Ivy Tech Community College received a $35,722 donation from Porter Health Care System to support the start-up of its new associate degree program in Paramedic Science at the Valparaiso Campus. The donation enables the College to purchase equipment that provides simulated experiences similar to those encountered by paramedics.
“Given the extent of content and technical skill that paramedicine students must master during their education as well as the increase in complexity of life-saving interventions, simulation has become an imperative teaching strategy in health education,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor Thomas G. Coley, Ph.D. “We are grateful to Porter Health Care System for providing us with the seed money to launch this hands-on academic program.”
Ivy Tech Community College’s Paramedic Science program will be taught by paramedics who have a combined 50 years of experience. The simulated class-room setting will provide a non-threatening environment where students practice psychomotor skills, clinical reasoning, problem solving, and teamwork. Faculty will also use curriculum that is a careful mix of lecture, demonstration, in-class skill practice sessions and clinical rotations to best prepare students to function in the ever-changing world of emergency medical services.
“Porter Health Care System is pleased to have the opportunity to support Ivy Tech Community College to help fulfill a direct healthcare need in our regional community for emergency medical professionals,” said Porter Health Care System CEO Steve Lunn. “Through these collaborative educational efforts, we hope to build even stronger working relationships with emergency medical and trauma care providers to enhance the quality and safety of patients in Northwest Indiana.”
The first cohort for the Paramedic Science associate degree begins Fall 2016. Students in the EMT certificate program or those already holding an EMT-B credential are encouraged to apply for the cohort. Course credit earned from the academic program can later be applied towards some bachelor degrees that support the healthcare and emergency management industries.
Approximately 30 government organizations, businesses and area hospitals were involved in designing the Paramedic Science program, and eight organizations have pledged to provide student internships.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
About Porter Health Care System
Porter Health Care System has two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities serving Porter, Lake, LaPorte, Starke, Newton, Marshall and Jasper counties. With more than 350 physicians representing 50 medical specialties, Porter Health Care System is committed to medical excellence and personalized, patient-centered care. Porter is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.