2011 General CataloG & announCement of Courses - Ventura College

All students admitted to a health science program are expected
to maintain the highest personal standards of conduct consistent
with the professional standards as perceived by health science
faculty and professional personnel in the agencies used as extended
campus sites. Any information indicating that such standards are
not maintained is subject to review by members of the health
science faculty and may result in a recommendation to the College
for dismissal from the program.
Evidence of physical and emotional fitness upon admission
and throughout the program is expected and is subject to medical
opinion of the college physician and to medical opinion or policy
of hospitals or agencies which are used as extended campus sites
for assigned educational experiences.
Students in the emergency medical services program (paramedic)
and/or the emergency medical technology courses (EMT) will
be required to demonstrate criminal background clearance,
along with drug and alcohol clearance by undergoing criminal
background checks and drug screening prior to participating in
clinical experiences. The cost of this screening is expected to be
approximately $100.00 and must be borne by the student.
Hospital and internship rotations will be assigned as space is
available. This may result in extension of program time-frame.
All students must attend the orientation meeting scheduled prior
to the start of the semester and must be present on the first day
of class.
Program Options
The paramedic program is intended to develop the necessary
knowledge and skills basic to the functions of paramedics in the
direct care of clients. It consists of theory, basic skills, clinical
experiences and a clinical preceptorship which will prepare the
graduate to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical
Technicians licensing examination. Students who successfully
complete the Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Studies
program will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Ventura
College. Although each course merits a letter grade, the laboratory
experience is based on pass-fail and it is necessary to pass the
laboratory section of the course in order to proceed in the paramedic
program. Failure in the laboratory portion of the paramedic courses
constitutes an F in the course.
For successful completion of the program, a minimum grade of B
is mandatory in all paramedic courses. The student must maintain
an overall GPA of 2.0 to continue in the program.
For those students who choose the associate degree option,
additional courses satisfying general education requirements are
required.
The program is accredited by the national Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and is approved
by the California State Emergency Medical Services Agency and
the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency. To be
eligible to take the examination leading to licensure as a paramedic,
the student must have fulfilled all requirements as defined by the
Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency and the state
of California.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PM V01 - PARAMEDIC THEORY - 18.5 Units
Prerequisite: ANPH V01 or ANAT V01 and PHSO V01 ; criminal
background clearance; drug and alcohol clearance; current EMT
certification; current CPR certification for health care provider
or professional rescuer; proof of freedom from and immunity to
communicable diseases; physical examination demonstrating general
good health; 1000 hours of EMT experience or equivalent; no visible
tattoos or visible body piercings except single studs in ear lobes;
and, no acrylic or long nails in clinical settings
Recommended preparation: the state of California Emergency
Medical Services Authority may deny licensure to those with criminal
records
Hours: 13.5 lecture, 15 laboratory weekly
This course focuses on didactic material and related skills
necessary to establish a foundation for subsequent prehospital
assessment and management of patients. Pathophysiology,
pharmacology, principles of intravenous therapy, basic and advanced
life support and electrocardiography are included. Assessment and
appropriate intervention are emphasized. Course content includes
topics related to medical management of trauma and medicalsurgical,
pediatric, obstetric, psychiatric, and geriatric problems.
Crisis intervention, communication, medical-legal, infection control,
and ethical issues are discussed.
Fees will be required. Field trips will be required. Formerly PM 1.
PM V02 - PARAMEDIC CLINICAL LABORATORY - 18.5 Units
Prerequisite: PM V01 ; criminal background clearance; drug and
alcohol clearance; current CPR certification for health care provider
or professional rescuer; proof of freedom from and immunity to
communicable diseases; physical examination demonstrating general
good health; no visible tattoos or visible body piercings except single
studs in ear lobes; and, no acrylic or long nails in clinical settings
Recommended preparation: the state of California Emergency
Medical Services Authority may deny licensure to those with criminal
records
Hours: 3.5 lecture, 45 laboratory weekly
This course is designed to provide supervised clinical application
of cognitive knowledge and skills in acute patient care areas.
Opportunities for increasing depth of skill performance and
presentation of more advanced skills are provided. The student is
assigned to a response vehicle with a field preceptor. Under direct
supervision and evaluation of the preceptor, the field experience
is designed to provide the student with direct patient care
responsibilities in providing advanced life support. Each student
must have a minimum of forty advanced life support contacts during
this course. Upon successful completion of this course, the student
is eligible to sit for the licensing examination.
Field trips will be required. Formerly PM V02 & V03.
PM V88 - PARAMEDIC WORKSHOPS - .5-10 Units
Prerequisite: varies with topic
Recommended preparation: paramedic studies major
Hours: lecture and/or laboratory as required by unit formula
Designed to meet specific needs of the college and community as
required and/or requested by persons whose needs in this area are
not met by present course offerings.
Fees may be required. Field trips may be required. Courses with
same title may not be repeated; may be taken for a maximum of 4
times. Formerly PM V89.
Ventura College Catalog 2010 - 2011 Credit Courses, Degrees, Certificates, and Awards 193