Columbia State EMS Education:  Paramedic School

 

 First Day of Paramedic School                                 Last Day of Paramedic School

 

 

 

What could have caused this drastic change?

 

Dr. David Cauthen [a.k.a. bigdave]

 

Apply To Paramedic School

  • Fill out college application for intended semester class information through admissions or through the website meeting all requirements for admission as outlined in the college catalog.
  • When the College application process has been completed, it may be necessary to take a placement test. To do so, contact Shirley Harper (Franklin) at 615.790.4400 or the Testing Center (Columbia) at 931.540.2821. Paramedic students must test above or complete any 0800 developmental requirements prior to admission to the program.
  • Candidate must submit a separate application to the Paramedic program. This application should also include:

Copy of current EMT license 
Current BLS certification 
Two letters of reference (NOT family members)

  • Applications for these classes will be accepted January through March of 2010.  These applications can be found HERE or in the office of EMS education.
  • Applications will be reviewed and the candidate will be notified of the date for psychological testing and EMT basic exam.
  • Candidate will schedule an interview with the EMS review panel.  After all interviews are completed, candidates will receive a letter of acceptance or declination.
  • Our Paramedic Classes will meet from September of 2010 and run to August of 2011.

Students are in class only two days per week.  These classes will revolve around a “24/48” shift schedule with lecture days once per week meeting on Columbia State Community College’s “A-Shift” starting in September.  All lectures will be offered from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with the second day of class (skills group) meeting once a week on “B” or “C” shift. Depending on your assignment you will need to attend skills day at the Franklin Campus “B-Shift” or at the Columbia Campus “C-Shift”. These days are not interchangeable; you must attend the one to which you are assigned.

  • Students are required to complete 250 hours in clinical rotations. It is the responsibility of the student to schedule the required amount of clinical time via the FISDAP clinical scheduler [explained the first day of class]. Clinical opportunities include rotations in OB/GYN, OR, lab, pediatrics, respiratory, intensive care units, cardiac units, Medical Examiner’s office, Emergency rooms, EMS agencies, and Vanderbilt Lifeflight.
  • During the 2011 summer semester, each student is required to complete 240 hours of preceptor rides.  Students are assigned a preceptor that has been approved by the Director of the EMS Education department.
  • The total cost for enrollment in the Paramedic program is approximately $3800.00. This includes all applicable tuition, lab and activity fees, and malpractice insurance. Students should expect to spend approximately $700.00 for textbooks and related course materials and should be purchased before the first day of class. 

Students are also required to:

  •  Complete a background check. ($65.00)
  •  FISDAP account - online scheduler ($85.00)
  •  Submit proof of medical insurance.
  • Complete a physical exam, along with all required vaccinations and/or titers.  All forms that are you need to complete and have signed by your physician are on the EMS website.  You may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you are admitted to the class.  All forms must be returned to Deb Heidlebaugh at least 30 days prior to class beginning.

Students are expected to purchase:

  •  A uniform that will be worn each day of class and at each clinical visit. You will purchase at least TWO complete uniforms.
  •  Navy blue pants ($20.00-$40.00 each)
  •  Black rubber-soled shoes ($20.00-$60.00)
  •  A good stethoscope (prices vary)
  •  A blood pressure cuff ($25.00-$30.00) for use in class and at clinicals.

Schedules for clinical rotations are discussed the first day of class, so students are required to have a calendar so that availability of schedules can be verified for their clinical dates/times.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Columbia Campus - 931.540.2722
Admissions Office - 931.540.2545
Williamson County Campus - 615.790.4400
EMS Education – Williamson County - 615.790.5676
EMS Education – Columbia - 931.540.2792
Dr. David Cauthen, Director/Paramedic Coordinator - 931.540.2686 - dcauthen1@columbiastate.edu
Jerome Lovelady, Paramedic Instructor – 931-540.2636 – rlovelady@columbiastate.edu
Deb Heidlebaugh, Health Records - 931.540.2849 - dheidlebaugh@columbiastate.edu