Eastern Connecticut State University

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Eastern launches Paramedic Science program

by Dwight Bachman

I just learned that this new program is awaiting accreditation, and therefore is not officially launched. My apologies for the premature announcement. Please embargo until further notice. Michael Rouleau, public relations officer

Willimantic, CT (03/09/2022) — The Department of Health Sciences at Eastern Connecticut State University is among the first higher education institutions in the state to offer a minor in paramedic science. The minor trains non-physicians in the principles of evaluation and resuscitation of critically ill or injured patients. Students in the program will gain advanced knowledge and experience in the evaluation of acute medical emergencies and the psychomotor skills necessary to accomplish these tasks.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow six percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

"With a nationwide shortage of EMTs and paramedics, our department was already engaged in offering an EMT course each semester," said Bryan Platt, EMS program director and lecturer at Eastern. "It only made sense to increase our course offerings to include a paramedic certificate and Paramedic Science minor. We are the only four-year institution of higher education offering a paramedic program in the eastern half of the state. The only other four-year university offering a degree is the University of New Haven."

Platt says students earning the paramedic science minor will have an edge in the job market. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the need for EMTs and paramedics will increase by 17,000 people needed in the workforce between 2019-2029. The bureau also says the Connecticut mean average annual salary for a paramedic is $43,000-58,000."

To complete the program, students must finish 17 credits of prerequisites; participate in clinical rotations and a field internship; and pass certification exams. Coursework includes classes in medical terminology; anatomy and physiology; principles of pharmacology; and principles of toxicology. Students must also become certified/licensed EMTs on the national registry.

For more information and to apply, visit the Department of Health Sciences website: https://www.easternct.edu/health-sciences/index.html .

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 4,300 students annually on its Willimantic campus. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 31 states and 10 countries. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked as the #1 public regional university in New England by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 12 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

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The Willimantic Fire Department hosted an EMT training on Eastern’s campus in the fall 2020 semester.

The Willimantic Fire Department hosted an EMT training on Eastern’s campus in the fall 2020 semester.

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