FAQs About the Paramedic Program
Q: Is the program accredited? If so, by who?
Tennessee Technological University's 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
Address: 1361 Park Street Clearwater, Fla. 33756
Telephone: 727-210-2350
Website: www.caahep.org
Q: When is the application deadline?
The deadline for application is April 13, 2012..
Q: What are dates for the selection process?
Compass Test: TBA
Basic EMT test: TBA
Psychological Exam: TBA
Interviews: TBA
Q: How do I apply?
An application form can be obtained through the Extended Education Office at 931-372-3396 or by printing the Paramedic_Application_2012-2013.pdf . Please include your current Tennessee EMT license with the application.
Q. : What do I have to do prior to getting into the course?
You must be licensed in the State of Tennessee as an EMT-B or IV. Take the COMPASS test to see if you are college ready in math, reading and writing. You must take a basic EMT test and a psychological exam. You must also sit for an advisory board interview. The advisory board will select the top candidates for the 25 available slots.
Q: What if I am not college ready in those subjects?
An introductory course is required prior to entrance into the paramedic course. Tutoring and further testing is possible to qualify in reading and writing.
Q: When does the introductory course start?
The introductory course begins the first week of June. It meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00. The course is held in the EMS classroom in Jere Whitson 131H.
Q: How long is the introductory course?
The course lasts for approximately 10 weeks finishing the 2nd week in August.
Q: What is the content of the introductory course?
The content of this course is an overview of anatomy and physiology.
Q: Can I test out of this introductory course?
No Testing out will not be possible. All paramedic students will be attending this course. The only candidates that will not have to take this course are nurses or those that have had college level anatomy and physiology.
Q: Where does the paramedic course meet?
The EMS classroom area is in the Jere Whitson building on the quad of TTU. The classroom is 131H
Q: How long is the paramedic course?
The paramedic course including the introductory course is 14 months long ending the following August.
Q: What time of the day does the paramedic course meet? Also, how many days a week?
The course is from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm with breaks and a 1-hour lunch. The course meets every Monday and Wednesday.
Q: What is the cost of the course?
The course is divided into 4 semesters. Please call or e-mail the coordinator for the cost of the introductory course as well as the amount for tuition for the paramedic course. Total cost including tuition, books, testing fees, etc is approximately $4200.00.
Q: Other than tuition, what is the cost of books and other fees?
That is variable but will be approximately $850.00 including all testing, licensing fees, insurance and other fees. Of that total the books are approximately $400.00.
Q: Who is the instructor or instructors?
The primary instructor is Dennis Parker who is a state certified instructor coordinator and licensed by the state of Tennessee as a paramedic. He also holds a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership from TTU.
Roger Brown is the clinical coordinator. Dr. Sullivan Smith is the medical director. There are guest instructors throughout the course.
Q: Will I get college credit for the course?
No, this is a non-credit course. However, some community colleges and universities offer partial credit for this course under the heading of life-long learning if a student decides to pursue a degree later.
Q: Is there any other pertinent information I need to know?
Background checks are required of every student. This will check for felonies and misdemeanor convictions. If this may cause a problem please check with the EMS program coordinator prior to applying for the course.
