https://www.creighton.edu/ems/programs
Dean: Jessica Clark, DNP, RN
Paramedicine Department Chair: Lori Rusch, PhD, RN, CNE
Program Director: Ryan Batenhorst EdD, M.Ed., NRP
Mission Statement
The Paramedicine department, founded on the principles of the Jesuit, Catholic tradition and honoring the credo and mission of the university, is committed to providing a high quality Paramedicine education which will empower individuals to become compassionate, respectful, skilled, and knowledgeable care providers who value education as a lifelong process.
Statement of Goals
To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Baccalaureate Paramedicine Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate competency in the clinical knowledge, technical skills, and behavioral approaches necessary to function effectively as a Paramedicine clinician.
- Synthesize knowledge and evidence from Paramedicine and other disciplines to formulate an appropriate treatment plan to provide evidence-based care.
- Integrate respect for each person’s dignity, worth, and spiritual uniqueness into professional practice.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively as a leader and advocate using diverse modalities.
- Incorporate deliberate reflection, self-awareness, and values consciousness into a process of personal and professional formation.
- Integrate professional, legal, and ethical standards into Paramedicine practice.
Accreditation
Creighton University's Paramedicine Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
To contact CAAHEP:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US HWY 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: (727) 210-2350 Fax: (727) 210-2354
https://www.caahep.org/
To contact CoAEMSP:
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 70588
Phone: (214) 703-8445 Fax: (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Bachelor Degree Programs: 2 pathways
- Traditional 4-year program: Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine - B.S.PMC
- This is an on-campus, traditional program that combines intense hands-on paramedic training with academic rigor, preparing graduates to respond with skill, compassion, and leadership in critical moments.
- The traditional paramedicine program curriculum includes opportunities to take courses that support pursuit of additional degree programs and careers as a nurse, physician assistant, and/or physician.
- Paramedic to Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine: - B.S.PMC
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This is an online degree-completion program designed for current paramedics. Coursework builds upon previous education and experience with a focus on leadership development and management in Paramedicine.
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A Creighton bachelor’s degree requires the completion of 128 semester credit hours. Forty-eight of these credit hours must be earned at Creighton University, including the final 32 hours, and a minimum of 15 credit hours must be earned in the major area of study.
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Students who have pursued their paramedic education courses at another institution for college credit will receive block credit for a maximum of 49 credit hours for the core paramedic coursework. This block credit will be awarded upon completion of all required coursework towards the degree. Standard Creighton University policies on acceptance and transfer of academic credits, apart from the block credits, from other accredited institutions will be applied.
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Accelerated Master's Programs
- This program allows undergraduate paramedicine students to begin earning graduate course credit towards a Master's Degree in Paramedicine while completing their Bachelor's degree: B.S. in Paramedicine to M.S., Paramedicine
- Students admitted to this program may use the electives required in the Bachelor's Degree program of study to take up to 6 credit hours of graduate course work during their their senior year.
Courses
PMC 101. Fundamentals of Paramedicine. 6 credits. FA, SP, SU
PMC 101 provides students with the fundamental knowledge, principles, and skills needed to respond to medical and traumatic emergencies and provide pre-hospital care. Learners are taught to make rapid, life-saving decisions and deliver essential care to those in need as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The course includes a practicum component where students will apply principles and skills learned in the classroom and lab. After successful completion, the participant will meet eligibility requirements to complete the National Registry credentialing examination for EMTs. P: Basic Life Support Certification; CR: IC.
PMC 160. Out of Hospital Paramedicine for Nurses. 2 credits.
Based upon the current national Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Education Standards and Guidelines, the primary focus of an EMT is to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for patients who access the emergency medical system. This course has been designed as an advanced placement course, recognizing the foundational medical knowledge and skills that nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals possess. Topics include emergency medical response systems; and a review of airway, respiration, and ventilation; cardiology and resuscitation; trauma; and medical emergencies to include pediatrics and obstetrics. Clinical skills will be reviewed with an emphasis on application and use of equipment and techniques in an out-of-hospital practice environment. Students are required to participate in field experience with various Paramedicine agencies. Successful completion of all course requirements satisfies eligibility requirements to complete the National Registry of EMTs, EMT level certification examination. P: Current unencumbered RN, LPN, MD, or DO license to practice within the US, CPR for Health Care Providers; Immunizations.
PMC 215. Medical Terminology. 1 credit. (Same as OTD 215)
Medical Terminology is a critical part of language and communication used by health care practitioners. This self directed course is designed for students planning a career in the health services and related fields. Course content includes a study of basic medical terminology. Students will construct and decipher terms using prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, and abbreviations related to body systems, cavities, planes, and positions. Competency is evaluated throughout the semester through online testing.
PMC 303. Introduction to Paramedicine. 2 credits.
PMC 303 is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of para medicine and the vital role that paramedics play in the healthcare system. This introductory course serves as the foundation for integrating comprehensive knowledge of EMS systems; the safety and well-being of the paramedic; standard precautions for infectious diseases, including immunizations and personal protective equipment; medical legal aspects of EMS; and ethical considerations. Satisfies Magis Designated Technology and Designated Written Communication. P: Magis Contemporary Composition, PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT, EXS 111.
PMC 305. Advanced Patient Assessment. 2 credits. FA
PMC 305, building on the foundational principles of basic patient assessment, is designed to equip paramedic students with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to perform comprehensive patient assessments in diverse and challenging prehospital care settings. P: PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT; EXS 111.
PMC 307. Advanced Airway Management. 2 credits. FA
PMC 307 is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and secure the airways of critically ill or injured patients in diverse pre-hospital and emergency medical settings. Students will develop the ability to assess and recognize signs of airway compromise and respiratory distress and the skills to respond swiftly and appropriately. P: PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT; EXS 111.
PMC 309. Cardiology in Paramedicine. 3 credits. FA
PMC 309 is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for managing a wide range of cardiac emergencies and conditions. It includes the interpretation and monitoring of ECG rhythms, including l2-lead ECGs. Defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing will also be covered in this course. Additionally, this course will emphasize cardiac assessment, diagnostic techniques, and advanced life support interventions. P: PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT; EXS 111.
PMC 311. Paramedic Clinical Practicum I. 5 credits. FA
PMC 311 is a foundational course designed to provide students with clinical learning experience in both of pre-hospital and in-hospital settings. This course combines both observational and field experiences to apply classroom knowledge in diverse clinical settings. P: PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT; EXS 111.
PMC 313. Paramedicine Pharmacology. 2 credits. FA
PMC 313 will provide students with a foundational knowledge of pharmaceutical principles and their application in out-of-hospital emergency care. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed, safe, and effective pharmacological decisions in the field. P: PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT; EXS 111.
PMC 315. Paramedic Lab I. 2 credits. FA
PMC 315 is designed to equip paramedic students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality out-of-hospital emergency medical care. This course combines theoretical learning with hands-on practical experiences that align with the minimum skills competencies required by national standards. P: PMC 101 or equivalent and Nationally Registered or State Licensed EMT: EXS 111.
PMC 317. Trauma Management in Paramed. 2 credits. SP
PMC 317 is designed to prepare students with the essential knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to traumatic incidents and provide life-saving care to patients in critical conditions. This course will introduce a wide range of topics, including trauma systems; injury prevention programs; hemorrhage and shock; thoracic and abdominal trauma; musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries; traumatic brain injury; facial, neck and spinal trauma, and multisystem trauma victims. Special considerations of pregnant, pediatric, geriatric, and cognitively impaired trauma patients is included. P:PMC 303, PMC 305, PMC 307, PMC 309, PMC 311, PMC 313, and PMC 315.
PMC 319. Special Patient Populations. 2 credits. SP
PMC 319 is designed to provide paramedic students with the specialized knowledge required to care for diverse and unique patient groups, including pediatric, geriatric, obstetric, and patients with various medical conditions and special circumstances. P: PMC 303, PMC 305, PMC 307, PMC, 309, PMC 311, PMC 313, and PMC 315.
PMC 323. Medical Emergencies. 5 credits. SP
PMC 323 is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical acumen needed to effectively manage a wide range of medical emergencies. This course focuses on in-depth exploration, assessment, and intervention strategies for diverse medical conditions commonly encountered in prehospital and emergency care settings. P: PMC 303, PMC 305, PMC 307, PMC 309, PMC 311, PMC 313, and PMC 315.
PMC 325. Paramedic Lab II. 2 credits. SP
PMC 325 is an advanced level course designed to build upon the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in Paramedicine Lab l. This course introduces complex and challenging scenarios encountered in out-of-hospital emergency medical care. Through a combination of hands-on skill development, high-fidelity simulation, and critical thinking exercises, students will further develop their skills to manage a wide range of emergency situations. P: PMC 303, PMC 305, PMC 307, PMC 309, PMC 311, PMC 313 and PMC 315.
PMC 327. Paramedic Clinical Practicum ll. 5 credits. SP
PMC 327 is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in real-life emergency medical situations. Building upon the foundational knowledge and skills gained in Paramedic Clinical Practicum l, this course further develops the critical thinking, decision-making, and clinical competencies required for effective pre-hospital patient care. P: PMC 303, PMC 305, PMC 307, PMC 309, PMC 311, PMC 313, and PMC 315.
PMC 409. Leadership in Paramedicine. 3 credits. FA, SP
PMC 409 will equip students and practicing paramedics with the essential knowledge and skills as leaders in paramedicine and various other healthcare settings. This course aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of leadership, emphasizing the critical role of effective leadership in delivering quality patient care and fostering team cohesion. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with real-world scenarios, case studies,and interactive discussions to develop a comprehensive understanding of leadership within the context of paramedicine. P: PMC 425 or IC.
PMC 413. Special Operations. 2 credits. SP
PMC 413 prepares students for operational roles and responsibilities to ensure safe patient, public, and personal safety. Topics include principles of safely operating a ground ambulance, incident management, response to multiple casualty incidents, principles of triage, criteria for utilizing aeromedical response and transport, bioterrorism response, simple vehicle extrication, and hazardous materials awareness. P: PMC 303, PMC 305, PMC 307, PMC 309, PMC 311, PMC 313, and PMC 315.
PMC 417. Evidence-Based Practice in Paramedicine. 3 credits. FA, SP
PMC 417 will equip students and practicing paramedics with the essential knowledge and skills to integrate evidence-based practice (EBP) into their clinical decision-making processes. Students will explore the principles, methods, and practical applications of EBP in out of hospital care. The course will focus on the foundations of evidence-based practice, encompassing critical appraisal skills, research methodologies, and ethical considerations. Students will learn to critically analyze and apply the latest evidence from research studies, guidelines, and best practices in real-world scenarios,including examination of research methodologies relevant to paramedicine. P: PMC 425 or IC.
PMC 418. Transition to Paramedicine Practice. 2 credits. SU
PMC 418 will equip students with knowledge and critical thinking abilities necessary for integration into pre-hospital care. The content of this course focuses on the evolution from foundational emergency medical training to interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, decision making, critical thinking, and patient-centered care responsibilities and challenges associated with the profession. Satisfies Magis Core: Designated Oral Communication. P: PMC 317, PMC 413, PMC 319, PMC 323, PMC 325, and PMC 327; CO: PMC 425.
PMC 423. Field Experience. 2 credits.
Field experience provides paramedic students with the opportunity to participate in the delivery of emergency medical services at various field site affiliates. Students participate under the direct supervision of paramedics, taking a progressively more active role in functioning as an ALS member of the team. Paramedic level skills are performed and students are expected to demonstrate progress toward the ability to function as a team leader. P: DC.
PMC 425. Paramedicine Capstone. 7 credits. SU
PMC 425 is the capstone course of the paramedic curriculum, designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world paramedic settings serving in the role of team leader. Satisfies Magis Designated Oral Communication and Designated Technology. P: PMC 317, PMC 319, PMC 323, PMC 325, PMC 327, and PMC 413. CO: PMC 418.
PMC 440. Paramedicine Educators. 3 credits.
Theories and principles of learning and teaching including development of effective Paramedicine course objectives, lecture outlines, and examinations. Course includes introduction to use of DOT curricula and materials.P: PMC 101; Must be BLS Instructor. Must show EMT-B Certification or higher.
PMC 460. Paramedic Certification. 6 credits.
Course designed to prepare the currently credentialed critical care health care professional for the assessment, care, transport, and communication requirements of the sick and injured in the out of hospital setting. While giving an active health care professional (R.N., M.D., D.O.) credit for their clinical and educational expertise, this course supplements and augments skills already gained to enable the participant to function as a valuable prehospital team member with both ground and air service programs. After successful completion, the participant will meet eligibility requirements to complete the National Registry credentialing examination for Paramedics. P: R.N., M.D., D.O., EMT-Basic certification; two years critical care experience, ACLS provider; trauma and pediatric course certificate.
PMC 470. Management of Paramedicine Systems. 3 credits.
This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective entry-level management within Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Through a combination of case-based approaches and projects, participants will explore key management principles, including financial management, operational efficiency, human resource practices, public relations strategies, and compliance with regulatory standards. Students will engage in real-world scenarios to analyze decision-making processes and improve patient care delivery in prehospital emergency settings. By the end of the course, learners will be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of EMS management, fostering a proactive approach to leadership in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. P: PMC 101.
PMC 480. Critical Care Paramedic. 6 credits.
This course sharpens critical care transport skills through weekly online modules and a 3-day in-person skill and simulation event. Participants learn to interpret diagnostics, manage advanced airways and hemodynamic devices, and lead safe, team-based transports. Learners will be challenged to develop thorough treatment plans for a variety of patient conditions. Assignments and discussions encourage learners to present to and defend evidence-based treatment plans. CR: DC.
PMC 493. Directed Independent Readings. 0-3 credits.
May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: DC.
PMC 495. Directed Independent Study. 0-3 credits.
May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: DC.
PMC 497. Directed Independent Research. 1-3 credits. FA, SP
PMC 497 provides undergraduate student with an in-depth experience in the craft and practice of research and scholarship. Students are given the opportunity to explore research and scholarship in greater depth, and to develop the skills for independent scholarship within paramedicine. CR: IC, Jr. stdg.