Mineral Area College offers a certificate as an Emergency Medical Technician, certificate in Paramedic Technology, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paramedic Technology. The Emergency Medical Technician course provides the basic instruction for persons responsible for the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS). In addition to the 210 hours of classroom instruction, two twelve (1
2) hour emergency department rotations, and three twelve (12) hour ambulance rotations are required. Successful completion of a comprehensive written & practical exam will allow the student to be enrolled in the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT—www.nremt.org) and apply for a Missouri State EMT license. The paramedic certificate program is an extended three semester curriculum consisting of 58 credit hours and the Associate of Applied Science degree consists of an additional 34 credit hours. Graduates of the Paramedic Technology Program are licensed pre-hospital professionals recognized as vital members of the health care team. Training consists of classroom instruction, simulation & laboratory practicum, field internship experience, and hospital clinical rotations. Paramedics are trained to provide advanced life support to the acutely ill and injured. They are skilled in patient assessment and recognition of diagnostic signs and symptoms of injury and illness. Through an advanced, evidence-based curriculum, students are trained to evaluate patients and deliver treatment rapidly and efficiently, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Paramedics are employed by ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, emergency communications centers, and industrial medical and safety departments. Upon successful completion of the Certificate program or Associate of Applied Science Degree program, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry Exam. Satisfactory achievement on the examination will qualify graduates for licensure as a Paramedic.