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The Intensive Care Paramedic program is designed to satisfy all requirements of the Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board (EMSRB) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Graduates are prepared for careers as paramedics with advanced life support ambulance services and hospitals. Graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic written and practical exam.
The presence of Mayo Medical Center allows students the opportunity to observe a wide variety of patient illnesses as Mayo receives referred patients from all over the world. In addition to a world class reputation, Mayo also serves as a regional tertiary care facility and level one trauma center, bringing patients of more traditional illness and injury to the attention of students as well. The ALS ambulance service in Rochester, Minnesota provides service to many of these patients, through the 911 system, Mayo Clinic emergency response system, interfacility transports, and ALS intercepts. Within Mayo Medical Center are physicians who are recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise in their given field. During both didactic and clinical experiences, there are opportunities for students to meet and learn from these practitioners.
What characteristics or qualities should students of this program possess?
The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The Paramedic must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. The paramedic must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.
Physical Demands
Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the patient's, the Paramedic's, and other workers' well being must not be jeopardized.
Practical experience:
Students in the ICP Program are required to complete 800 hours of clinical experience in the in hospital and out of hospital setting. This is in addition to classroom work.
The RCTC ICP Program offers three options:
- Associate of Science Degree: This is a 64 credit program designed
to produce a well rounded graduate. Graduates with an associate’s
degree have the potential to earn higher salaries and earn promotions at
a faster rate. Students may begin their work on the pre-requisites and
general education requirements at any time. Paramedic core classes begin
in the fall semester.
- Diploma program: This is a 40 credit program for students who do
not wish to earn a degree at this time or have previously earned college
degrees. Paramedic core classes begin in the fall semester.
- Advanced Standing: ICP Advanced Standing is awarded to students who have previously obtained their paramedic certification and are now interested in completing their Associate of Science Degree. Students may apply for advanced standing at any time.
Articulations/Accreditations:
The RCTC paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of EMS Programs (CoAEMSP).
