Click here to see information about curriculum, program of study and coursework for the
Emergency Services Program in the 2012-2013 JCHS Catalog.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services prepares graduates for entry level practitioner and management positions in the field of emergency services. The Emergency Services profession has undergone dynamic changes since September 11, 2001. These changes have placed an increased emphasis on having a well educated and prepared workforce to meet the needs of both traditional and all-hazards responses. The program provides a well-rounded core of general education courses and allows students to customize their plans of study to fit long-term career goals. Students enjoy a perfect blend of classroom, laboratory, clinical and field internship experiences in pursuit of their degree.

The program provides a well-rounded core of general education courses and allows students to customize their plans of study to fit long-term career goals. Students enjoy a perfect blend of classroom, laboratory, clinical, and field internship experiences in pursuit of their degree. Additionally, the College offers three tracks to the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services.

• The Paramedic/Firefighter Track prepares students for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) positions and the skills for entry-level management and leadership positions in the fire and EMS professions. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national paramedic certification exam and complete numerous fire certifications.
  
• The Paramedic/Critical Care Track prepares students for advanced patient care methodologies within the critical care ground and air transport environment. This track also prepares the student for entry-level management and leadership positions in non-fire service based EMS agencies. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national paramedic certification exam and specialty critical care certifications.

• The Degree Completion Track is designed for students already working in the field of Emergency Services seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students are required to meet specific prerequisites in order to qualify for entry in to this track.

1. Provide the highest level of prehospital care to ill or injured patients across the life span and cultures. 
2. Serve as an advocate for patients by providing information on appropriate healthcare resources that facilitate access to care.  
3. Serve as the Incident Commander or other designated National Incident Management System (NIMS) position during an emergency incident operation.  
4. Communicate effectively with peers and other healthcare or emergency services professionals.  
5. Interpret and analyze patient data and assessment findings to formulate an appropriate patient treatment plan.  
6. Synthesize the hazard level of an emergency scene and its future hazard potential.  
7. Assess the need for and implement public fire and/or injury prevention strategies.  
8. Critically evaluate emergency services related research.  
9. Model caring, culturally competent behaviors in the delivery of patient care. 
10. Value life-long professional development.  
11. Conduct management and leadership processes in an emergency services organization. 
12. Formulate a political action plan based on a fire and/or emergency services issue.

• Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP)
  http://www.coaemsp.org/
  

• Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP)
  http://www.caahep.org/
   
• Virginia Office of EMS
  http://www.vdh.state.va.us/OEMS/
   
• Virginia Department of Fire Programs
  http://www.vafire.com/
   
• U.S. Fire Administration Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE)http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/higher_ed/feshe/feshe_model.shtm
   
• National Registry of EMT’s
  http://www.nremt.org/about/nremt_news.asp
   
• National Association of EMS Educators
  http://www.naemse.org/
   
• National Association of EMT’s
  http://www.naemt.org/