Adams County ambulance parked in front of John Wood Community College

Paramedicine

Paramedicine Programs

Choose which program works best for your path!

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | Certificate

two paramedics standing next to the ambulance

Paramedicine – Associate of Applied Science

With courses taught by active paramedics and more than 500 clinical hours of real-life emergency experience, students who earn JWCC’s applied associate degree in paramedicine are well-prepared to provide quick and responsive care in emergency situations. The fast-paced, intense degree program trains emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to:

  • Assess injuries and administer first aid or life support care to ill or injured people in pre-hospital settings
  • Extricate trapped individuals
  • Transport injured or ill people to medical facilities
  • Perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures
  • Assess the extent of illness or injury to prioritize medical procedures

JWCC’s program is nationally-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Logo for the Path Grant - Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce

The PATH program, funded through an Illinois Community College Board grant, aims to serve, create, support and expand the opportunities for individuals in nursing and select health care pathways to obtain certificates and degrees, allowing them to enter and/or advance their careers in the health care industry.

The PATH grant provides free short-term and long-term education/training programs designed to help participants gain employment in high-wage and in-demand occupations within the health care field. Students receive supports, including compensation to help cover basic costs while receiving the training.

More information on the PATH Program

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Career Opportunities

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • First Responder
  • Flight Paramedic
  • Multi-Care Technician
  • Paramedic
Suggested Degree Plan for Paramedicine (AAS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Year Details
EMS 161 Paramedic I Details 6
This combined didactic/lab course provides a strong foundation for the student beginning with roles and responsibilities of the paramedic, wellness, legal and ethical topics and a wide range of other preparatory lessons. As the semester progresses, the student will learn more about human anatomy and physiology as well as basic pathophysiology. Pharmacology principles are introduced with a focus on drug classifications, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as medical mathematics, medication administration and venous access. The student will also concentrate on basic and advanced level skills to manage an airway. 5 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AAS paramedic program, valid Illinois EMT license, valid healthcare provider CPR card; Corequisite: EMS 166
EMS 166 Paramedic Clinical Practice I Details 3
This clinical course introduces the student to the hospital clinical environment and provides the student with opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff. The course is planned so that the assigned clinical and clinical objectives are closely aligned with theory and skills being taught in the co-requisite course. 0 lecture hours, 6 lab hours.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AAS paramedic program, valid Illinois EMT license, valid healthcare provider CPR card; Corequisite: EMS 161
EMS 171 Paramedic II Details 6
In this combined didactic/lab course the student will develop a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of understanding of medical emergencies including respiratory, neurologic, cardiovascular, endocrine, hematologic, gastrological and urological. The focus this semester is on anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment and management in order to integrate assessment and scene findings with knowledge to form a field impression and formulate a treatment plan for common medical and cardiac emergencies. The Advanced Cardiac Life Support course is built into this semester. 5.5 lecture hours, 1 lab hour.
Prerequisites: EMS 161 and EMS 166; Corequisite: EMS 176
EMS 176 Paramedic Clinical Practice II Details 3
This clinical course provides the students with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff in the hospital setting and begins the Field Internship. The course is planned so that the assigned clinical and clinical objectives are closely aligned with theory and skills being taught in the corequisite course EMS 171 with a focus on the medical patient. 0 lecture hours, 9 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161 and EMS 166; Corequisite: EMS 171
EMS 251 Paramedic III Details 6
In this combined didactic/lab course the student will develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomical and physiological variations found in pregnancy, the pediatric and geriatric populations as well as a working understanding of the pathophysiology of illnesses and injuries affecting these populations and the chronically ill or specially challenged patients. The student will also develop a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment and management of a variety of medical conditions including anaphylaxis, toxicology, environmental emergencies, infectious diseases and psychiatric emergencies. 4.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171 and EMS 176; Corequisite: EMS 256
EMS 256 Paramedic Clinical Practice III Details 3
This clinical course provides the student with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff in the hospital setting. The course is planned so that the assigned clinical and clinical objectives are closely aligned with theory and skills being taught in the corequisite course EMS 250 with a focus on the pediatric patient, obstetrical/labor and delivery and the patient with psychiatric or behavioral disorders. 0 lecture hours, 9 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171 and EMS 176; Corequisite: EMS 251
EMS 261 Paramedic IV Details 6
The focus of this combined didactic/lab course is integration of assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate field impressions and learn to develop comprehensive treatment/disposition plans for trauma patients and the development of paramedic operations skills in the areas of ambulance operations, mass casualty, rescue operations, crime scenes, introduction to ICS & NIMS and hazardous materials. Either International Trauma Life Support or Prehospital Trauma Life Support must be successfully completed this semester. 5 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171, EMS 176, EMS 251 and EMS 256; Corequisite: EMS 266
EMS 266 Paramedic Clinical Practice IV Details 3
This clinical course provides the student with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff in the prehospital ambulance setting. 0 lecture hours, 9 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171, EMS 176, EMS 251 and EMS 256; Corequisite: EMS 261
EMS 199 Paramedic Internship Details 1-5 (Varies)
This clinical course provides the student with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of QAEMS paramedic field evaluators. The student enters the capstone field internship which will create the necessary experiences for the student to meet the established goal of the program.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171, EMS 176, EMS 251, EMS 256, EMS 261 and EMS 266
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Year, Semester 1 Details
BIO 275 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Details 4
A study of the structures and functions of the human body; an integrated study of the systems of the human body including gross and microscopic structures and their physiology. Course covers cells, tissues, chemistry of life, metabolism and the systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive and urinary. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above or ACT science score of 25 or higher or consent of department via a minimum BIO 101 placement exam score. Prerequisite must be met within 10 years prior to enrolling in BIO 275. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
CSC 100 Computer Literacy Details 1
An introductory course in the history, characteristics, and significance of computers, including basic hardware and software components and a survey of applications. For persons with little or no background in computers who desire a general knowledge of computers or a foundations course on which to build a strong background in computing. Some "hand-on" experience.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MAT Gen. Ed. Requirements (AAS) Details 3
AAS degree-seeking students must select at least one course from the listed classes.
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 113 College Algebra Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. Topics include advanced factoring of higher order polynomials; solving quadratic inequalities; advanced topics in relations, functions and their graphs; zeroes and graphs of polynomial and rational functions; and exponential and logarithmic functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 114 Trigonometry Details 3
This course is intended for students who plan to continue their college mathematics education or to meet college transfer requirements. It is the study and analysis of the sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent function; show these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving the sides and angles of triangles; and how these functions are used to solve many types of problems involving cyclic patterns, some that vary with time. Topics include definitions, properties and manipulation of trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; trigonometric form of complex numbers; and polar coordinates, equations and graphs.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration. IAI: M1 900-1, MTH 901.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 234 Calculus for Social Scientists Details 4
A course designed to introduce the business and social science student to the concepts of derivative and integral. Applications of these concepts stress the use of calculus to solve business and social science problems. Specific topics include relations and functions; algebraic functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; derivatives; applications of derivatives; advanced derivative techniques; integrals; advanced integration techniques. IAI: M1 900B.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
Various PSY 101 / SOC 101 Details 3
Choose PSY 101 or SOC 101.
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Electives Details 1
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Second Year, Semester 2 Details
BIO 276 Human Anatomy and Physiology II Details 4
A continuation of BIO 275. Emphasis is on more depth in the physiology of various body systems including the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory organs, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, male and female reproductive and human development. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 275 with a grade of "C" or above or consent of department
Various CMN 101 / CMN 104 Details 3
Choose CMN 101 or CMN 104.
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
Various Electives Details 2
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Paramedicine – Certificate

Students may become an emergency medical technician (EMT) – paramedic by completing the 13-month paramedicine certificate program. This fast-paced, intense program is taught by active paramedics and prepares students to provide initial patient assessment and care for the ill and injured in pre-hospital settings. Classroom instruction is supported by clinical experience in simulated and real emergencies in local trauma centers and in the field.

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians – Paramedic exam or the Illinois State Licensing exam. JWCC’s program is nationally-accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Group of students next to an ambulance
Suggested Degree Plan for Paramedicine Certificate
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
EMS 161 Paramedic I Details 6
This combined didactic/lab course provides a strong foundation for the student beginning with roles and responsibilities of the paramedic, wellness, legal and ethical topics and a wide range of other preparatory lessons. As the semester progresses, the student will learn more about human anatomy and physiology as well as basic pathophysiology. Pharmacology principles are introduced with a focus on drug classifications, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as medical mathematics, medication administration and venous access. The student will also concentrate on basic and advanced level skills to manage an airway. 5 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AAS paramedic program, valid Illinois EMT license, valid healthcare provider CPR card; Corequisite: EMS 166
EMS 166 Paramedic Clinical Practice I Details 3
This clinical course introduces the student to the hospital clinical environment and provides the student with opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff. The course is planned so that the assigned clinical and clinical objectives are closely aligned with theory and skills being taught in the co-requisite course. 0 lecture hours, 6 lab hours.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AAS paramedic program, valid Illinois EMT license, valid healthcare provider CPR card; Corequisite: EMS 161
EMS 171 Paramedic II Details 6
In this combined didactic/lab course the student will develop a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of understanding of medical emergencies including respiratory, neurologic, cardiovascular, endocrine, hematologic, gastrological and urological. The focus this semester is on anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment and management in order to integrate assessment and scene findings with knowledge to form a field impression and formulate a treatment plan for common medical and cardiac emergencies. The Advanced Cardiac Life Support course is built into this semester. 5.5 lecture hours, 1 lab hour.
Prerequisites: EMS 161 and EMS 166; Corequisite: EMS 176
EMS 176 Paramedic Clinical Practice II Details 3
This clinical course provides the students with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff in the hospital setting and begins the Field Internship. The course is planned so that the assigned clinical and clinical objectives are closely aligned with theory and skills being taught in the corequisite course EMS 171 with a focus on the medical patient. 0 lecture hours, 9 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161 and EMS 166; Corequisite: EMS 171
EMS 251 Paramedic III Details 6
In this combined didactic/lab course the student will develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomical and physiological variations found in pregnancy, the pediatric and geriatric populations as well as a working understanding of the pathophysiology of illnesses and injuries affecting these populations and the chronically ill or specially challenged patients. The student will also develop a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, assessment and management of a variety of medical conditions including anaphylaxis, toxicology, environmental emergencies, infectious diseases and psychiatric emergencies. 4.5 lecture hours, 5 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171 and EMS 176; Corequisite: EMS 256
EMS 256 Paramedic Clinical Practice III Details 3
This clinical course provides the student with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff in the hospital setting. The course is planned so that the assigned clinical and clinical objectives are closely aligned with theory and skills being taught in the corequisite course EMS 250 with a focus on the pediatric patient, obstetrical/labor and delivery and the patient with psychiatric or behavioral disorders. 0 lecture hours, 9 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171 and EMS 176; Corequisite: EMS 251
EMS 261 Paramedic IV Details 6
The focus of this combined didactic/lab course is integration of assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate field impressions and learn to develop comprehensive treatment/disposition plans for trauma patients and the development of paramedic operations skills in the areas of ambulance operations, mass casualty, rescue operations, crime scenes, introduction to ICS & NIMS and hazardous materials. Either International Trauma Life Support or Prehospital Trauma Life Support must be successfully completed this semester. 5 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171, EMS 176, EMS 251 and EMS 256; Corequisite: EMS 266
EMS 266 Paramedic Clinical Practice IV Details 3
This clinical course provides the student with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of clinical department staff in the prehospital ambulance setting. 0 lecture hours, 9 lab hours.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171, EMS 176, EMS 251 and EMS 256; Corequisite: EMS 261
EMS 199 Paramedic Internship Details 1-5 (Varies)
This clinical course provides the student with continued opportunities to apply learned theory, assessment and foundational ALS skills while under the direct supervision and guidance of QAEMS paramedic field evaluators. The student enters the capstone field internship which will create the necessary experiences for the student to meet the established goal of the program.
Prerequisites: EMS 161, EMS 166, EMS 171, EMS 176, EMS 251, EMS 256, EMS 261 and EMS 266
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Gainful Employment: For more information about graduation rates, cost, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please view our Gainful Employment information for the particular certificate of study.