Paramedic Academy Application Class #49 Palomar College Escondido Center Dear Academy Applicant: Thank you for your interest in the Palomar College Paramedic Academy. Please read this application package ENTIRELY and follow all instructions carefully. Incomplete application packages or failure to comply with these procedures may preclude your acceptance into the Academy. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: The Paramedic Academy has a rigorous curriculum that requires two academic semesters. A selection process is conducted to assure fair consideration to all applicants, and to obtain the most qualified candidates. The Palomar College Paramedic Academy is a series of college courses accredited by the San Diego County Emergency Medical Services and CoAEMSP. Completion of the Academy qualifies the candidate to take the National Registry EMT-P exam, which is required for State of California Paramedic licensure. Upon successful completion of the program, students will obtain a Certificate of Completion in Paramedic Training, and upon completion of Palomar College General Education Requirements, students are eligible for an Associate in Arts Degree in Paramedic Education. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (MUST PROVIDE PROOF BY INTERVIEW) – (SEE LAST PAGE FOR DETAILS) High School graduate (or equivalent) Original letter of work verification from your employer(s) sign and dated on letterhead Valid California EMT-B certification or National Registry EMT license AHA Health Care Provider CPR Card or equivalent - must remain valid and current for duration of program Valid Driver's License - must remain valid and current for duration of program Qualification for English 50 and Math 15 & Reading 110 as determined by a Palomar College Assessment Test. (Test is waived only for those with a A.A. or above or those who have successfully completed those courses. Contact Counseling Dept. for dates scheduling your exam.). Assessment test scores are only valid for 2 years. Three original professional letters of reference; signed and dated. (Allowed one personal letter, but not from a family member) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (MUST PROVIDE PROOF BY FIRST DAY OF CLASS) – (SEE LAST PAGE FOR DETAILS) Completion of Zoology 145, Intro Anatomy & Physiology (or equivalent basic anatomy/physiology course) with a grade of "C" or better. Paramedic Preparation (EME-175, EME-175 Lab) with a grade of “B” or better Minimum of 1040 hours paid work experience as an out of hospital EMT. (This is equal to six months full-time employment) The application is to be submitted to the EME office in a manila file folder by Friday, April 8, 2016 at 4:30pm. Failure to follow instructions could cause your packet to be rejected. EVALUATION PROCESS (Two steps) (All dates are subject to change) 1. EMS Written Entrance Exam: Exams will be given at the Palomar College Escondido Center. Attend one day only: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - Palomar College Escondido Center – Room # 822 at 12:30 pm OR Thursday, April 14, 2016 - Palomar College Escondido Center – Room # 822 at 12:30 pm The Written Exams will consist of the following: EMT level knowledge exam with a minimum score of 80%. Medical terminology/Math exam with a minimum average score of 70%. (A Medical terminology class or self-study preparation is recommended prior to this test). Please bring the following items with you to the entrance exams: A small 100 question scantron sheet. A large 200 question scantron sheet. A #2 pencil. 2. Oral interview: The interviews will be given at the Palomar College Escondido Center. You will schedule your interview appointment on the day of the entrance exams. Attend one day only: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (by appointment) OR Thursday, April 21, 2016 (by appointment) The oral interview will consist of being scored on the following: EMT skills performance Pathophysiology questions. SELECTION PROCEDURE: Students with a completed application packet and that meet minimum requirements (including successful testing) will be interviewed. The selection committee will recommend candidates for admission. Students will be ranked on a point system based on admission criteria, written examinations and the oral interview. SCHEDULE: The Academy is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and is scheduled to be approximately 9 months in length. Some portions of the class will be held up to 5 days per week. You will receive a schedule upon admittance to the Academy to allow for planning your schedule. Paramedic Start Date: Monday, August 22, 2016 (Tentative) 0830 - 1700 every didactic class meeting. 0800 – 1700 every lab day Paramedic Orientation (Mandatory): Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 8:30am the Palomar College Escondido Center in room ESC-824. Class locations include the Palomar College Escondido campus, and assigned Clinical/ Field locations. CONDUCT: The Academy is run in a paramilitary fashion. Candidates are expected to adhere to strict rules of conduct. Appearance and grooming standards are enforced. All questions regarding Academy operations and expectations will be answered during the mandatory Academy Orientation after appointment to the Academy. PHYSICAL HEALTH: Once accepted into the program, you must provide proof that you have had a recent physical exam and recent immunizations. The immunizations we require are as follows: Current Tuberculosis test (within one year) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Varicella (Chicken Pox) TDaP within 10 (ten) years Hepatitis B Current flu vaccination The immunization paperwork will be given to you upon acceptance. The physical and immunizations are due by Fri., Sep. 2, 2016 BACKGROUND CHECK Upon acceptance into the program you will be given information regarding a background check. Cost for this is approximately $100.00 and must be completed according to the instructions on the attached sheet. This MUST be complete before the semester begins. EXPENSES: The Academy participant can expect to pay approximately $4,200.00 in costs for enrollment. These costs cover tuition, books, certifications, uniforms, and a non-refundable materials fee. (See attached list for breakdown of fees.) We look forward to your participation in the Paramedic Academy program and in helping you succeed in your EMS Career. If you have any questions about the application process please contact Mary J. Reed at (760) 744-1150 EXT 8150 or visit the EME web site at www.palomar.edu/eme . Good luck. PALOMAR COLLEGE PARAMEDIC PROGRAM COSTS ESTIMATES 1st Semester Unit Cost Total Cost EME Classes Materials fee 206L Materials fee 207L FISDAP Registration* Books Background Check Health/Accident Fee Parking Permit 20.5 Units @$46.00/unit $943.00 $45.00 $140.00 $55.00 $500.00 $100.00 $20.00 $40.00 Uniforms* Patch $3.00 each (x3) $9.00 T shirts$15.00 each (x2) Sweatshirt $25.00 each (x2) Uniform pants/shirt ($76.00 each) x 3 Boots $30.00 $50.00 $228.00 $150.00 $25.00-$50.00 $50.00 Total $2360.00 2nd Semester Unit Cost Total Cost EME Classes Materials fee 208L Materials fee 210 Materials fee 215 Books Health/Accident Fee Parking Permit Graduation Fee Uniforms National Registry Practical test National Registry Written Exam* (after course completion ) State skills test* Fingerprinting* (After course completion) State License Fee* (After course completion) County Accreditation* (After course completion) 23.5 Units @$46.00/unit $1081.00 $15.00 $4.00 $5.00 $10.00 $20.00 $40.00 $25.00 $35.00 $175.00 Optional fees - Stethoscope, goggles, gloves, penlight, BP cuff, CPR pocket mask, trauma shears approximate cost Some states charge additional $49. Clinical Packet Field Packet Approximate $50.00 Total $175.00 $42.00 $180.00 $17.00 $1874.00 Grand Total $4234.00 The textbooks can be purchased online at www.efollett.com and Amazon.com (Approximately $500.00 for the Spring semester books). The title is called Paramedic Care: Principles and Practice . It is a 7-volume set with 7 workbooks. These items can also be purchased as real texts or as e-books. Please note these prices are based on purchasing new supplies, some of which can be purchased from previous students. These prices do not include physical, immunizations, notebooks, papers, pens, pencils, meals & transportation. All applicants are eligible to apply for Federal Financial Aid and the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver. * Fees established by outside agencies. All items subject to change and tax. BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION NOTE: DO NOT INITIATE THE BACKGROUND CHECK UNTIL ACCEPTED TO THE PARAMEDIC PROGRAM AND ADVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROCEED. A background investigation must be completed prior to your rotation to any clinical experience. Students are responsible for payment of their background investigation, and American DataBank must conduct the investigation. If a Palomar College Paramedic Student is denied access to a clinical site by the clinical agency, the student may be unable to continue in the program. BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Go to website http://www.palomaremebackgroundcheck.com and read the information printed there. Print out the Disclosure and Authorization Form and sign it (at the bottom of the web page) & give to Ally no later than Monday, August, 1, 2016. On the background check web site you then order the background check which is: Package 1: Basic Background Check Package Price: $65.00 (Additional charges may be added) Once your application is complete you will be sent a confirmation email. Forward the confirmation email to Ally Do at ado@palomar.edu Application information Step 1: Applicant Information Please enter your name, date of birth, social security number, phone number and email address. Step 2: Residential History Provide your 7 year residential history including state, city, ZIP code & the date range at the address. Step 3: Payment Provide payment for your background check by credit card or money order. Step 4: Drug Screen (done independent and must be complete before start of class) o A Chain of Custody Drug Screen Request is included in this packet (press firmly when you fill it out). A phone number is provided to find location of the collection site closest to you. (Not all labs do this, Oceanside and Rancho Peñasquitos do) o Note: If you are paying by money order, the Chain of Custody Drug Screen Request will not be available until the money order has been processed by American DataBank. o Bring in last page (donor copy) of your drug screen or receipt strip to the EME office. o Do not drink excessive quantities of water prior to test as this will give a diluted result which will cause you to re-test (and re-pay) SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THE DRUG SCREENING TEST The drug screen form must be taken to a Quest Laboratory designated by American DataBank. The laboratory has requested that no small children be brought to the lab when having your testing done. This would include infants. No one is allowed in the testing area other than the applicant. Turn the following in to Ally Do no later than Aug. 1, 2016: o o o Disclosure Form for American Databank Forward of email that confirms your request to American Databank Last page (donor copy) of drug screen paperwork or receipt strip. CHECKLIST OF APPLICATION MATERIALS TO SUBMIT TO EME AFTER SUBMITTING THE ONLINE APPLICATON – READ CAREFULLY 2 ORIGINAL PASSPORT PHOTOS (NO COPIES PLEASE) COPY OF VALID EMT-B CARD – (MUST REMAIN CURRENT THROUGH PROGRAM) COPY OF VALID CPR CARD – (MUST REMAIN CURRENT THROUGH PROGRAM) COPY OF VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE – (MUST REMAIN CURRENT THROUGH PROGRAM) EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTATION LETTER – (MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ORIGINAL ON LETTERHEAD) THREE REFERENCE LETTERS – (MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ORIGINALS ON LETTERHEAD) ASSESSMENT EXAM SCORES – READING, ENGLISH, MATH (CANNOT BE OVER 2 YEARS OLD) OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL/GED TRANSCRIPTS OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY COURSE PARAMEDIC PREP COURSE EMT TRAINING