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Emergency Medical Services Education Programs

Emergency Medical Responder - Emergency Medical Technician - Advanced EMT - Paramedic - EMS Instructor

 

 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Summer I EMT @ UIHC

Mondays and Wednesdays May 13 - July 17

Summer II EMT @ UIHC

Tuesdays and Thursdays June 18 - August 13

Advanced EMT

Thursdays May 9 - August 1 (Orientation April 25 and Field Internship August 1 to September 19)

Fall 2024 Paramedic

Starts August 24, 2024 (Mandatory orientation August 16)

 

EMS Instructor Course (Coming Fall 2024 - registration will open Spring 2024)

The EMSLRC is a State of Iowa authorized EMS training program (#18) providing initial education programs for Medical First Responders (EMR), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMT) and Paramedics. EMT classes are offered in a 16-week format in the fall and spring, and in an 8-week format in the summer. Two paramedic cohorts are seated each year, one each in the fall and spring. An AEMT class is held each summer, and EMR classes are held offsite upon request.

EMS Education Human Dignity Statement

The uniqueness of all individuals participating in Emergency Medical Services education is recognized, as well as their diversity, which can be a resource that enriches the learning environment through sharing of differing perspectives. As such, an equal learning opportunity is provided to all participants of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics EMSLRC education programs.

This is supported by:

Ensuring equal opportunity to all students, faculty, and staff.
Prohibiting all discrimination and harassment.
Encouraging students, faculty, staff, and preceptors to communicate and behave in a manner that is sensitive to, and acknowledges, the viewpoints of others.
Regarding diversity as a resource that enriches the learning environment through the sharing of differing perspectives, experiences and ideas.
Removing barriers to teamwork through collaboration, problem solving and the constructive resolution of conflicts.
Adherence with the Discrimination, Intimidation, and Sexual Harassment policies of the University of Iowa.

Students, faculty, staff, and preceptors are expected to treat each other with respect at all times.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Course Description

The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge to perform immediate lifesaving care for patients who access the emergency medical services system. Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also assist higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. The EMR is a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. Under medical oversight, Emergency Medical Responders perform basic interventions with minimal equipment. Successful completion of the course requirements will qualify the participant to complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam at the EMR level and the Iowa EMR psychomotor exam which leads to State of Iowa certification as an EMR.

The EMR program is primarily offered off-site and on demand and a minimum number of participants is required, Organizations seeking an EMR class may contact the EMSLRC at 319-356-2597 for more information.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Course Description

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Education Program is conducted on the UIHC campus during the fall and spring semesters, meeting Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The EMT program is a hybrid course where the lecture materials are delivered online and EMT skills are taught and practiced during face-to-face class meetings. As readings and instructional materials are provided online, this program will require a considerable independent study commitment from the student. An evening section of the EMT course is offered at select off-site locations meeting two nights-per-week from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.

Goal

To prepare Emergency Medical Technicians who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Summer EMT Academy

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy is conducted on campus during the summer terms, meeting two, eight-hour days each week for eight weeks. The EMT program meets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. The EMT program is a hybrid course where the lecture materials are delivered online. The program is fast-paced and as readings and traditional lecture materials are provided online, this program will require a considerable independent study commitment from the student. The Summer 1 session is recommended for those who wish to be considered for admission to the same year Fall Paramedic program.

EMT Online

The EMSLRC offers an online EMT program during the fall and spring semesters. The classroom portion of the EMT program is provided online including reading assignments, discussions, and recorded presentations. Skills are taught during seven mandatory skills days, approximately every two weeks during the semester. There is also an optional skills day at the end of the program for students who desire more practice of need to make up skills. Some synchronous Zoom meetings may be required.

Program Overview

The EMSLRC EMT program follows the National EMS Education Standards. The course consists of online delivery and classroom and skills lab time that includes skills instructions, scenarios, and simulations. The student must schedule clinical experience outside of class time including a hospital emergency department rotation and two EMS rotations. Successful completion of the course requirements will qualify the participant to complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam at the EMT level and the Iowa basic psychomotor exam which leads to State of Iowa certification as an EMT. Out-of-state applicants should check with their state regarding requirements for reciprocity or recognition of EMSLRC training and NREMT certification at the EMT level.

Admission Criteria

Admission requirements for this program include:

• Evidence that the applicant is at least 17 years of age upon entrance.*
• Be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing the English language.*
• Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the cognitive and psychomotor components of the examination with reasonable and appropriate accommodations for those persons with documented disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).*
• Completion of the course application form in its entirety and submit a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
• Upon acceptance, pay the non-refundable $350 seat reservation fee (deducted from tuition).
• Paid seat fees are placed on the course roster on a first come-first-serve basis.
• Complete a background check prior to entering clinicals
• Submission of the University of Iowa Health Science Student Health Screen and a Student Health Immunization Form
*State of Iowa regulatory requirement. See IAC 641-139.4(4)

Program Tuition

An application fee of $50.00 is due upon application to the EMT program. This application fee is not refundable unless the program is cancelled. The tuition for the EMT program is $1,600.00 which includes handouts, lab supplies, disposable items, textbook, online applications access, and uniform shirt. All tuition fees are due no later than the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made through the EMSLRC Business Office. Applicants who are accepted into the program must confirm their attendance and pay a $350.00 non-refundable seat deposit that is applied to the program tuition. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the EMSLRC. There is an online option available for payment by credit card.

Unless otherwise indicated by the program, all additional uniform items, tools and equipment for personal use, parking, testing fees, and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student. Travel and transportation to and from class and to clinical and field sites is the sole responsibility of the student. As of September 16, 2020, the State of Iowa requires an Iowa DCI and FBI background check prior to state certification as an EMT (see Iowa Administrative Rules 641-131.3(147A); 641-131.6(6)). A certification fee of $30.00 and a background check fee of $50.00 will be due to the Iowa Department of Public Health upon making the certification application. Current cognitive exam testing fees can be obtained from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (www.nremt.org). Psychomotor exam fees for the first full attempt are waived if the student tests at a regularly scheduled EMT psychomotor exam.

 

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)

Course Description

The three-phase Advanced EMT (AEMT) program consists of 12 weeks of classroom training in the EMS Learning Resources Center (EMSLRC). The course is offered online, with skills laboratory and simulation sessions held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Additionally, there are hospital clinical rotations that start in the fifth week of the classroom phase, and a precepted 8-week field internship after the online and skills lab training and completion of clinical skills. Clinical and field shifts are scheduled outside of class time based on the student’s schedule. Internships are available at several approved sites within Iowa. Upon successful completion of the course, student candidates will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written examination leading to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and State of Iowa certification as an AEMT. Out-of-state applicants should check with their state regarding requirements for reciprocity or recognition of training received at the EMSLRC.

Goal

To prepare Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Admission Criteria

Admission requirements for this program include:

• Submission of an application and one letter of reference.
• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma, GED, or an unofficial college transcript*
• Ability to read, write, and speak English*
• Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the cognitive and psychomotor components of the examination with reasonable and appropriate accommodations for those persons with documented disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)*
• Active Iowa EMT certification upon enrollment*
• Copy of a current driver license or government-issued ID
• Obtain course required criminal background check prior to the first day of class.
• Obtain a 10-panel drug test no later than the start of class.
• Submit clinical health requirements to UI Student Health prior to the start of class.
• Computer access (with audio and video), with internet access, camera, and microphone (capable of working with remote meetings, i.e., Zoom), email, and printer for homework
• Attend a mandatory 4-hour orientation session.
*State of Iowa regulatory requirement. See IAC 641-139.4(4)

Program Tuition

An application fee of $50.00 is due upon application to the AEMT program. This application fee is not refundable unless the program is cancelled. The tuition for the AEMT program is $2,100.00 which includes handouts, lab supplies, disposable items, textbooks, online applications access, and a uniform shirt. All tuition fees are due no later than the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made through the EMSLRC Business Office. Applicants who are accepted into the program must confirm their attendance and pay a $350.00 non-refundable seat deposit that is applied to the program tuition. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the EMSLRC. There is an online option available for payment by credit card.

Unless otherwise indicated by the program, all additional uniform items, tools and equipment for personal use, parking, testing fees, and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student. Travel and transportation to and from class and to clinical and field sites is the sole responsibility of the student. As of September 16, 2020, the State of Iowa requires an Iowa DCI and FBI background check prior to state certification as an AEMT (see Iowa Administrative Rules 641-131.3(147A); 641-131.6(6)). A certification fee of $30.00 and a background check fee of $50.00 will be due to the Iowa Department of Public Health upon making the certification application. Current cognitive exam testing fees can be obtained from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (www.nremt.org).

Paramedic Education Program

Course Description

The EMSLRC Paramedic program is designed to educate individuals currently certified and licensed at the EMT or AEMT level to provide advanced emergency medical care and transportation to victims of serious illness or injury. This course is nationally accredited and follows the 2009 and 2021 National EMS Education Standards. This three-semester program consists of two semesters of classroom training with a minimum of 284 hours of supervised hospital clinical time. Following completion of the classroom and clinical experience, there is a minimum of 360 hours of supervised paramedic internship. The Paramedic program is offered twice per year with cohorts starting in January and August. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry paramedic examinations which leads to Iowa certification as a Paramedic. Out-of-state applicants should check with their state regarding requirements for reciprocity or recognition of paramedic training received at the EMSLRC.

The classroom portion of the program will be held from 0830 to 1630 on a "shift-friendly" schedule. Following a three-week rotation, class will meet Monday and Thursday of the first week, Wednesday the second week, and Tuesday and Friday of the third week following the University of Iowa academic calendar. Most clinical rotations will be scheduled by the student concurrently with the winter semester; however, several foundational rotations will be completed in the fall semester. Field internship will be scheduled by the student during the final semester. 

Accreditation

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics EMSLRC paramedic program 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).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

To contact CoAEMSP:
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org

Goal

To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Admission Criteria

Admission requirements for this program include:

  • Submission of an application and one letter of reference.
  • At least 17 years of age*
  • High school diploma, GED, or an unofficial college transcript*
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English*
  • Be able to meet the minimum requirements for the cognitive and psychomotor components of the examination with reasonable and appropriate accommodations for those persons with documented disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)*
  • Active Iowa EMT or AEMT certification upon start of the program*
  • Copy of a current driver license or government-issued ID
  • Completion of the pre-admission interview process.
    • Field site visit and panel interview
    • Wonderlic® test score of 18 or greater.
    • Completion of an EMT knowledge test.
  • Obtain course required criminal background check prior to the first day of class.
  • Obtain a 10-panel drug test no later than 14 days after the start of class.
  • Submit clinical health requirements to UI Student Health no later than 14 days after the start of class.
  • Apply to the University of Iowa. Once accepted and registered in the EMSLRC program pay the mandatory university student fees for each semester while enrolled in the program.
  • Computer access (with audio and video), with internet access, camera and microphone (capable of working with remote meetings, i.e. Zoom), email, and printer for homework

*State of Iowa regulatory requirement. See IAC 641-139.4(4)

Program Tuition

An application fee of $50.00 is due upon application to the Paramedic program. This application fee is not refundable unless the program is cancelled. The tuition for the Paramedic program is $9,000.00 which includes handouts, lab supplies, disposable items, textbook package, online applications access, and uniforms. All tuition fees are due no later than the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made through the EMSLRC Business Office. Applicants who are accepted into the program must confirm their attendance and pay a $500.00 non-refundable seat deposit that is applied to the program tuition. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the EMSLRC. There is an online option available for payment by credit card.

Unless otherwise indicated by the program, all additional uniform items, tools and equipment for personal use, parking, testing fees, and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student. Travel and transportation to and from class and to clinical and field sites is the sole responsibility of the student. As of September 16, 2020, the State of Iowa requires an Iowa DCI and FBI background check prior to state certification as a Paramedic (see Iowa Administrative Rules 641-131.3(147A); 641-131.6(6)). A certification fee of $30.00 and a background check fee of $50.00 will be due to the Iowa Department of Public Health upon making the certification application. Current cognitive exam testing fees can be obtained from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (www.nremt.org).

 

 

Information for Paramedic Applicants

Paramedic Program Handbook  PDF icon Paramedic Handbook_2024v1.0 Spring.pdf:

Information for Applicants

Admissions Process

Applicants to the EMSLRC Paramedic program must participate in an application process. The process consists of completion of an application followed by an interview and testing process. The interview and testing is a three-day process with a meet and greet on the evening of the first day. The second day consists of a ride-along at a program field agency where the applicant will have the opportunity to observe EMS operations and interact with the crew. The third day involves completion of an EMT knowledge test, the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam, and a panel interview with program staff and leadership from our EMS field agencies.

Following the application process, the applicant will be advised of their application status and if they will be accepted into the program. Upon acceptance into the program, the applicant must pay a $500 non-refundable fee to accept the seat and secure a place in the program.

Technical Standards

Clear academic and technical standards assure that decisions concerning entrance for all students are based upon non-discriminatory criteria.  Federal law requires the provision of reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities who possess “the academic and technical (non-academic) standards” for admission or participation in the EMS programs and courses.  In courses where enrollment is limited and based on selective criteria, having clearly spelled out academic and technical standards assures the absence of discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities who have succeeded with reasonable accommodations.  Having technical standards available also assists potential applicants with or without disabilities to assess their ability to succeed in the program and the EMS Profession.  Technical Standards for admission are all non-academic criteria that are essential to participate in the EMS program.  These technical standards include personal and professional attributes, skills, knowledge, physical, medical, safety, and other requirements that an individual must meet to be eligible for admission to and retention in the EMS program.

Students admitted to the EMS program are expected to be able to complete curriculum requirements which include physical, cognitive, and affective core competencies that are essential to the functions of the entry level EMS provider.  These core competencies are the minimum and essential skills necessary to protect the public.  These abilities are encountered in unique combinations in the provision of safe and effective EMS care.  Progression in the program may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

General Knowledge and Skills required of all EMS Personnel

  • Ability to communicate verbally via telephone and radio equipment.
  • Ability to lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
  • Ability to interpret written, oral and diagnostic information.
  • Ability to use good judgement and remain calm in high-stress situations.
  • Ability to work effectively in an environment with loud noises and flashing lights.
  • Ability to function efficiently throughout an entire work shift.
  • Ability to calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print under both life-threatening and time constraints.
  • Ability to read and understand English language manuals and GPS/road maps.
  • Ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers.
  • Ability to interview patients, family members and bystanders.
  • Ability to document, in writing, all relevant scene and patient information.

Cognitive:

  • Recall, collect, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information from a variety of sources.
  • Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data.
  • Problem-solve and think critically to apply knowledge and skill.
  • Communicate verbally, and through reading and writing, with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Relay information in oral and written form effectively, accurately, reliably, and intelligibly to individuals and groups, using the English language.

Examples of learning activities found in the EMS curriculum and related to industry standards:

  • Process information thoroughly and quickly to prioritize and implement EMS care.
  • Sequence or cluster data to determine patient needs.
  • Develop and implement an EMS plan of care for patients in the pre-hospital setting.
  • Differentiate fine/subtle differences in medical word endings.
  • Report verbally and in writing patient data to members of the healthcare team.
  • Perform math computations for medication dosage, calculations/computations both with and without a calculator.

Physical:

  • Coordinate fine and gross motor movements.
  • Coordinate hand/eye movements.
  • Maintain balance from any position.
  • Navigate level surfaces, ramps, and stairs.
  • Function with both hands free for performing psychomotor tasks.
  • Maneuver in small, confined areas.
  • Attend to cognitive and psychomotor tasks for up to 48 hours.

Examples of learning activities found in the EMS curriculum and related to industry standards:

  • Transfer patients in and out of bed from stretchers and wheelchairs.
  • Control a fall by slowly lowering the patient to the floor.
  • Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Lift or move (turn, position) patient or objects, pull or push objects, weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Reach to shoulder or higher level to place or access equipment such as intravenous fluid bags, bend or squat to access equipment.
  • Carry equipment and supplies to the patient location.
  • Manipulate small equipment and containers, such as syringes, vials, ampules and medication packages, to administer medications.
  • Dispose of needles in a sharps container.
  • Complete assigned periods of practice (24-48-hour shifts, days, evenings, or nights).

Sensory:

  • Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences, including but not limited to information conveyed through online coursework, lecture, small group activities, demonstrations, and application experiences.
  • Collect information through observation, listening, touching, and smelling.
  • Use and interpret information from diagnostic maneuvers.

Examples of learning activities found in the EMS curriculum and related to industry standards:

  • Detect changes in skin color or condition (pale, ashen, grey, or bluish).
  • Draw up a prescribed quantity of medication into a syringe.
  • Detect sounds related to bodily functions using a stethoscope.
  • Observe and collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in patient care.
  • Communicate with patients and members of the healthcare team in person and over the phone/radio in a variety of settings. 
  • Detect foul orders of bodily fluids, the environment, and spoiled foods.
  • Detect changes in skin temperature.
  • Detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing devices used in patient care.
  • Detect anatomical abnormalities, such as subcutaneous crepitus, edema or infiltrated intravenous fluids.
  • Feel sensations such as an arterial pulse.

Behavioral:

  • Demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
  • Maintain effective, mature, and sensitive relationships with others.
  • Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with others or the learning environment.
  • Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and tolerance.

Examples of learning activities found in the EMS curriculum and related to industry standards:

  • Exercise judgement to meet acceptable timeframes for patient care delivery (acceptable timeframes are reflected by the ability to carry out the usual patient care assignment for a particular point in the program within the allotted clinical time), work effectively under stress, and adapt to rapidly changing patient care environments.
  • Accept accountability for actions that resulted in patient care errors.
  • Deal effectively with interpersonal conflict if it arises; maintain effective and harmonious relationships with members of the healthcare team.

Participant Health and Safety

Provision of emergency medical services poses inherent occupational risks for EMS responders. These risks include violence, assaults, verbal threats and aggression,  motor vehicle crashes, infectious diseases, lifting injuries, sprains and strains, psychological trauma, hazardous chemical response and exposures, and exposure to extremes of cold and heat. Good physical health is necessary for an individual to maintain the pace and physical demands of this field. 

Advanced Placement, Credit Transfer, and Experiential Learning

The EMSLRC does not offer advanced placement for healthcare practitioners (physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, etc.). The program does not provide credit for work experience, military training, or medic experience, or for previous paramedic education or courses.

College Credit

Participants in the Paramedic education program are also enrolled as students at the University of Iowa as non-degree seeking students through an agreement with the Carver College of Medicine and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Upon successful completion of the program, the participant is eligible to receive 30 semester hours to be applied as elective credit towards an undergraduate degree awarded by the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Paramedic students are charged the mandatory university fees for each semester they are enrolled in the program. These fees are paid to the University and not to the EMSLRC.

Estimated Costs             

Paramedic Program (Paid to Program)  $8,000.00
Texts and uniforms   $1,000.00
Additional uniforms* $200.00
Clinical Health Requirements:** Varies
Background Check and Drug Screen: $100.00
University Fees (for 30 credit hr) $1,800.00
TOTAL: $11,100.00
NREMT Written Exams (Post-course) $125.00
Iowa Certification Application $30.00
Iowa DCI/FBI Background Check $50.00

*Uniforms include shirts and outerwear. Students are required to attend class in serviceable, presentable uniforms but are not mandated to purchase any minimum number.

**This will vary by student depending upon current health status, availability of past vaccination records, and any applicable health insurance. An individual’s costs to meet requirements may be considerably more or less.

Tuition and Financial Information

An application fee of $50.00 is due upon application to the Paramedic program. This application fee is not refundable unless the program is cancelled. The tuition for the Paramedic program is $8,000.00 which includes handouts, lab supplies, and disposable items. An additional $1,000 is charged for the text package and associated access keys. All tuition fees are due no later than the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made through the EMSLRC Business Office. Applicants who are accepted into the program must confirm their attendance and pay a $500.00 non-refundable seat deposit that is applied to the program tuition. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the EMSLRC.

Any student who becomes greater than 60 days past due to the EMSLRC on outstanding invoices will be placed on administrative probation and may not participate in clinical activities until the outstanding balance has been paid. Students may not take the final didactic exam or begin field internship until the balance of the entire tuition is paid. In the event of a payment plan, a breach of the terms of the payment plan will result in the suspension and expulsion of the student from the program.

Unless otherwise indicated by the program, all uniforms, texts, tools, and equipment for personal use (stethoscopes, penlights, etc.), parking, testing fees, and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student. As of September 16, 2020, the State of Iowa requires an Iowa DCI and FBI background check prior to state certification as a Paramedic (see Iowa Administrative Rules 641-131.3(147A); 641-131.6(6)). A certification fee of $30.00 and a background check fee of $50.00 will be due to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of EMS upon making the certification application. Current cognitive exam testing fees can be obtained from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (www.nremt.org). Travel and transportation to and from class and to clinical and field sites is the sole responsibility of the student.

Veterans Administration Benefits

Veterans who are eligible for Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment or Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are considered covered individuals for the purpose of this policy. Any covered individual may attend or participate in this course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33.  A certificate of eligibility includes a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes and ending on the earlier of the following dates: 1) the date on which payment from VA is made to the institution or 2) 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

Covered individuals under this policy will not incur any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or a requirement to borrow additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33.

Covered individuals shall submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education and cooperate with the University veterans benefits coordinating staff to provide the additional information necessary for the proper certification of enrollment by the educational institution. The program may require additional payment for any amount that is the difference between the financial obligation of the student and the amount of VA benefit disbursement. In the event that a covered student voluntarily withdraws or is withdrawn from the program, the student will be responsible for any amount the program is required to refund to the VA for the student’s failure to complete the program.

Withdrawal and Readmission

Students who voluntarily withdraw from the program or who are unable to meet the academic requirements of the program and are asked to withdraw are eligible for a refund of tuition according to the following schedule:

  • Within the first week of class:                     80%
  • Within the second week of class:               50%
  • Within the third week of class:                   30%
  • Within the fourth week of class:                10%
  • After the fourth week of class:                      0%

Students who are requested to withdraw from the program are not eligible for readmission into the current course, and students who have withdrawn for acceptable personal reasons may reapply for admission into a subsequent course with approval of the program director. Readmission to the training program may be only at an appropriate time in the curriculum and as decided by the program director.

EMSLRC reserves the right to request withdrawal of any student whose conduct, academic achievement, clinical work or field work is not satisfactory or in compliance with the policies contained in this manual or the policies of the clinical/field site. Students who were dismissed from the class due to poor academic achievement may be given the opportunity to enroll in a subsequent paramedic class. This will be at the discretion of the program director and availability of class space. A student who is dismissed from the program for disciplinary or academic reasons, or who fails to withdraw by making written notification to the program director in accordance with the timeframes above, will be responsible for the full program tuition, and is not entitled to any refund.

EMS Instructor Course

Course Description

The EMS Instructor course is a 40-hour course that follows the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Iowa Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services (BEMTS) for EMS Instructor training. Completion of this course enables the successful participant to meet one of the requirements for EMS instruction and course coordination for Iowa EMS training entities. Students who are planning to use this course towards instructor certification in another state should check with the EMS office in that state to determine transferability of the coursework. This is a non-credit, continuing education course that is offered entirely online.

Program Overview

This is a 100% online, asynchronous course meaning that the students and instructors may not be online at the same time. The program is divided into ten modules with each module lasting one week. Each week will start at 12:00 a.m. on Monday and end at 11:59 p.m. on the following Sunday Central Standard Time. Students should expect to spend at least four to six hours-per-week on the required readings, research, and course assignments. This course does not cover any clinical content related to the practice of EMS professionals. Each applicant to the EMS Instructor program must be currently licensed or certified as an EMS provider (EMT, AEMT, Paramedic), RN, PA, or physician. A minimum of two years of experience in prehospital or emergency medicine is required.

The program will culminate with a peer-reviewed capstone project presentation and a final written examination. Students will be required to complete a monitored and evaluated student teaching assignment arranged through a state-approved initial training program of their choice. Sponsorship by an Iowa EMS training program and completion of an Iowa HSS BEMTS state-conducted instructor workshop is required to gain state endorsement as an EMS Instructor. Enrollment in the EMS Instructor program does not imply that the EMSLRC will provide sponsorship for BEMTS endorsement.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Be currently certified as an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic and/or
  • Be a currently licensed physician, registered nurse, or physician assistant
  • Submit a completed online application and pay the $50 registration fee
  • Be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing the English language
  • Have a computer and internet access

Program Tuition

The tuition for the EMS Instructor program is $450.00 which includes the textbook and online access. All tuition fees are due no later than the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made through the EMSLRC Business Office. Applicants who are accepted into the program must confirm their attendance and pay a $75.00 non-refundable seat deposit that is applied to the program tuition in order to receive the text and online access. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the EMSLRC. There is an online option available for payment by credit card.

Unless otherwise indicated by the program, all additional uniform items, tools and equipment for personal use, parking, testing fees, and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student.

 

PARAMEDIC EDUCATION PROGRAM OUTCOMES

 Year  

Students Graduates Retention Placement NREMT 1st NREMT 3rd
2023 17 16 96% 94% 100% 100%
2022 15 11 73.3% 100% 82% 100%
2021 18 18 94% 100% 89% 94%*
2020 28 19 68% 100% 95% 100%

* 1 graduate did not complete testing

EMT PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Year Students Graduates Retention NREMT 1st NREMT 3rd
2023 89 76 85% 73%**  80%**
2022 101 88 82% 91% 95%
2021 100 88 88% 89% 91%
2020 95 68 71% 87% 92%

**YTD data