Open Enrollment Dates: January 7, 2025 – February 21, 2025 @3:00PM

Policy on Paramedic Program Goals

Purpose

This policy establishes the minimum goals of the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy (SWFPSA) Paramedic Program as required by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The goal of the Paramedic Program is to prepare competent entry-level paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Scope

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and students involved in the SWFPSA Paramedic Program and is designed to align the program’s objectives with the accreditation standards set forth by CAAHEP and CoAEMSP.

Policy Statement

The primary goal of the SWFPSA Paramedic Program is to “prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.” This goal is the cornerstone of the program’s educational outcomes and provides the framework for curriculum development, instructional practices, and assessment of student performance.

1. Cognitive Learning Domain (Knowledge)
   The Paramedic Program will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical concepts and knowledge necessary to function as competent paramedics. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
   • Medical, trauma, and special population care
   • Pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology
   • Medical protocols, ethical considerations, and legal aspects of EMS
2. Psychomotor Learning Domain (Skills)
   The Paramedic Program will train students in the practical, hands-on skills needed to function in emergency medical situations. This includes, but is not limited to:
   • Airway management, intravenous access, and medication administration
   • Patient assessment, treatment interventions, and stabilization techniques
   • Application of life-saving procedures and safe operation of medical equipment
3. Affective Learning Domain (Behavior)
   The Paramedic Program will emphasize the development of appropriate professional behaviors and attitudes necessary for effective patient care, teamwork, and leadership in high-pressure environments. This includes, but is not limited to:
   • Professional ethics, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication
   • Compassion, empathy, and a commitment to patient advocacy
   • Critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in dynamic situations

Program Goals and Objectives

To ensure that the program meets its minimum goal of preparing competent entry-level paramedics in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, the following objectives will be implemented:

1. Curriculum Alignment
   The program curriculum will be continuously aligned with CAAHEP/CoAEMSP standards to ensure that it reflects the latest advances in EMS education and meets the required competency levels for entry-level paramedics.
2. Instructional Strategies
   Instructional strategies will integrate a combination of lecture, laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences to reinforce learning in all three domains. Instructors will use evidence-based teaching practices and formative assessments to support student progress.
3. Assessment and Evaluation
   The program will implement a rigorous evaluation process that assesses student performance in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains through exams, skills assessments, simulations, and clinical evaluations. Student progress will be monitored continuously, and feedback will be provided to facilitate learning and improvement.
4. Faculty Training
   All faculty members will receive ongoing professional development to ensure they are equipped to teach and assess students in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Faculty will be required to stay current with the latest EMS protocols, instructional techniques, and assessment methods.
5. Accreditation Compliance
   The Paramedic Program will maintain compliance with all CAAHEP and CoAEMSP standards, ensuring that all program activities and outcomes are aligned with the goal of producing competent entry-level paramedics.

Procedures for Review and Evaluation of Program Goals

1. The Paramedic Program Coordinator will conduct an annual review of the program goals to ensure they continue to meet the accreditation standards set by CAAHEP and CoAEMSP.
2. Data from student performance evaluations, graduate outcomes, employer feedback, and program retention will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the program in meeting its goals.
3. Modifications to the curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment methods will be made as needed based on the review outcomes.
4. The program goals will be communicated clearly to all students, faculty, and stakeholders via program materials, handbooks, and the SWFPSA website.

Review and Revision of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually and revised as needed to ensure continued alignment with CAAHEP/CoAEMSP standards and the evolving needs of the EMS profession.

This policy ensures that the SWFPSA Paramedic Program remains focused on its core objective of preparing competent entry-level paramedics across the key learning domains. It emphasizes a holistic approach to education, encompassing knowledge, practical skills, and professional behavior.