Three Rivers College recently updated its Paramedic program to be a hybrid of online curriculum and hands-on training. With this new program, students will only need to be on campus one day a week.
“This new hybrid program is a great opportunity for working EMS students to get the education needed to become a licensed paramedic,” said Tami Cunningham, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator for the College. “Students will now be able to complete the online portion of their curriculum where and when they have time available in their busy schedules.”
The flexibility of the new program also has benefits for EMS employers because it allows more of their employees to take paramedic courses without affecting work schedules, Cunningham said.
The application deadline for the Paramedic program at Three Rivers College is May 1.
“We still have spaces in this year’s cohort, but applicants will have to act quickly,” said Cunningham. “The Paramedic program can lead to a great career upgrade for local Emergency Medical Technicians, and we want to give students every chance to apply.”
Paramedics are licensed to provide more extensive prehospital care than EMTs, including giving medications orally and intravenously, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs)—which monitor heart function—and using other monitors and complex equipment, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm#tab-2).
Applicants to the Paramedic program must submit a copy of their current Missouri EMT-Basic license and their Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider Card, as well as a letter of reference from an Ambulance Director, to be eligible for admission. Applicants must also complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 50% or higher.
Cunningham advises that all admission materials must be received by the May 1 deadline. Application forms for the Paramedic program can be found online by going to trcc.edu/admissions and clicking on “Applications.” Prospective students must also complete a free Three Rivers application if they have not already done so. For more information, contact Tami Cunningham at 573-840-9672.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
