Last week, the national director and board of the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians gathered at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville to watch a mock scenario exam for paramedic students.
Gwinnett Tech has the only paramedic program in Georgia accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions. In 2009, Gwinnett Tech was selected with eight other schools to pilot better ways to test paramedics who are seeking national registry certification. The certification is required for licensure in Georgia, and by 2013 paramedic students will be required to graduate from an accredited program to be eligible to even take the national registry exam.
While many Georgia schools are seeking that accreditation, Gwinnett Tech’s program was just reaccredited for five years.
“We’re trendsetters in Georgia, and I’m proud to be chosen for this pilot program. Our data will be combined with those from the other schools to determine paramedic education and standards in the future,” said Allan Dalrymple, program director of emergency services education at Gwinnett Tech.
Gwinnett Tech’s program has always been ahead of the curve, Dalrymple said. “The national pass rate for the national registry exam is 70 percent, but our pass rate is 93 [percent] to 100 percent.”
Gwinnett Tech accepts 20 to 25 students in its paramedic technology program each fall. The college offers both a diploma and an associate degree program in paramedic technology.
Students graduate about 17 months later, after completing medical and core courses, and 450 to 500 hours of clinical training.
Applicants must be licensed EMTs and are required to have completed prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, English, math, psychology, computers and medical terminology.
“They’ll need an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree to get promoted or move into management in the fire service or with hospitals,” Dalrymple said.
Students attend classes two days a week, which allows firefighters to work. They study patient assessment, applied physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology and various forms of medical and traumatic emergency care. They receive specialty training in treating pediatric, obstetric and geriatric patients.
“Our students wear uniforms and they must act professionally tell them that I’m their boss and I expect them to treat training as they would a job,” said Dalrymple, who has worked in emergency services since 1974.
“Not everyone is cut out for this,” he said. “You have to be able to handle stress and have a high level of commitment and compassion.
“You are going to meet people on the worst day of their lives. Death and dying are part of the job. You have to want to help people.”
For those with the personality and skills, there are plenty of opportunities.
“Last year Grady Memorial Hospital offered all our graduates jobs with $4,000 signing bonuses. The fire services are hiring as well,” Dalrymple said. “There is always a demand for well-trained paramedics, and employers know our program’s reputation.”
Average salaries in metro Atlanta range from about $33,000 to $43,000 a year, plus benefits, according to salary.com.
Total cost for the paramedic program is about $11,000. Many students are eligible for the HOPE scholarship or HOPE grant, and other scholarships are available.
There’s a monthly information session for prospective students. To learn more, call 678-226-6751 or go to www.gwinnetttech.edu.
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