Paramedic Program Disclosures
The following is best viewed on a large screen!
NOTICE:
Read Each
Page of This
Document
(each page contains important enrollment information)
About the Paramedic Program
Program Information:
The Paramedic includes 1196 hours of classroom, clinical, and lab instruction. A new Paramedic course starts every October. There are currently two class options (1) Online; and (2) Traditional. Upon successful completion of the Paramedic program the student is eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. When the student passes the national certification exam they are eligible for a Paramedic license issued by the State of Oklahoma. All Paramedics must have an Oklahoma issued Paramedic license in order to work as an Paramedic in Oklahoma. These rules may differ from state to state. Those who complete the course and subsequent certification & licensure are prepared to work as an entry-level Paramedic for ambulance services, fire departments, clinic and hospitals across Oklahoma.
Entrance Requirements:
- All candidates must apply for acceptance into the program.
- All applicants must be 18 years or older to apply.
- Applicants must possess a current National Registry EMS Certification at the EMT or AEMT level.
- Applicants must complete a criminal history disclosure statement.
Once Accepted
- Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of an approved A&P course. GCTC has options to help meet this requirement (additional tuition and fees apply).
- Applicants will be required to provide a form of payment to enroll. Applicants can pay in full, $400 down and sign a payment agreement, provide 3rd party billing information (i.e. employer, tribe, etc.) or using approved scholarship funds (restrictions apply). Applicants will not be enrolled until a suitable payment is secured.
- All Students will complete a Nationwide Background Check. This process is completed online through a third-party vendor designated by Gordon Cooper. Results are shared with the school and designated clinical sites, NOT the student. NO other background check will be accepted. The background check is only valid for 6 months.
- All Students will complete a Nine Panel Drug Screen. This process is completed online through a third-party vendor designated by Gordon Cooper. Results are shared with the school and designated clinical sites, NOT the student. NO other drug screen will be accepted. Drug Screens are only valid for 6 months. See Medical Marijuana information listed below.
- All Students will be required to submit Immunizations. This process is completed online through a third-party vendor designated by Gordon Cooper. Immunizations are shared with the school and designated clinical sites. Immunizations submitted directly to the school will be accepted. See list of required Immunizations below.
**Candidates can get advanced standing for A&P for courses taken at colleges or universities. A&P courses taken at other tech centers require the candidate to take an A&P placement exam and score 80% or higher to receive advanced standing credit.
Accreditation
“The Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).”
To Contact CAAHEP To Contact COAEMSP
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Clearwater, FL 33763 Rowlett TX 75088
www.caahep.org www.coaemsp.org
(727) 210-2350 (214) 703-8445
Gordon Cooper Technology Center and its Paramedic Program is accredited by Oklahoma Department of Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
Oklahoma Department of Oklahoma Department of Career and
Education Technology Education
Oliver Hodge Building 1500 West 7th Ave.
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard Stillwater, OK 74074
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105 (405) 377-2000
(800)525-9517 ext. 6913 www.okcareertech.org
Program Mission
To continually produce entry-level EMS professionals who can successfully discharge their duties as an independent part of the healthcare community; thus making a difference in many lives.
Civil Rights Policy
Gordon Cooper Technology Center, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability or veteran status in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. These equal opportunity provisions include, but are not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and student services.
Program Minimum Expectations
To prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
Advanced Placement
Gordon Cooper Technology Center does not offer advanced placement for the Paramedic program, however some of our partner colleges may offer some advanced placement options for those students wishing to obtain a degree utilizing their paramedic education.
Transfers
Students desiring to transfer from another CAAHEP accredited program must be in “good standing” with the transferring institution. Transfer students with course transcript grades below an “A” will be required to take, and pass, GCTC’s course final exam each course where they scored below an “A” in order to determine the most appropriate program entry point. In the event that a suitable entry point cannot be determined, the student will be required to start at the beginning of the program. These course final exams must be taken prior to returning for any course work. Transferring students are allowed only one (1) attempt on each exam.
Transferring students will be required to complete a lab skills assessment prior to placement in the program. This assessment will be either a formative or summative scenario depending upon potential course placement.
Transferring students must provide a current transcript, current syllabus of courses completed, FISDAP Hours Report, Fisdap CoAEMSP New Appendix G Individual Progress Report, Fisdap Lab Practice Report, Fisdap Skills Report, Current Immunizations, Current Drug Screen, Current Background Check.
Admission Requirements
In general, students are required to provide the following: Completed Application, Copy of EMT or AEMT Oklahoma State License, Copy of current AHA Provider CPR card, Two References, Copy of valid state Driver’s License, verification of Social Security Card, Copy of H.S. Diploma, transcript or GED (or college transcript), Copy of current college Transcript (if applicable) and criminal record attestation.
Paramedic students will be interviewed prior to admission. Interview and admission rubrics will be utilized to determine application score based upon a 4.0 scale with 4.0 being the highest possible score.
Paramedic applicants are required to complete an approved anatomy and physiology course prior to starting any Paramedic level coursework.
All Paramedic candidates must be accepted into the program prior to enrollment. Those accepted will receive an acceptance letter that is required (in it’s original form) at the time of enrollment.
Credits and Transfer Credits
Gordon Cooper Technology Center does not issue college credit for current or transfer courses. Gordon Cooper does have an articulation agreement with OSU-OKC so when students complete paramedic coursework at Gordon Cooper they can receive credit at OSU-OKC (some restrictions apply).
Technical Standards
See below…
Curriculum
All of Gordon Cooper’s EMS programs follow the most current version of the National EMS Education Standards and is approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, EMS Division for all levels of EMS education offered. The EMS programs are of varying length and combine classroom and lab instruction with clinical and field experience. Students are instructed and evaluated in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (hands on), and affective (behavioral) domains of learning.
Program Goals
Gordon Cooper’s Paramedic Program strives to meet the following goals:
~ Three (3) year average pass rate of 85% on the National Registry of EMT written exam
~ Per class first time pass rate of 80%;
~ Three (3) year average pass rate of 90% on the National Registry of EMT skills exam
~ Per class first time rate of 85%;
~ Three (3) year average retention rate of 80% or higher;
~ Job placement rate of 90%;
~ Positive responses on 90% of the annual CoAEMSP student resource survey;
~ Positive responses on 80% of the annual CoAEMSP employer resource survey;
~ First time pass rate of 70% on course final written exam;and
~ First time pass rate of 90% on course final skills exam.
Traditional Tuition: $5255.00 Online Tuition: $5255.00
(Includes: *iPad, Tuition, Books, Supplies, Uniform Shirts, Software Fees, Clinical Fees, ACLS/PALS Certification and Student Liability Insurance.)
additional (non-refundable) fees apply to the online course option. For a complete fee breakdown go here... Tuition & Fees
Course Length: 760 Classroom hrs. 552 Clinical hrs. = 1312 total hrs.
A new class starts every October.
Traditional (on campus) class meets 3 days a week (M,W & F) for eight (8) hours a day (9am to 5pm).
Prerequisites:
Current National Registered Emergency Medical Technician or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification
Anatomy & Physiology (must meet program standards, not all A&P courses are approved) (We offer 8 & 16 week A&P courses)
Refund Policy
Full refund less $10 processing fee prior to the second class meeting.
No Refund after second class meeting regardless of student attendance.
No refund on books and supplies.
Full refund if the class is cancelled by GCTC.
Please allow 2 weeks to process refunds.
Prospective students must apply for program acceptance.
(Class costs must be paid in full prior to the first day of classes unless other arrangements are made in advance)
Paramedic Program Costs:
Tuition + $2990.00
Background Check $45.00
Drug Screen $40.00
Tablet PC $500.00
Books/Field Guides $688.00
ACLS/PALS Certification $0.00
Clinical Insurance $15.00
Uniform Shirt $70.00
Technology Fees $152.00
FISDAP Clinical Scheduler/Tracker/Final $225.00
Total Course Cost $4755.00
NOTICE: The Traditional Paramedic program does NOT qualify for financial aid!
Gordon Cooper offers a tuition agreement program (payment plan), however a minimum down payment of $400 upon enrollment is required.
Civil Rights Policy
Gordon Cooper Technology Center, in compliance with TitleVI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability or veteran status in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. These equal opportunity provisions include, but are not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and student services.
Compliance officers may be contacted at the school: One John C. Bruton Blvd., Shawnee, OK 74804 or by phone at (405) 273-7493.
NOTICE!
All Applicants:
Accepted students are required to have completed all program required immunizations by mid-December.
* Immunizations are NOT required to attend classes at GCTC, however they are required by our clinical affiliates and as such, required by the Paramedic program.
GCTC will not provide refunds to students unable to obtain complete immunization records.
Students may not able to decline immunizations on the basis of religion because the nature of this profession would put others at risk.
GCTC staff will not search through previous student records for these documents, it is solely the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all required immunization records are submitted with their application.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Notice: Immunizations are NOT required by GCTC for enrollment, however all clinical sites do require ALL of the listed vaccinations prior to the start of clinical rotations.
ALL Records MUST be official records, school records are NOT accepted.
TST (TB tests)
TB Skin test – 2 Required within last 365 days, give dates must be 10 days apart.
or - SPOT Blood test, must be negative
or - QuantiFERON Gold Blood test, must be negative
Measles, Mumps & Rubella
Measles (hard) [a.k.a. rubeola) – two shots after 12months of age – or positive titer (> or = 1.10)
Mumps – two shots after 12months of age – or positive titer (> or = 1.10)
Rubella [a.k.a. 3-day Measles) – two shots after 12months of age – or positive titer (> or = 1.10)
Varicella
Varicella (chicken pox) – two shots after 12months of age – or positive titer (> or = 1.10)
A note confirming infection is no longer accepted. Must show a positive titer or have both shots.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B – Shot #1
Hepatitis B – Shot #2, 30 days after #1
Hepatitis B – Shot #3, 30 days after #1
OR Positive titer
Influenza
Influenza – (between October and June only) new shot required every year
TDAP
TDAP – 1 shot (within the last 10 years)
Covid-19
This vaccination is required for Paramedic Students.
Covid-19 – up to date series (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson)
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Gordon Cooper District Policy (DP-212)
"Regardless of a student, employee, parent or any individual’s status as a medical marijuana license holder, marijuana is not allowed on the premises of Gordon Cooper Technology Center or in any school vehicle or any vehicle transporting a student under any circumstances. While the use of medical marijuana in conjunction with the possession of a medical marijuana license is legal in the State of Oklahoma, marijuana is a prohibited controlled substance under federal law regardless of the use being for medical purposes. Accordingly, possession of marijuana by a student, employee, parent or any individual, notwithstanding the possession of a medical marijuana license, is strictly prohibited while on the premises of Gordon Cooper Technology Center and in school vehicles; going to and from and attending technology center sponsored functions, events, and activities, including those technology center sponsored functions, events and/or activities which occur in a location other than the premises of the technology center; utilizing technology center equipment or transportation; and in any other instance in connection with the technology center where the technology center reasonably deems the possession of marijuana to be illegal."
According to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act
63 OK Stat § 427.1 (2022)
H., 2. “No employer may refuse to hire, discipline, discharge or otherwise penalize an applicant or employee solely on the basis of a positive test for marijuana components or metabolites, unless:
- the position is one involving safety-sensitive job duties, as such term is defined in subsection K of this section.
- As used in this section:
- " Safety-sensitive" means any job that includes tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others including, but not limited to, any of the following:
- the handling, packaging, processing, storage, disposal or transport of hazardous materials,
- the operation of a motor vehicle, other vehicle, equipment, machinery or power tools,
- repairing, maintaining or monitoring the performance or operation of any equipment, machinery or manufacturing process, the malfunction or disruption of which could result in injury or property damage,
- performing firefighting duties,
- the operation, maintenance or oversight of critical services and infrastructure including, but not limited to, electric, gas, and water utilities, power generation or distribution,
- the extraction, compression, processing, manufacturing, handling, packaging, storage, disposal, treatment or transport of potentially volatile, flammable, combustible materials, elements, chemicals or any other highly regulated component,
- dispensing pharmaceuticals,
- carrying a firearm, or
- direct patient care or direct child care;
*The job of EMTs and Paramedics are considered "safety-sensitive." EMT and Paramedic students fall in the category of "safety-sensitive" as well.
**This means that students who test positive for marijuana may be found in violation of, State law as well as GCTC's drug policy and removed from the program.
Exposure Disclaimer
During the course of your EMS Program, students may be exposed to, or asked to participate in, situations that could possibly expose them to hazardous or infectious disease situations. Exposure may include the following:
- Patients with infectious diseases; for example:
It is required that before the EMS students begin the clinical portion of the program, they must show proof that they are adequately protected against common communicable diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. All possible precautions will be taken to limit the student’s exposure to hazardous or infectious disease situations. Students may also be exposed to, or asked to participate in, situations that they may consider distasteful or offensive. It would be considered unprofessional and unethical to refuse to respectfully and properly treat these patients. Class materials, audio-visual materials and the clinical experience have been carefully reviewed by the EMS Instructor and are considered part of the EMS program.
Exposure may include:
Students will never be forced or coerced into participating, attending, or viewing any event or audio-visual presentation they may find offensive or incapable of being a participant. However, students who do not participate in all aspects of the training program may not receive a passing grade in the section in which they are deficient.
If for some reason you are exposed to a needle stick or other means of transmission of an infectious disease, follow the facility protocol in which you are performing clinicals and contact your instructor. If this occurs on a weekend or after hours, contact your instructor on the next class day.
Payments
GCTC accepts personal checks, MasterCard and VISA for payment of tuition, books & fees. Personal checks must include the name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number of the person writing the check. There is a service charge of $25 on returned checks.
Financial Aid
EMS Programs and Courses (EMR, EMT, AEMT & Paramedic) at Gordon Cooper Technology Center are considered short term courses and are NOT eligible for Financial Aid. For information about financial aid and what programs qualify, contact the Health Programs Coordinator, the Financial Aid Coordinator or refer to District Policy # DP-125-A1 thru A3.
EMS Program Technical Standards
Introduction
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S. Section 794) prohibits Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) from denying benefits to an “otherwise qualified” handicapped person solely because of his or her documented handicap. No qualified handicapped person shall be excluded from participation, admission, matriculation, or denied benefits or subjected to discrimination solely by reason of his or her handicap. However, a handicapped person can be required to meet the institutions “academic and technical standards.” GCTC’s admissions process will not discriminate against qualified handicapped individuals, but will expect paramedic candidates and students to meet minimum academic and technical standards.
Technical Standards
An EMS provider must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical and field situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. In order to carry out the activities described below, students of the EMS programs must be able to consistently, quickly and accurately learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data leading to treatment and transport decisions affecting patient care.
A student in the EMS programs must have abilities, attributes and skills in five major areas: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral and social. Technological competencies and reasonable accommodations can be made for some handicaps in certain areas, but a candidate must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
Observation: Candidates and students must have sufficient vision to be able to observe and demonstrate classroom, laboratory, clinical and field exercises. They must be able to observe a patient accurately at close range and at a distance. They must be able to observe clinical and field settings utilizing hearing, vision, smells and touch.
Communication: Candidates and students should be able to speak, hear, and observe patients and peers in order to elicit information, examine patients, describe changes in moods and posture, as well as perceive and interpret nonverbal communications. They must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and peers. Communications include not only speech, but also reading and writing in English. They must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in both oral and written form with all members of the health care team.
Motor: Candidates and students must demonstrate the sufficient motor functions needed to execute the movements reasonably required of an EMS provider to perform a patient physical examination as well as to provide general care or emergency treatment to patients. Examples of patient care and emergency treatment reasonably required of a EMS provider include, but are not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application pressure to stop bleeding, lifting up to 50 pounds, managing an airway, frequent bending, stooping, standing, kneeling and reaching, and occasional crawling or lying.
Intellectual: Candidates and students should possess conceptual, integrative, and
quantitative abilities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of EMS providers, requires all these intellectual abilities. Candidates and students must be able to give and receive verbal and written instructions and directions reliably. In addition, candidates and students should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationship of structures.
Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates and students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities, attention to the diagnosis and care of the patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. Candidates and students must demonstrate maturity of judgment, good moral character, motivation, and dependability. Candidates and students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical and field problems of many patients.
In addition, candidates should possess compassion, integrity, effective interpersonal skills, interest and motivation.
Conclusion
Gordon Cooper’s EMS programs attempt to develop creative ways of working with competitive qualified individuals with handicaps. In doing so, Gordon Cooper must maintain the integrity of the curriculum and preserve those elements deemed essential to the education of a EMS providers. Gordon Cooper cannot compromise the health and safety of patients. It is inevitable that adherence to minimum requirements will disqualify some candidates and students, including some with handicaps. Exclusion of such an individual does not constitute unlawful discrimination. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against an “otherwise qualified” person with a handicap. An applicant or student who is unable to meet the minimum academic and technical standards is not qualified for the EMS profession. Candidates or students who believe they qualify as a party with disabilities must inform Gordon Cooper faculty of the needs associated with their participation in the program prior to the beginning of the program. All requests will be reviewed by the Health Programs Coordinator together with the Adult Counselor. Granting of any privileges will be at the discretion of Gordon Cooper Technology Center.
All special need requests require documentation of the need from your primary care provider and/or specialist at the time of the initial request
The student must notify the Health Programs Coordinator if there is any change in his/her ability to meet the above physical requirements while enrolled in the EMS-Paramedic Program.