcomes are reported per the CAAHEP Standards & Guidelines 2023. Data is calculated and reported for each cohort based on the year of program entry.
*There was no program cohort in Fall 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Enrollment Requirements
To register for the EMT-245 Paramedic I, the first course in the program sequence, students must fulfill the following requirements:
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Age 17 or older*
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High school diploma or equivalent**
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Show proof of an active Illinois EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate license
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Completion of BIOL 121 with a "C" or higher OR concurrent enrollment
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OR completion of BIOL 181 & BIOL 182 with a "C" or higher or be currently enrolled
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OR completion of BIOL 181 with a "C" or higher AND concurrent enrollment in BIOL 182
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Have current CPR Certification at the Healthcare Provider Level (American Heart Association) or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (American Red Cross) CPR courses are offered at Heartland Community College through our Continuing Education department and at area hospitals.​
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*Per Illinois law, students who complete the program prior to turning 18 years of age will be eligible to test but will not be eligible for licensure until their 18th birthday.
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**Students must possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of licensure application.
Background Check
Criminal background checks are required to participate in the clinical experience portion of the course. Students will be required to complete an Authorization to Conduct Background Check form during the first week of class. Students with questions regarding background checks or questions on eligibility for EMT licensure may contact the McLean County Area EMS Office at 309-827-4348. A list of potentially disqualifying convictions and information on a waiver process can be found here.
Health Requirements
Proof of the following current immunizations are required prior to being allowed into the clinical environment:
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TDaP (Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis) - Proof of TDaP administration within the past 10 years OR a TDaP vaccine administered within your lifetime and Td booster administered within the past 10 years
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MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) - Proof of 2 MMR vaccinations OR a positive MMR antibody titer for all 3 components
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Varicella (Chicken Pox) - Proof of 2 vaccinations OR a positive Varicella antibody titer
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Hepatitis B Vaccination - Proof of completed vaccination series OR a positive Hepatitis B antibody titer
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TB Test - A 2-step TB test with negative results (If positive, contact faculty for additional guidance)
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Influenza - Proof of influenza vaccination (current year) OR a signed vaccine declination form
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COVID - Proof of COVID vaccination OR a signed vaccine declination form​
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Health Insurance Coverage - Proof of current personal health insurance
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State Identification Card - State driver's license OR State identification card OR passport
