EMS/Paramedicine
Department Overview
The EMS/paramedicine program at the UAF Community & Technical College offers specialized training and degree programs that prepare students for careers in emergency medical services as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. The program offers coursework and training to be nationally and state certified as an EMT and a year-long academy that prepares students for licensure as a paramedic.
The paramedicine program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions.
CAAHEP Contact:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
CoAEMSP Contact:
CoAEMSP
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
Learn more about available training and degrees:
- Paramedicine (A.A.S.)
- Advanced EMT (O.E.C.)
- Paramedic Academy (Specialized Training)
A.A.S., Paramedicine
The Community and Technical College paramedicine program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
The paramedicine program offers excellent instruction, clinical experience, state-of-the-art simulation labs and practical vocational experience for the student seeking to become a paramedic. Upon completion of the paramedicine program, students will be able to take the national paramedic exam. After receiving national certification, students can apply for a paramedic license through the Alaska State Medical Board.
An application must be completed for admission into the paramedicine program. Applications are reviewed by the program’s medical director and advisory board.
Applicants must have a current EMT basic certification (or have completed EMS F170), and have completed HLTH F114 (or BIOL F111X and BIOL F112X).
Minimum Requirements for Paramedicine A.A.S. Degree: 69 credits
O.E.C., Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
The primary focus of the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician program is to provide basic and limited advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found in an ambulance.
AEMTs are most usually employed in ambulance services, working in conjunction with EMTs and paramedics; however, they are also commonly found in fire departments and law enforcement agencies as non-transporting first responders. Ambulances operating at the AEMT level of care are commonplace in rural areas and occasionally found in larger cities as part of a tiered response system.
Minimum Requirements for Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Occupational Endorsement: 16 credits
Minor, Arctic Skills
The minor in Arctic skills is designed for anyone who lives and works in a northern climate and wishes to learn to cope with the outdoor Arctic environment.
Students who complete this minor also earn a State of Alaska EMTI certificate and may prepare to take the FAA written exam for partial fulfillment of the private pilot certificate requirements.
Minimum Requirements for Arctic Skills Minor: 15 credits
Courses
Arctic Skills (ARSK)
ARSK F170 EMT: Emergency Medical Technician I
6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Basic life support such as splinting, hemorrhage control, oxygen therapy, suction, CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). EMT I is the foundation of all emergency medical training. Mastering of EMT I level knowledge and techniques must occur before moving on to advanced levels.
Cross-listed with EMS F170.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 4 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
EMS F150 Wilderness Emergency Care
3 Credits
Offered Summer
Introduction to medicine in a remote setting. Assessment and management of life-threatening and non-threatening injuries, common medical emergencies and a variety of environmental injuries. Academically challenging training includes basic anatomy and physiology, appropriate short-term to multi-day patient care, the incident command system and evacuation and considerations.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F152 Emergency Trauma Training First Responder
3 Credits
Offered Summer
Basic emergency care knowledge and skills for the student who will provide the first emergency care. The objective of the first person on the emergency scene is to recognize the needs of the victim and deliver quality care to the patient, minimizing discomfort and preventing further complications.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F152P Emergency Trauma Training First Responder
3 Credits
Basic emergency care knowledge and skills for the student who will provide the first emergency care. The objective of the first person on the emergency scene is to recognize the needs of the victim and deliver quality care to the patient, minimizing discomfort and preventing further complications.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F154 Emergency Trauma Training Refresher
1 Credit
Offered Summer
For individuals who have been previously certified in Emergency Trauma Training (40 hrs.). Certification is valid for two years.
Prerequisites: EMS F152 or ETT Certification which may not be expired more than one calendar year.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F154P Emergency Trauma Training Refresher
1 Credit
For individuals who have been previously certified in Emergency Trauma Training (40 hrs.). Certification is valid for two years.
Prerequisites: EMS F152 or ETT Certification which may not be expired more than one calendar year.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F170 EMT: Emergency Medical Technician I
6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Basic life support such as splinting, hemorrhage control, oxygen therapy, suction, CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). EMT I is the foundation of all emergency medical training. Mastering of EMT I level knowledge and techniques must occur before moving on to advanced levels.
Cross-listed with ARSK F170.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 4 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F170P EMT: Emergency Medical Technician I
6 Credits
Basic life support such as splinting, hemorrhage control, oxygen therapy, suction, CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). EMT I is the foundation of all emergency medical training. Mastering of EMT I level knowledge and techniques must occur before moving on to advanced levels.
Cross-listed with ARSK F170.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 4 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F173 EMT I Internship
6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Synthesize cognitive and psychomotor skills from the EMT I course and observe skills performed by Advanced Care Providers. Designed for individuals planning to participate in the CTC paramedic program in the fall semester. Interns will perform all aspects of emergency care for an Alaska certified EMT I under the guidance of an Advanced Care Provider.
Prerequisites: EMS F170; concurrent EMT I certification.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 16 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F181 Clinical Rotation I
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Perform paramedic skills in the hospital setting under the guidance of a clinical preceptor. Rotations include the emergency department, ICU, operating room, respiratory therapy, and mental health units. Provides an in-depth look at the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. Includes interpretation of cardiac rhythms and advanced cardiac life support.
Prerequisites: Permission of program coordinator.
Special Notes: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 4 + 4
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F183 Clinical Rotation II
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Perform paramedic skills in the hospital setting under the guidance of a clinical preceptor. Rotations include the emergency department, ICU, OR, labor and delivery, pediatrics and geriatrics.
Prerequisites: EMS F181.
Special Notes: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 4 + 4
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F253 Alaska EMT Instructor Orientation
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Adult education and learning environment and regulation governing teaching of EMTs in Alaska. Designed to be an intensive learning experience with extensive out-of-class preparation. Must be certified at EMT level for 3 years.
Prerequisites: Current EMT I, II, III or MICP certification and three years of experience; evidence of successful completion of state of Alaska practical exam and written exam with a score of 90% within the last 12 months.
Recommended: FIRE F216.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F257 Arctic Survival
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Use of principles, procedures, techniques and equipment to survive extreme Arctic conditions and assist in safe recovery. Lab required.
Cross-listed with AVTY F231.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F261 EMT: Emergency Medical Technician II
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Advancement of EMT I skills and knowledge through advanced techniques in fluid therapy and advance airway management. Includes use of specific drug therapy.
Prerequisites: EMT I certification and proof of 10 patient contacts as an EMT I.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F261P EMT: Emergency Medical Technician II
3 Credits
Advancement of EMT I skills and knowledge through advanced techniques in fluid therapy and advance airway management. Includes use of specific drug therapy.
Prerequisites: EMT I certification and documentation of 10 patient contacts by the first day of class as described in State EMT regulations: 7AAC26.010.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F265 Emergency Medical Technician III
2 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to basic cardiac anatomy and physiology, cardiac electrophysiology, recognition and treatment of basic lethal arrhythmias, use of monitor, defibrillator and pharmacological management.
Prerequisites: EMT II certification and proof of 10 patient contacts and 10 venipunctures as an EMT II.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F270 Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
10 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) training includes invasive procedures such as IV therapy, the use of advanced airway devices and medication administration. Individuals that complete the course are eligible to take the National Registry AEMT exam.
Prerequisites: Current state or national EMT certification; current AHA CPR certification; departmental approval.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 8 + 6 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F280 Paramedicine I
12 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to emergency medical services, the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic and medical/legal/ethical issues. Basic pathophysiology, pharmacology, venous access and advanced airway management techniques. Also includes an in-depth look at the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems which includes interpretation of cardiac rhythms, pharmacology and advanced cardiac life support.
Prerequisites: EMS F170.
Recommended: HLTH F114 or equivalent.
Special Notes: Student must apply for admission into the Paramedic Academy; Applications are reviewed by the Paramedic Advisory board; Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 8 + 8 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F282 Paramedicine II
12 Credits
Offered Spring
Assessment and management of medical emergencies, geriatrics, pediatrics and traumatic injuries. Includes pediatric advanced life support and basic trauma life support certifications.
Prerequisites: EMS F280.
Special Notes: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 8 + 8 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F283 Paramedic Internship
12 Credits
Offered Summer
Prehospital field experience under the guidance of a paramedic preceptor on an advanced life support ambulance. Interns perform all aspects of paramedic care.
Prerequisites: EMS F183.
Special Notes: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 24 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
EMS F285 Paramedic Testing
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course prepares the paramedic student for the summative paramedic exam. It is a review of the cognitive/affective behaviors and psychomotor skills taught throughout the fall and spring semesters of the paramedic program.
Prerequisites: EMS F283 (may be taken concurrently).
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 1 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
EMS F287 Paramedic Refresher
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Integration of paramedicine knowledge and techniques with evaluation of applied skills.
Prerequisites: Current State of Alaska or National Registry paramedic license.
Special Notes: Student must have the strength to be able to move patients, sufficient vision to assess the condition of the patient and the dexterity to perform the skills of a paramedic.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Faculty
Richie Berndt
Assistant Professor | Program Advisor | Program DirectorEMS/Paramedicine
krberndt@alaska.edu907-455-2892
University Park, 1000 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Ashley Christenson
Assistant Professor | Program Advisor
aschristenson@alaska.edu
EMS/Paramedicine907-455-2959
University Park, 1000 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Greg Taylor
Assistant Professor | Program Advisor
gltaylor4@alaska.edu
EMS/Paramedicine907-455-2895
University Park, 1000 University Ave, Fairbanks
