Feb. 22, 2024 correction: removal of ranking from Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
MESA, Arizona – Feb. 12, 2024 – MCC’s nationally-accredited paramedicine program maintains one of the highest pass/success rates in the state of Arizona. Instructors have real-world experience in diversified paramedicine that includes Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the military, law enforcement and fire services.
The program prepares students with in-depth training as part of their curricula, using augmented reality technology. “This type of training is quickly becoming the platinum standard,” says Sean Newton, MCC Allied Health department chair. “We expose our students to very complex, critical thinking scenarios that hone their ability to navigate the very difficult medical or trauma conditions that they’re going to see in the field.” MCC paramedic student Thomas Denning says, “It definitely makes it feel like a real situation and a real patient. The patient actually gives you verbal cues and says like their chest hurts or I’m in pain…it’s a much more realistic experience.”
The Immersive Total Patient Management Experience (ITPME) is another progressive method of preparing students for careers in paramedicine. ITPME is a cross-disciplinary educational two-day event, held annually since 2015, which exposes paramedicine students, entry-level EMT, nursing, psychology, and theatre/film arts students to potential real-life emergency scenarios. Theatre/film arts students use their acting skills to bring the scenarios to life while EMS students demonstrate their acquired medical and clinical knowledge to care for the simulated patients.
Recently students joined Banner Baywood Medical Center for its first mock mass casualty incident. Working alongside hospital employees and first responders from American Medical Response (AMR), students responded to simulated emergency scenarios involving multiple victims who required care until they could be transported to the hospital.
“We’re always looking for the next innovative step to try to enhance the education of our students,” says Newton.
Students completing the program earn a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Paramedicine or may choose to earn an Associate's Degree in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paramedicine. The AAS Degree is transferable to most in-state universities. For information about the MCC Paramedicine program, visit mesacc.edu/programs/paramedicine.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.