The St. Vincent Hospital Paramedic program is devoted to developing highly skilled and educated pre-hospital care providers. We continue to strive to create a program that is recognized statewide and nationally for excellence in paramedic education. The basic premises are high academic standards, a commitment to the field of pre-hospital emergency care, and a dedication to present and future students and paramedics. The program strives to be attentive to student needs by creating a stimulating academic environment where learning fosters future academic growth and challenges preconceived notions of pre-hospital emergency care. St. Vincent offers the following accredited emergency medical training programs:
We have a dedicated EMS Training Facility on the St. Vincent Indianapolis campus. In addition to accredited programming, our faculty also provides many types of continuing education programs relating to public safety and patient care.
The length of each EMS Program varies. To learn more about the application process and deadlines see the individual program description. Our mission is to provide education and training to EMT and paramedic students to successfully complete the comprehensive didactic and psychomotor process for certification and licensure.
At St. Vincent we offer a comprehensive approach to emergency and non-emergency patient care. EMS is a system, not an isolated entity. Our training will assist in preparing you for a career in private and public-sector emergency response organizations and clinical settings.
2021 Paramedic Application will be available in January 2021
2021 EMT Application will be available in August 2020
1361 Park St.
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
8301 Lakeview Pkwy
Rowlett, TX
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org
EMS Certifications [E239, IGCS]
302 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
317-232-6425
www.in.gov/dhs
St. Vincent EMS Education provides equal opportunity to all applicants. The programs are selective. We evaluate applicants based on merit without discrimination on the basis of age, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, marital status, gender, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Each EMS program level in the EMS Education Department has individual requirements for admission to the program. Class size is limited in each of the classes. To be considered for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old AND possess a high school diploma. All students must read, write, comprehend and speak the English language fluently. Students must be currently certified in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) at the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider level upon the course start date and maintain this certification throughout the program. Additionally, specific immunizations are required by St. Vincent EMS Education and the clinical affiliates such as TB skin testing, Influenza vaccine and others as recommended for the specific program. These immunizations protect both the student and the patients with which they come into contact. The student may be able to opt out of certain immunizations, due to health or religious reasons, if approved by the occupational health office at St. Vincent Hospital. Documentation must be provided prior to the start of the program in order to be considered.
Listed below are the admission requirements for each level. These are program specific and in addition to the St. Vincent EMS Education admission requirements.
| LEVEL | Driver’s License | Diploma / GED / College Transcript | Application | Essay | References | Written | Practical | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician | X | X | X | |||||
| Emergency Paramedic | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Individuals interested in any of our EMS programs must submit an application to be considered for acceptance into the respective program. Our class size is limited to ensure a strong student to faculty ratio.
All applicants receiving a contingent acceptance into a program must pass a physical exam, background check, and drug screening provided by St. Vincent Hospital.
For the EMT program, we accept applicants on a first come, first serve basis. If you meet the prerequisites and submit an application with a $20.00 fee, a seat will be reserved for you in the upcoming course. Three-course offerings are provided each year. To apply for the EMT program, contact megan.thiele@ascension.org and request an application.
Paramedic applicants must meet all prerequisites before beginning the application testing process. The testing process is very competitive and not every applicant who applies to the program will be selected. To learn more about the selection process, see “Emergency Paramedic Program” in this section.
To apply for the Paramedic Program call 317-338-7412 or email megan.thiele@ascension.org To be considered for admission the applicant must fill the application out in its entirety, and fulfill all specified requirements.
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a public servant profession within all communities across the United States. They are typically the first one to respond when a community member needs help. EMT’s care for the sick and injured in the field and people’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these individuals. EMT’s respond to emergency calls, performing medical services, and transporting patients to medical facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an EMT is $33,380.00/$16.05 an hour. The job market has a demand for EMT’s and this profession will continue to grow in the future. The St. Vincent EMS Education is dedicated to training EMT’s in Central Indiana and to maintain our high standard of education, St. Vincent EMS Education requires all students to attempt the cognitive exam administered through National Registry.
Upon successful completion of the course and certification examinations by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the student can function as an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic.
Reminders:
Classes meet at 6 pm at the EMS Education facility, 8220 Naab Rd, 2nd floor, Indianapolis IN 46260. During the May/Summer session, classes meet three times a week to help college students on summer break complete all coursework. [Note: This option is very popular, so apply early.]
Many of our graduates from the EMT program enroll immediately into other allied health or medical degree programs rather than working in the field as EMTs.
The St. Vincent EMT Program class size is limited to 20 students. To be considered for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old AND possess a high school diploma. All students must read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Students must be currently certified in CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) by an American Heart Association Healthcare provider at the time he or she starts the course.
Expenses
Tuition is $750 which does not include the required textbook and optional workbook.
Certification
Following successful completion of the course, program graduates are eligible for the State of Indiana Certification Examination and the National EMT Registry Examination. Application for the state certification is dependent upon passing this examination.
EMT classes are ongoing throughout the year.
| Course | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours | Clinical | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS 100 |
Prerequisite: American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers. |
112 | 36 | 72 | 7.5 |
| Total Credits Required | 10 | ||||
| Enrollment Year | Total enrollment # | Total Attrition | Percent Retention | # Grads to Date | Percent Licensure | Percent Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 76 | 79% | 34 | 89% | 35% | |
| 2014 | 77 | 75% | 35 | 83% | 36% | |
| 2015 | 64 | 66% | 29 | 70%* | 19%* | |
| 2017 | 59 | 40 | 68% | 40 | ||
| 2018 | 59 | 48 | 81% | 48 | ||
| 2019 | 63 | 53 | 84% | 53 |
Employment opportunities exist with ambulance services, fire and police departments, hospital emergency departments and clinics, as well as private industry.
An Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) is trained to assess and provide care in three major categories.
1st category: An EMT-B is trained to provide basic life support for critically ill and injured patients with such skills as airway management, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), controlling accessible bleeding, and treating for shock and poisoning.
2nd category: Training includes non-life-threatening conditions such as bandaging and splinting, delivering babies, and care of the newborn.
3rd category: Training covers non-medical requirements, including verbal and written communication skills, proper extrication techniques and equipment, and coping with medicolegal problems.
EMT Training is not limited to the previously given examples, but this description provides some idea of the scope of training.
The goal of the St. Vincent paramedic program is "to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medial Responder levels."
A paramedic is the highest trained pre-hospital health care professional. Emergency paramedic training is the logical next step for those who aim to learn how to apply advanced life support (ALS), especially in cardiovascular and pharmacology medical emergencies. This program includes certifications in ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, and AMLS.
Course content includes, but is not limited to, modules in the following areas:
Hospital clinical experiences include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
To be eligible for the St. Vincent Paramedic Program you must meet the following minimum requirements:
Submit a fully completed Paramedic Application pack with ALL required documents by the deadline date indicated on the application.
Once the application is processed and if you meet all requirements, you will receive a timetable for the testing phases and practical.
Upon completion of the application process, a "conditional acceptance" letter will be sent to candidates passing all elements of the testing phase. Candidates must pass a background check, physical exam, drug screening, and immunization screening. No candidate will be fully accepted into the program until all requirements have been met.
Fees
A $700.00 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance to the program and reserves the student's position in class and is applied to the first-semester tuition.
The Paramedic Program tuition is $5,600.00 for all four semesters.
Uniforms are the responsibility of the student.
Internet access is required.
The St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services paramedic course exceed the guidelines established by the US Department of Transportation and is approved by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The course is approximately 1,100 hours and takes an average of 12 to 15 months to complete. The course includes didactic instruction and clinical experiences in the hospital and an ambulance internship. The internet is also used for academic review, skill and clinical tracking.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student is eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination and receive Indiana certification as a paramedic. Application for the state certification is dependent upon passing this examination.
EMT-B experience in an ambulance setting is critical for success as a paramedic student. Applicants with little or no ambulance experience may still be admitted to the St. Vincent Paramedic Program. These applicants may be offered a performance contract before the start date of paramedic courses to get additional patient experience.
By signing a performance contract, the applicant agrees to participate in an experiential plan to enhance his or her experience by a prescribed field and clinical plan. The field and clinical time must be scheduled and completed before the beginning of the paramedic course in August.
Upon being accepted into the program, Paramedic classes meet twice per week during the day at the EMS Education Facility, 8220 Naab Rd, 2nd floor, Indianapolis IN 46260.
Ambulance and clinical field rotations are scheduled outside of classroom time. Field rotations are done with a certified paramedic crew. These 12 or 24- hour rotations include busy ambulance runs.
Some classes are occasionally held off campus when specialty training is required.
| Course | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours | Clinical | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS 160 |
A comprehensive Study of the physiology of human body organ systems as it relates to the provision of emergency medical care. This course also provides an overview of Common pathophysiological conditions encountered by the paramedic. Prerequisite: admission to the paramedic program. Parallel: EMS 161, 162, 163. Open only to paramedic students. |
136 | 0 | 0 | 9.0 |
| EMS 161 |
Introduction to the role and responsibilities of the paramedic, with an emphasis on workforce safety & wellness, social issues, crime scene awareness, EMS Operations & Incident Management, and Disaster Response & Terrorism. Prerequisite: admission to the paramedic program. Parallel: EMS 160, 162, 163. Open only to paramedic students. |
64 | 0 | 0 | 4.0 |
| EMS 162 |
Provides the student with advanced life support skills and techniques necessary to practice emergency medical care at the paramedic level. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163. Parallel: EMS 160, 161, 163, 164. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 48 | 0 | 1.5 |
| EMS 163 |
Provides the student with the opportunity to review basic life support management and practice communications and patient rapport in a controlled clinical environment. Prerequisite: admission to the paramedic program. Parallel: EMS 160, 161, 163. Open only to paramedic students. |
0 | 0 | 114 | 2.5 |
| EMS 164 |
Provides the student with practice in and evaluation of basic life support knowledge and skills, and practice in the operational management of pre-hospital advanced emergency care. Prerequisite: admission to the paramedic program. Parallel: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163. Open only to paramedic students. |
0 | 0 | 144 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits Required | 200 | 48 | 206 | 18.5 | |
| Course | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours | Clinical | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS 165 |
A comprehensive survey of drugs used in emergency medical care and an overview of common home medications. Topics include pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, drug dosages, calculation and administration, terminology, and legal considerations. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164. Parallel: EMS 166, 167, 168, 169. Open only to paramedic students. |
120 | 8 | 0 | 8.5 |
| EMS 166 |
Advanced study of pathophysiology , disease processes, evaluation and management of the respiratory system. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164. Parallel: EMS 165, 167, 168. Open to paramedic students only. |
24 | 40 | 0 | 2.5 |
| EMS 167 |
Students will learn basic electrophysiology of the cardiovascular system with a progressive approach to ECG interpretation. Electronic implantable devices and an introduction to ALS cardiac skills and patient assessment are also presented. Open to paramedic students only. |
68 | 8.0 | 0 | 4.5 |
| EMS 168 |
Provides the student with the opportunity to practice clinical skills in the assigned clinical areas such as the Emergency Department, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Surgery, Cadaver Lab, Intensive Care Units and others. Prerequisite: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164. Parallel: EMS 165, 166, 167, 169. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 0 | 114 | 2.5 |
| EMS 169 |
Provides the student with the opportunity to practice clinical skills and scene management in the pre-hospital environment. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164. Parallel: EMS 165, 166, 167, 168. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 0 | 132 | 2.5 |
| Total Credits Required | 212 | 56 | 246 | 20.5 | |
| Course | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours | Clinical | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS 270 |
Study of pathophysiology, disease processes, evaluation and management of the cardiovascular system. Management procedures include basic & 12 lead electrocardiogram interpretation, electrical and invasive therapeutic techniques of cardiovascular patient care. Advanced Life Support Certification (ACLS) Course is presented during this course. Prerequisite: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168. Parallel: EMS 271, 272. Open to paramedic students only. |
78 | 10 | 0 | 5.5 |
| EMS 271 |
Provides the student with the opportunity to practice clinical skills in the Emergency Department & other clinical opportunities appropriate to professional development of the paramedic. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169. Parallel: EMS 270, 272. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 0 | 50 | 1.0 |
| EMS 272 |
Provides the student with the opportunity to practice clinical skills and scene management in the pre-hospital environment. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169. Parallel: EMS 270, 271. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 0 | 120 | 2.5 |
| Total Credits Required | 78 | 10 | 170 | 9.0 | |
| Course | Course Title | Lecture Hours | Lab Hours | Clinical | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMS 273 |
Pathophysiology and treatment of medical and environmental emergencies. Topics include neurological trauma and disease, burns, bites and stings, substance abuse and toxicological emergencies, behavioral emergencies, hematology, OB and gynecological emergencies, pediatrics, gerontology, and communicable diseases. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 270, 271, 272. Parallel: EMS 274, 275. Open to paramedic students only. |
104 | 0 | 0 | 6.5 |
| EMS 274 |
A comprehensive course of principles of trauma care, advanced medical life support, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support. Upon successful completion the student will hold PHTLS, AMLS, and PALS certifications. This course will prepare the student to participate in the certification examinations for the emergency paramedic. Prerequisites : EMS 260, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 270, 271, 272. Parallel: EMS 273, 275. Open to paramedic students only. |
68 | 28 | 8 | 5.5 |
| EMS 275 |
Provides the student with the opportunity to practice clinical skills in the Emergency Department, Pediatric Emergency Department, Surgery, Labor & Delivery, Specialty Care Units & Others. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169. Parallel: EMS 273, 274, 276. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 0 | 118 | 2.5 |
| EMS 276 |
Provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as an entry level paramedic. Prerequisites: EMS 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 270, 271, 272. Parallel: EMS 273, 274, 275. Open to paramedic students only. |
0 | 0 | 72 | 1.5 |
| Total Credits Required | 172 | 28 | 190 | 16 | |
| General Education Credits Required | 0 | ||||
| Program Credits Required | 64.0 | ||||
| Total Credits Required | 64.0 | ||||
| Enrollment Year | Total enrollment # | Total Attrition | Percent Retention | # Grads to Date | Percent Licensure | Percent Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | 11 | 43% | 9 | 100% | 100% |
| 2014 | 16 | 7 | 75% | 9 | 100% | 100% |
| 2015 | 16 | 7 | In Progress | In Progress | In Progress | In Progress |
| 2016-2017 | 16 | 9 | 56% | 9 | 100% | 100% |
| 2017-2018 | 16 | 8 | 50% | 8 | 100% | 100% |
| 2018-2019 | 17 | 12 | 71% | 12 | In Progress | In Progress |
Jane Whinnery, RN, MS HCM, BSN, BSM, FNE
System Executive Director Trauma/Emergency Medical Services/Critical Care Transport/ONE Call Transfer
Michael Kaufmann, M.D., FACEP
Board Certified EMS Physician
Medical Director for EMS & Critical Care Transport
Stephanie Gardner, M.D., FACEP
Medical Director for EMS & Critical Care Transport
Megan Thiele, MS, NRP.
EMS Programs Director
Cheryl Garvey
Administrative Assistant, EMS Education
Jill Perry, MS, EMT-P
EMS Liaison
Mindy Collins, PI, NRP
EMS Educator, Paramedic Program Instructor, Dispatch Educator
Mindy Collins, PI, NRP
EMS Educator, Paramedic Program Instructor, Dispatch Educator
Bradford Moulton, FF/NRP
EMS Educator, Critical Care Coordinator
Joe Diliberto, BS, NRP, CCEMT-P, FP-C
EMS Educator
Boone Count Sheriff’s Office – Dispatch Affiliate – Lebanon, IN
Care Ambulance – Clay Co. – Prehospital Affiliate – Clay Co, IN
Carmel Fire Department – Prehospital Affiliate – Carmel, IN
Decatur Township Fire Department – Prehospital Affiliate – Indianapolis, IN
Fishers Fire Department – Prehospital Affiliate – Fishers, IN
Peyton Manning Children's Hospital - Clinical Affiliate - Indianapolis, IN
Pike Township Fire Department - Prehospital Affiliate - Indianapolis, IN
Perry Township Fire Department – Prehospital Affiliate – Fayette, IN
St. Vincent Carmel Hospital - Clinical Affiliate - Carmel, IN
St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital - Clinical Affiliate - Indianapolis, IN
St. Vincent Women's Hospital - Clinical Affiliate - Indianapolis, IN
St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana, - Clinical Affiliate - Indianapolis, IN
Whitestown Fire Department- Prehospital Affiliate- Whitestown, IN
Zionsville Fire Department – Prehospital Affiliate – Zionsville, IN
St. Vincent EMT Program attracts a wide variety of students with different motives for attending the EMT course. Many of our graduates from the EMT program enroll immediately into other allied health or medical degree programs rather than working in the field as EMT's.
St. Vincent Paramedic Program has a high success rate. Based upon the National Registry of EMT's published statistics, St. Vincent paramedic students continue to hold the highest average passing rate on the paramedic credentialing examination on the first attempt - 97%. Currently, the program has 100% placement of its graduates.
Percentage of students completing the paramedic course. Retention rate.
Percentage of graduates passing the National Registry Psychomotor Exam.
Percentage of graduates passing the National Registry Cognitive Exam.
Percentage of graduates employed as a paramedic within six months of graduating.
| Year | National Registry Cognitive Pass Rate | National Registry Psychomotor Pass Rate | Program Retention | Positive Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 100% | 100% | 71% | 100% |
| 2016 | 100% | 100% | 73% | 100% |
| 2017 | 100% | 100% | 62% | 100% |
| 2018 | 100% | 100% | 73% | 100% |