Paramedic Science

Description of the Profession

Paramedics provide emergency patient care in the pre-hospital setting. They determine the nature and extent of victims' emergencies, immobilize fractures, supply intravenous therapy, and provide other life-saving interventions for victims of acute illness or injury.

Skills and Characteristics Important to this Profession

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empathy, ability to work quickly and make good decisions under pressure, effective interpersonal communication, ability to perform moderate to heavy lifting, and the ability to work with a team of care givers.

Description of the Indiana University Paramedic Science Programs

IU Bloomington does not offer a Paramedic Sciences (PS) program, but pre-PS students may complete the prerequisites at IUB and then transfer to IUPUI. The IU School of Medicine Health Professions Program at IUPUI offers an AS in Paramedic Sciences. The course of study requires the completion of 1 (one) year (26 - 33 cr hrs) of prerequisite work at IUB or another campus / college. Once admitted to the PS program, students complete 1 (one) year of professional work at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. Prior to being admitted to the professional program, students must fulfill all preprofessional requirements.

Other Accredited Programs

For a list of accredited EMS / Paramedic Programs, please refer to the Committee on Accreditation of Education for the EMS Professions.

Additional Notes and Recommendations

HPPLC advisors strongly encourage high school and other prospective IU students who are thinking about pursuing the paramedic science degree to earn their first aid and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification during high school, or during the summer after their high school graduation. Earning at least first aid certification prior to entering college is helpful. Doing so can alleviate certain time constraints during freshman year of college. (Many hospitals, volunteer first departments, and similar sources offer first aid and EMT certification courses.)

Job Shadowing / Observation

Job shadowing / observation is the best way for you to get a first hand look at a given profession and determine whether or not it is one you wish to look into further. HPPLC advisors strongly encourage you to take advantage of any such opportunities that arise during high school; or, if you are already in college, to arrange shadowing / observation as soon as possible. Refer to the PDF document below for further shadowing / observation information.

Further Information

Refer to the HPPLC Paramedic Science handout for more detailed information about prerequisite courses, application and admission information, and for additional resources.

If you are interested in other health professions that are advised through HPPLC, we encourage you to sign up for the HPPLC email list associated with your program(s) of interest. Feel free to sign up for more than one list. Also refer to the HPPLC handout, Health Professions Descriptions.