STUDENT HANDBOOK
EFFECTIVE August 1, 2019
American Professional Educational Services
One American Way
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
Phone: 860-886-2737
americanprotraining.com
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
Welcome...
The faculty and staff of the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium would like to take this opportunity
to welcome you to our program. We hope the next year will be rewarding for each of you, and we look forward to
you joining us.
This Student Handbook has been prepared by the program administration and contains information specific to
our program. All the policies, as laid out in this Student Handbook, are designed to ensure a safe and
professional educational experience for students and staff. It is important that each student understand and
follow these polices completely and follow both the letter and spirit behind them.
This document cannot address every issue that comes up in a program of this depth and breadth; when it does
not, students and faculty should use their best judgment and be guided by understanding of the intent of program
standards, philosophies, best practices, and professional ethics becoming a Paramedic.
Students will have an opportunity to offer suggestions you think will enhance the program. It will be this input,
tempered by the experience and judgment of program staff that will help make your paramedic education a
success.
Please remember that our goal is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge),
psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains without exit points at the Advanced Emergency
Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
We look forward to working with each of you over the next year, and thank you for choosing the American/Backus
Paramedic Program Consortium and American Professional Educational Services for your continuing education.
Damian M. Rickard, BS, NRP, EMS-I Kyle B. McClaine, MD
Director of Education and Training Medical Director
Paramedic Program Director
Kyle Ridenour, AS, NRP, CCEMT-P, EMS-I
Patrick Gauthier, AS, NRP, TP-C, EMS-I Lead Instructor
ALS Program Coordinator
Lead Instructor
STUDENT HANDBOOK 1
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
CoAEMSP/CAAHEP ........................................................................................................................................... 6
1 | MISSION STATEMENT & EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY...................................................................................7
1.01 | MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................7
1.02 | MISSION AND INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW ................................................................................................7
1.03 | EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY ......................................................................................................................7
2 | ADMISSIONS...............................................................................................................................................8
2.01 | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................................8
2.02 | EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT) CERTIFICATION ......................................................................8
2.03 | MEDICAL INSURANCE & MALPRACTICE INSURANCE .................................................................................8
2.04 | MEDICAL CLEARANCE & VACCINATIONS ...................................................................................................8
2.05 | PERSONAL & PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................................9
2.06 | DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY .........................................................................................................................9
2.07 | CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION........................................................................................10
2.08 | ADMISSION PROCEDURE .........................................................................................................................10
2.09 | COURSE CREDIT TRANSFER ......................................................................................................................10
2.10 | REGISTRATION & TUITION .......................................................................................................................11
2.11 | REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY ..........................................................................................................11
2.12 | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN’S AFFAIRS REFUND POLICY ..................................................................11
3 | ACADEMIC POLICIES..................................................................................................................................12
3.01 | BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS........................................................................................................................12
3.02 | ACADEMIC INTEGRITY..............................................................................................................................13
3.03 | TEXTBOOKS ..............................................................................................................................................14
3.04 | GRADING POLICIES...................................................................................................................................14
3.05 | GRADING APPEAL.....................................................................................................................................14
3.06 | WEIGHTING & GRADE COMPONENTS .....................................................................................................15
3.07 | AFFECTIVE DOMAIN .................................................................................................................................15
3.08 | HOMEWORK POLICY ................................................................................................................................15
3.09 | QUIZZES....................................................................................................................................................15
3.10 | MEDICATION TESTS..................................................................................................................................16
3.11 | WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS........................................................................................................................16
3.12 | PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS .....................................................................................................................16
3.13 | SPECIALTY EXAMS ....................................................................................................................................16
3.14 | FAILURE OF AN EXAMINATION ................................................................................................................16
3.15 | SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS .....................................................................................................17
3.16 | APPEAL PROCESS......................................................................................................................................17
3.17 | ACADEMIC PROBATION ...........................................................................................................................17
3.19 | WITHDRAWAL ..........................................................................................................................................18
3.20 | RE-ENROLLMENT......................................................................................................................................18
3.21 | ADA COMPLIANCE....................................................................................................................................18
3.22 | ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY....................................................................................................................19
3.23 | PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION..........................................................................21
3.24 | GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................21
3.25 | NATIONAL REGISTRY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS...............................................................22
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American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
4 | ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES........................................................................................................................23
4.01| APPROPRIATE STUDENT CONDUCT ..........................................................................................................23
4.02 | RELATIONSHIP WITH PRECEPTORS ..........................................................................................................23
4.03 | NON-FRATERNIZATION ............................................................................................................................24
4.04 | NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY .................................................................................................................24
4.05 | SEXUAL HARASSMENT .............................................................................................................................25
4.06 | HAZING.....................................................................................................................................................26
4.07 | PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE.........................................................................................................................26
4.08 | APPEARANCE............................................................................................................................................27
4.09 | GRIEVANCE & COMPLAINT PROCEDURE .................................................................................................28
4.10 | RETALIATION............................................................................................................................................29
4.11 | DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY .......................................................................................................................29
4.12 | TOBACCO USE ..........................................................................................................................................30
4.13 | ATTENDANCE ...........................................................................................................................................30
4.14 | MAKE-UP WORK.......................................................................................................................................31
4.15 | STUDENT PRIVACY POLICY & FERPA ........................................................................................................32
4.16 | HIPAA .......................................................................................................................................................32
4.17 | COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT POLICY........................................................................................................33
4.18 | ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY USE...............................................................................................................34
4.19 | IN CLASS USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA......................................................................................................35
4.20 | INTERNET USE ..........................................................................................................................................35
4.21 | BLOODBORNE EXPOSURE ........................................................................................................................35
4.22 | INJURY REPORTING ..................................................................................................................................35
4.23 | REQUIRED MATERIALS .............................................................................................................................36
4.24 | CLINICAL & FIELD INTERNSHIP: OVERVIEW .............................................................................................36
4.25 | PRACTICING SKILLS IN THE FIELD .............................................................................................................37
4.26 | LABORATORY............................................................................................................................................37
4.27 | LABORATORY EQUIPMENT.......................................................................................................................38
4.28 | LABORATORY DOCUMENTATION ............................................................................................................38
4.29 | LABORATORY SAFETY AND PROCEDURES................................................................................................38
4.30 | STUDENT RECORDS ..................................................................................................................................39
4.31 | WEATHER .................................................................................................................................................39
4.32 | INCIDENT REPORTS ..................................................................................................................................39
4.33 | SOCIAL MEDIA..........................................................................................................................................40
5 | STUDENT SERVICES ...................................................................................................................................42
5.01 | COUNSELING & GUIDANCE ......................................................................................................................42
5.02 | TUTORING ................................................................................................................................................42
5.03 | LOCATION.................................................................................................................................................42
5.04 | CLASS SIZE ................................................................................................................................................42
5.05 | PARKING...................................................................................................................................................42
5.06 | TRANSCRIPTS............................................................................................................................................42
STUDENT HANDBOOK 3
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
APPENDIX A | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM............................................................................................................43
A.01 | ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF ..........................................................................................................................43
A.02 | CONSORTIUM COMMITTEE .....................................................................................................................43
A.03 | ADVISORY COMMITTEE ...........................................................................................................................44
A.04 | FACULTY...................................................................................................................................................45
A.05 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................46
A.06 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM GOAL .................................................................................................................46
A.07 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY......................................................................................................46
A.09 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PARAMEDIC PROFESSION.....................................................................................46
A.10 | PARAMEDIC FUNCTIONAL JOB ANALYSIS ................................................................................................47
A.11 | PARAMEDIC DESCRIPTION OF TASKS.......................................................................................................49
A.12 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM TECHNICAL STANDARDS ...................................................................................51
A.13 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM CURRICULUM ....................................................................................................53
A.14 | PARAMEDIC 1 SYLLABUS........................................................................................................................544
A.15 | PARAMEDIC 2 SYLLABUS........................................................................................................................577
A.16 | PARAMEDIC 3 SYLLABUS..........................................................................................................................60
A.17 | PARAMEDIC 4 SYLLABUS..........................................................................................................................63
A.18 | PARAMEDIC 5 SYLLABUS..........................................................................................................................65
APPENDIX B | CLINICAL INTERNSHIP ...............................................................................................................67
B.01 | INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................67
B.02 | PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY......................................................................................................................67
B.03 | PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR .......................................................................................................................67
B.04 | GOALS OF THE CLINICAL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE .................................................................................68
B.05 | OBJECTIVES OF THE CLINICAL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE .........................................................................68
B.06 | AFFECTIVE DOMAIN OBJECTIVES.............................................................................................................69
B.07 | CLINICAL TIME REQUIREMENTS...............................................................................................................69
B.08 | ATTENDANCE ...........................................................................................................................................69
B.09 | UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS .......................................................................................................................69
B.10 | DOCUMENTATION ...................................................................................................................................70
B.11 | SKILL PERFORMANCE ...............................................................................................................................71
B.12 | ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE ....................................................................................................................72
B.13 | DRESS CODE .............................................................................................................................................72
B.14 | MALPRACTICE INSURANCE ......................................................................................................................72
B.15 | IMMUNIZATIONS .....................................................................................................................................72
B.16 | MISCELLANEOUS POINTS.........................................................................................................................72
BEHAVIORAL/DETOXIFICATION (SCADD)................................................................................................74
CRITICAL CARE UNIT (CCU) .....................................................................................................................76
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (ED) ............................................................................................................78
LABOR AND DELIVERY (L&D)...................................................................................................................80
OPERATING ROOM (OR) .........................................................................................................................83
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American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
APPENDIX C | FIELD INTERNSHIP ....................................................................................................................85
C.01 | INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................85
C.02 | PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY......................................................................................................................85
C.03 | PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR .......................................................................................................................85
C.04 | GOALS OF THE FIELD INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE.......................................................................................86
C.05 | OBJECTIVES OF THE FIELD INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE...............................................................................86
C.06 | AFFECTIVE DOMAIN OBJECTIVES.............................................................................................................88
C.07 | INTERNSHIP TIME AND REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................88
C.08 | ATTENDANCE ...........................................................................................................................................88
C.09 | UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS .......................................................................................................................89
C.10 | DOCUMENTATION ...................................................................................................................................89
C.11 | ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE ....................................................................................................................90
C.12 | DRESS CODE .............................................................................................................................................90
C.13 | MALPRACTICE INSURANCE ......................................................................................................................90
C.14 | IMMUNIZATIONS .....................................................................................................................................90
C.15 | MISCELLANEOUS POINTS .........................................................................................................................91
AMERICAN AMBULANCE SERVICE INC....................................................................................................92
STUDENT HANDBOOK 5
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
CoAEMSP/CAAHEP
The American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium 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:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
6 STUDENT HANDBOOK
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
1 | MISSION STATEMENT & EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
American Professional Educational Services and American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium students are
responsible for compliance with all aspects of this program handbook. The content, policies and procedures of
this handbook are approved by the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium and Advisory
committees.
1.01 | MISSION STATEMENT
Dedicated, Professional People, Committed to Excellence in Education for our Community for Today and
Tomorrow
1.02 | MISSION AND INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW
American Professional Educational Services was founded in 1996 in response to an increased demand for
community CPR classes and soon expanded to include Emergency Medical Technician and Refresher Programs. In
2001, American Professional Educational Services conducted its first Paramedic Training Program. In addition to
EMS programs, American Professional Educational Services offers other allied health programs and is licensed as
an Occupational School by the Connecticut State Office of Higher Education. All programs exceed state and
federal standards and pass rates for licensure, consistently exceeding the national average.
American Professional Educational Services is also proud to hold the distinction of being a Nationally Certified
American Heart Association Training Center. We provide First Aid, CPR and AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)
training to the general public as well as to health, recreation, hospitality and industrial clients. Our highly skilled
AHA training staff also provides critical care health providers with training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and
Pediatric Advanced Life Support by using state-of-the-art manikin simulators.
The American Professional Educational Services Training Center is located in the lower level of the American
Ambulance Service building in Norwich, CT. We have multiple training rooms, clinical labs, a computer lab and
conference room. Our training rooms are equipped with an audio-visual system, LCD projector and DVD
capabilities. Being co-located with American Ambulance Service, Inc. allows for better training and internship
abilities as both establishments have vested interest in the Paramedic Program.
The American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium is a joint venture between American Professional
Educational Services and Hartford Healthcare’s William W. Backus Hospital, dedicated to providing our students
with the cognitive, psychomotor, affective and leadership skills necessary to provide the highest quality care to
patients in the pre-hospital setting. The goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics.
1.03 | EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
We offer our students a learning environment filled with problem-solving, critical thinking and “systems-thinking”
in order to ensure a strong base on which to build. Our emphasis on anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
provides students with the tools needed to address basic and advanced pre-hospital medicine both today and in
the future. Our programs exceed all Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration’s (NHTSA) National Standard Curriculum and National Education Standard’s objectives and include
optional skills adopted by many states. American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium believes in evidence
driven medical practice and education. Our initial education programs are not specific to local protocol, but do
include such in the educational process when appropriate. The American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
believes that good Advanced Life Support first and foremost begins with a strong base of excellent Basic Life
Support. Our programs are directed toward providers who take responsibility for their own education, growth,
and development and especially for the professional behavior and attitude necessary for providers who will be
the practitioners and leaders of EMS in the future.
STUDENT HANDBOOK 7
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
2 | ADMISSIONS
Applicants from all types of backgrounds are considered for admission based on their merit. Our aim is to select
applicants with the greatest promise and commitment, and to then train them to the highest level of excellence.
Applicants are encouraged to visit American Professional Educational Services to learn more about the education
programs offered and tour our facilities located at One American Way in Norwich, CT.
Applicants are urged to call 860-886-2737 in advance and schedule an interview and time to visit the campus and
facilities.
2.01 | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission requires that all applicants have a high school diploma or have satisfied the requirements through the
General Educational Development (GED) examination. American Professional Educational Services and the
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium looks for students who have, through work experience,
interviews and recommendations, demonstrated a high level of maturity, motivation and work ethic to
successfully complete the rigorous training requirements of the program.
2.02 | EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT) CERTIFICATION
Students enrolling in the Paramedic program must provide written documentation showing that they hold
a current and valid State of Connecticut EMT certification. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure
that the certification remains current throughout the program. If at any point during the program, the
student allows the certification to expire, or their certification is suspended or revoked, that student will be
immediately dismissed from the program. If at any point during the program, a student renews their
expiring certification, they must submit a copy of their renewed certification prior to the expiration date.
2.03 | MEDICAL INSURANCE & MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
The American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
will supply liability malpractice insurance coverage for Paramedic Students which is a requirement for
clinical and field internship time. If students would like to purchase additional malpractice insurance they
can do so through HPSO, www.hpso.com, or equivalent provider and must include a “Paramedic Student”
rider on the policy.
All Students are encouraged to have active health insurance for the length of the program.
2.04 | MEDICAL CLEARANCE & VACCINATIONS
It is required that all paramedic students have the following vaccinations/tests and that they remain
current throughout the duration of the program:
▪ TB/ PPD Mantoux (Tuberculosis): This test is required and must be current throughout your
clinical rotation time. This test is valid for one year. Depending on the facility, this test may have to
be repeated prior to starting or finishing clinical time.
▪ Influenza: This vaccination is required and must be current throughout your clinical rotation during
flu season (October to May). It must be received at the beginning of the season or prior to the
start of clinical rotation.
▪ MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): All Paramedic students must provide proof of immunization for
MMR. You are required to have received two (2) sets of injections. Most people receive these
shots in early childhood, and then have them repeated later in their teens or pre-college years. If
you are unable to obtain documentation, a physician can order a blood test requesting a MMR
titer.
8 STUDENT HANDBOOK
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
▪ Chicken Pox (Varicella): All Paramedic students must provide proof of immunization for Varicella.
Most people receive these shots in early childhood, and they may be repeated later in their teens
or pre-college years. If you are unable to obtain documentation, a physician can order a blood test
requesting a Varicella titer. Physician documented proof of Varicella disease is acceptable as well.
▪ TD (Tetanus): All Paramedic students must provide proof that they have received a tetanus
booster within the past 5 years.
▪ Hepatitis B: All Paramedic students are encouraged to receive the three (3) part injection series. A
student may opt not to have this vaccination; however, a signed and witnessed affidavit of waiver
must be completed and kept on file. Clinical sites may reject a student for not having this
immunization series.
To satisfy program requirements for vaccinations, students are required to provide proof of vaccinations and
immunity by virtue of titer, if applicable. If Paramedic students are deficient in any of the required vaccinations,
they will be required to obtain said vaccinations and/or titers prior to attendance in clinical settings. These tests
are the student’s requirement and will not be provided by the program or clinical site. Clinical sites reserve the
right to alter health requirements at any time.
Proof of vaccinations must be submitted prior to entry into the clinical portion of the program but is requested
prior to the start of class.
All students attending clinical rotations in emergency settings must have a yearly N-95 facemask fit test. The
program provides this test, and all students must pass this test to enter clinical and field portions of the program.
2.05 | PERSONAL & PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Students enrolling in our program should understand the mental and physical expectations of the career field of
study. Inability to perform specific tasks that are essential for the program of study will result in dismissal from
the program.
All Paramedic program students must affirm in writing that they have no known personal or physical limitations
that will prevent the student from successfully completing the program. A current program physical form from a
physician, APRN or PA must be on file. Physicals are valid for 1 year from the date performed and signed by
healthcare provider. Physical must be submitted prior to entry into the clinical portion of the program but is
requested prior to the start of class.
Hours and skill requirements are set by governmental agencies. Therefore, any medical condition that requires a
leave of absence, or impacts a student’s ability to perform skills, will impact a student’s ability to complete the
program and may be grounds for dismissal. Students must meet the physical requirements set forth in Appendix
A at all times.
2.06 | DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium intend to
provide a learning environment that is free from the use of non-prescription drugs and alcohol. While drug and
alcohol testing is not a requirement, administration reserves the right to request these tests based on
observations of instructors, students or other staff. If this information is requested, it is the student’s
responsibility to have this test performed. Students suspected of substance use will be immediately suspended
from class and clinical rotations until proof of a negative drug test is provided to the school from a certified
healthcare provider.
Clinical sites reserve the right to request this information on their own. All students must comply with clinical site
STUDENT HANDBOOK 9
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
rules and regulations.
2.07 | CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION
While American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium do
not require a criminal background check prior to admission in the program, the right is reserved to request this
information if information is obtained that suggests a student has a criminal offense that would interfere with the
program or licensure. Students are required to disclose to program leadership, ALL felony convictions and any
other criminal convictions (whether felony or misdemeanor) that they have, or current charges that are pending.
If charges or convictions occur during the duration of the program, American Professional Educational Services
and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium reserves the right to suspend or dismiss students based
on these charges or convictions
Clinical sites reserve the right to request this information on their own. All students must comply with clinical site
rules and regulations.
2.08 | ADMISSION PROCEDURE
To apply for admission into the Paramedic program, complete an application with all enclosures, which can be
found online at americanprotraining.com and submit the application for review. There are no admissions tests.
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium will not
discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, or sexual preference. The course is taught in English and
resources are not available for instruction in other languages.
Each applicant must meet the program admission requirements.
Early application to the program is always recommended to ensure placement, financial arrangements and
scheduling.
All applications will be reviewed prior to admission into the Paramedic program.
Paramedic program applicants will undergo a comprehensive admissions evaluation that will include a personal
interview with program leadership. Paramedic program candidates should prepare themselves for the interview in
the same detailed manner that they would prepare for any professional, academic or career interview. All
candidates are expected to present themselves in a professional manner and in professional attire. After the
interview, applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection within 7-10 days.
2.09 | COURSE CREDIT TRANSFER
While higher education is encouraged, American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus
Paramedic Program Consortium do not accept transfer credits from other classes or educational institutions.
Students must complete the entire program regardless of prior education.
Our programs are approved and operated under the regulations of the State of Connecticut Department of Public
Health Office of Emergency Medical Services. The current state regulations do not allow for advanced placement
or challenge of any portion of the Paramedic program. We recognize the substantial work that you have put into
prior education and/or certification, but we cannot exempt you from any part of our program.
Our program is intended to be a specialized, career-oriented certificate program. The decision of other
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American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
educational institutions to accept transfer of clock hours is solely at the discretion of the receiving institution.
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium do not
imply, promise, or guarantee transferability of clock hours or credits earned to any other institution.
College credits for the Paramedic program are available through an articulation agreement with Charter Oak State
College (COSC). To obtain these credits, students must follow the COSC policies and procedure. Credits are
obtained from COSC and not obtained from American Professional Educational Services or the American/Backus
Paramedic Program Consortium.
2.10 | REGISTRATION & TUITION
Students must submit a completed application with references and a personal statement. Registration closes two
(2) weeks prior to the start of a course. Once enrollment limits are reached, a waiting list will be started. Any
registration or application fees will be forfeited without full payment.
2.11 | REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY
In order to receive a refund, a withdrawal notification must be in writing to the Director of Education and
Training. If you register for a course, you are responsible for payment whether or not you attend. Do not assume
you will be withdrawn from a course if you do not pay. Tuition refunds will follow the schedule below.
▪ There will be no refunds of tuition if you are dismissed from the program, do not meet the
program requirements, or drop out of the program without notice.
▪ Students who withdraw from class up through the first day of class will receive a 100% refund
minus a non-refundable seat deposit and the cost of books and supplies.
▪ Any student who withdraws from the program up through the second day of class will receive a
50% refund minus a non-refundable seat deposit and the cost of books and supplies.
▪ Any student who drops out after the third complete class will not receive any refund, and will be
responsible for the unpaid balance for the program.
▪ Any student who fails the program and/or is terminated is responsible for all unpaid balances for
the program.
▪ Once a student receives their books they become the property of the student. The school does
not accept merchandise returns or make refunds for books. If a student loses a book, it is his or
her responsibility to purchase a replacement book.
▪ Refunds are based on the last date of verifiable attendance and will be issued within 30 days of
notification of withdrawal.
▪ If American Professional Educational Services cancels a course, any student registered for that
course has the option of transferring into another course during a different term or requesting a
refund. Refunds are issued within 2 to 3 weeks of cancellation.
2.12 | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN’S AFFAIRS REFUND POLICY
Students that are eligible for educational benefits from the VA will be afforded reimbursement directly from
the VA under the current policies and guidelines set forth by the VA. Upon a change in enrollment status, the
School Certifying Official will notify the VA in writing. The VA will then make a determination of tuition paid to
be reimbursed to the student or money to be paid back to the VA for failure to complete the program of study.
If the VA has partially paid the school or the student directly for the tuition, it is still the responsibility of the
student to satisfy any remaining balance of tuition not covered through VA educational benefits.
STUDENT HANDBOOK 11
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American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
3 | ACADEMIC POLICIES
3.01 | BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS
Students will be evaluated constantly throughout the program regarding academic performance, clinical skills and
judgment, and professional behavior.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards expected of health
professionals. Because students, after graduation, may be licensed as health care professionals and may be
required to assume responsibility for the life and welfare of other human beings, every student is expected to
demonstrate a level of competence and patterns of behavior which are consistent with these professional
responsibilities and which are deserving of the public’s trust. The Program has the right and responsibility to
sever, at any time, its connection with any student considered in its opinion unfit for a career in the health or
related professions. Some behaviors are so severe or dangerous to staff or student well being that they may
require immediate dismissal from the program. Allegations of prohibited conduct will receive a thorough review.
Prohibited conduct that may lead to immediate dismissal includes but is not limited to:
▪ Submitting material or demonstration by any means, including electronic, in assignments,
examinations, other academic work or other class web learning systems based upon sources
prohibited by the instructor or the furnishing of materials to another person for the purposes of
aiding another person to cheat, including the use of social media to post answers and questions
to previously taken quizzes and exams. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated.
▪ Submitting material by any means, including electronic, in assignments, examinations, other
academic work or other class web learning systems, which are not the work of the student in
question and where there is no indication or citation in writing that the work is not that of the
student. This is also known as plagiarism. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
▪ Knowingly producing false evidence or false statements, making charges in bad faith against any
other person, or making false statements about one’s own behavior related to educational or
professional matters. This includes entries in FISDAP and other class web learning systems.
▪ Falsification, making false statements, or misuse of Program records, permits or documents. This
includes electronic and on-line records and exams including those in FISDAP or other electronic
learning systems.
▪ Violating existing or amended American Professional Educational Services, American/Backus
Paramedic Program Consortium or any clinical site policies or regulations relating to non-
academic matters.
▪ Exhibiting behavior, which is disruptive to the learning process or to the academic or community
environment.
▪ Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other
institutional activities including the institution’s public service functions or other authorized
activities on institutionally owned or controlled property or that of the clinical and field internship
affiliates.
▪ Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals or other dangerous weapons or
instrumentalities on institutionally owned or controlled property, or while in the role of student
on any property of a clinical or field internship affiliate in contravention of law or institutional
rules.
▪ Detention or physical or emotional abuse of any person or conduct intended to threaten
imminent bodily harm or endanger the health or welfare of any person. This includes sexual
harassment.
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▪ Malicious damage, misuse or theft of institutional property, or the property of any other person
where such property is located on institutionally owned or controlled property or, regardless of
location, is in the care, custody or control of the institution. This applies to American Professional
Educational Services and all it’s affiliated clinical and internship sites.
▪ Unauthorized entry to or use of institutional facilities or equipment of American Professional
Educational Services or any other affiliated clinical or internship site, including buildings and
grounds.
▪ Illegal use, possession, or distribution of drugs or weapons at any time.
▪ Inciting others to engage in any of the conduct or to perform any of the acts prohibited herein.
Inciting means that advocacy of proscribed conduct, which calls upon a person or persons
addressed for imminent action, and is coupled with a reasonable apprehension of imminent
danger to the functions and purposes of the institution, including the safety of persons and the
protection of its property.
Any person who witnesses or has first-hand knowledge of the misconduct as described above is obligated to send
a written report documenting the infraction to program administration as soon as discovered. Any student who is
arrested for any reason while matriculated with the program must report this to the Director of Education and
Training before returning to any function of the program.
3.02 | ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
PLAGIARISM is defined as presenting as one’s own the ideas or writings of another without acknowledging or
documenting the source(s). Students are guilty of plagiarism when they do any of the following in an essay or
presentation:
▪ Copy a word or words directly from a book, periodical, or electronic source without using
quotation marks and references to sources.
▪ Summarize or paraphrase the ideas or opinions of an author or use the data collected by an
author without citing the author as the source.
▪ Submit papers or projects which do not reflect their own knowledge, voice, and style, usually as a
result of having had another person write, rephrase, rewrite or complete their ideas.
▪ Submit a paper or project which was written or prepared by another person for another class or
another instructor implying that the work is their original composition or project.
▪ Download a paper or portions of text from an electronic source and paste it into a paper, retype
the paper or portions of the paper and submit it as their own composition, retype phrases or
sentences with a few changes, and submit the paper as their own composition or summarize or
paraphrase the ideas from one or more sentences, without citing the source.
▪ Submit as their own work a paper (or parts of a paper) purchased from a company or electronic
source that offers catalogs of essays on different topics and/or for different courses.
CHEATING is defined as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized sources in exams or on other
scholastic projects, as well as failing to follow instructions in such activities. Students are guilty of cheating
when they do any of the following:
▪ Copy answers from another student’s examination answer sheet.
▪ Use or attempt to use unauthorized materials (notes, study guides, ““crib”” sheets,
textbooks, electronic devices, etc.) during an examination.
▪ Exchange forms of a test with a classmate.
▪ Possess and/or use unauthorized copies of tests or answer sheets.
▪ Change answers or grades on a graded project.
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COLLUSION is defined as intentionally aiding or attempting to aid another in an act of scholastic
dishonesty. Students are guilty of collusion when they do any of the following:
▪ Provide a complete paper or project to another student.
▪ Provide an inappropriate level of assistance to another student in the form of writing,
rephrasing, rewriting or completing the paper or project.
▪ Communicate answers to a classmate during an examination.
▪ Remove tests or answer sheets from the testing site.
▪ Knowingly allow a classmate to copy answers from his/her examination paper.
▪ Exchange forms of a test with a classmate.
3.03 | TEXTBOOKS
▪ Textbook are included in the student’s initial tuition cost and will be issued on the first day of
class. Students are expected to bring all textbooks to every class. Textbooks for American Heart
Association and National Association of EMT (NAEMT) courses will also be provided by the school.
Once a student receives their books they become the property of the student. The school does
not accept merchandise returns or make refunds for books. If a student loses a book, it is his or
her responsibility to purchase a replacement book.
3.04 | GRADING POLICIES
Students will be assessed throughout the program in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective
(behavior) learning domains based on the course syllabus.
Overall grades for multiple semester programs will be the average grade of the individual semesters (each
semester with constitute 20% of the overall grade for a five (5) semester program). The following grading scale is
used on all quizzes, exams, and projects.
▪ 97 - 100 A+
▪ 94 - 96.9 A
▪ 90 - 93.9 A-
▪ 87 - 89.9 B+
▪ 84 - 86.9 B
▪ 80 - 83.9 B-
▪ 77 - 79.9 C+
▪ 75 - 76.9 C
▪ 0 - 74.9 F
3.05 | GRADING APPEAL
A student may appeal an examination grade as follows:
▪ The appeal must be made in writing to the Director of Education and Training within five (5)
business days of the examination grading being completed.
▪ A grade appeal must state specific grounds for challenging the grade based on an assertion of a
grading mistake, unfair treatment, or other extenuating circumstances with appropriate
documentation submitted with the written appeal.
▪ The decision of the Director of Education and Training is final.
▪
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3.06 | WEIGHTING & GRADE COMPONENTS
Cognitive, affective and psychomotor objectives, as well as attendance may contribute to the grade of each
course. See course syllabi for grading standards and requirements.
3.07 | AFFECTIVE DOMAIN
In order to ensure that our students are successful in our programs, we will evaluate their affect.
Evaluating the affective domain includes the student’s classroom behavior, professional ethics, and adherence to
policy. Breaches will result in a student conference. Students will be evaluated based on National Association of
EMS Educators standards. Students will receive a rating from 0-5 in each category, with “0” being not acceptable
and “5” meaning excellent. Affective scoring will follow the grading system below:
▪5 100%
▪4 88%
▪3 75%
▪2 62%
▪1 50%
The following will result in a documented counseling session and statement. (An affective counseling session will
result in a student created plan of improvement that must be submitted to program administration within 7 days
of the session):
▪ Any egregious behavior
▪ An overall affective score of less than 75%
Significant behavioral issues may result in corrective action. However, in cases where the behavior is significantly
unacceptable, egregious, or poses a threat to the well-being of others, the student may be dismissed from the
program at the discretion of program administration. Affective competency will be evaluated throughout the
program.
3.08 | HOMEWORK POLICY
In addition to required reading for each class, modules may include homework. Failure to complete homework as
assigned is cause for failure. This homework may be internet based; therefore, students must have access to a
computer and the internet throughout the program. Guest WiFi access is available at American Professional
Educational Services. Homework is due prior to the start of class on the day that it is due.
Computer access can be arranged at American Professional Educational Services. To utilize this technology,
students must coordinate with program administration. Computer use for homework assignments must occur
outside of scheduled class time.
3.09 | QUIZZES
Quizzes are evaluations that cover recently assigned material. Quizzes may be based on content taught in the
classroom setting or material that was assigned to the student prior to the start of that class on the class
schedule. Quizzes may occur on material that has not yet been covered in the classroom if the material was
assigned on the schedule (quizzes may include the material that will be taught during that day’s class session).
Quizzes are usually 25 to 50 questions and may include multiple choice, true or false, open-ended, essay,
definition or any other form of questions that program staff deems appropriate. There are no make-up quizzes.
There are no retests for failed quizzes. All quiz grades are final. If a student is absent, or does not complete an
online quiz by the deadline, they will receive a zero for the quiz. Quizzes may be taken prior to the scheduled quiz
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date with prior approval of program administration.
Quizzes may occur in the classroom or online. All online quizzes are due by the date on the class schedule.
3.10 | MEDICATION TESTS
Medication tests are completed weekly. These tests are essay style questions where the student must write the
information for each category. Medications will be based on the schedule and will also include random
medications to form a total of five (5) medications per test. There are no retests for failed medication tests. All
grades are final. If a student is absent they will receive a zero for the test. Tests may be taken prior to the
scheduled test date with prior approval of program administration. All test are scored based on the program
medication guide that is provided to all students.
3.11 | WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS
Written examinations are summative assessments that evaluate minimum knowledge of the subject areas
covered during a semester or module. They can between 100 and 250 questions.
Students may only miss an exam if prior written permission is given by the program administration. Notification
and arrangements must be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled date of the exam. A student missing an
exam must schedule a time to take the exam prior to the scheduled date. A written exam may not be made-up
after the examination date except with prior authorization from program administration; therefore, absence from
an exam will result in a score of zero and potential dismissal from the program. Any exam made-up after the
examination date may only achieve the minimum passing score for that exam.
3.12 | PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONS
Practical examinations are hands-on skill or scenario assessments. All skills will be evaluated following standards
that represent the career field appropriately.
Practical examinations will be given only on their assigned date(s). There are no make-up practical exams.
Absence from a practical examination will result in a score of zero and potential dismissal from the program.
3.13 | SPECIALTY EXAMS
Specialty examinations are a separate category of exams because they are controlled by outside sources such as
the American Heart Association, the National Association of EMTs or another sanctioning body.
Students must meet the exam requirements set by the sanctioning agency to pass the specific exam.
Specialty course examinations will be given only on their assigned date(s). There are no make-up specialty exams.
Absence from a specialty examination will result in a score of zero and potential dismissal from the program.
3.14 | FAILURE OF AN EXAMINATION
If a student fails to attain the minimum 75% on an exam, or fails to attain the minimum exam score set by the
sanctioning agency, the student will be afforded the opportunity for two (2) retests. All retests must be taken
within five (5) business days of receiving notification of the failure. Retests are only allowed for failed exams.
The maximum score achievable on an exam retest is the minimum passing grade regardless if the student scores
higher.
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Students will not be allowed to begin the following semester’s class if a failed exam has not been successfully
completed prior to the start of that semester.
If a student fails to successfully pass a written exam after three (3) attempts, the student may be subject to
progressive discipline up to and including termination from the program.
Students are afforded the ability to review the failed exam and may seek remediation from program staff.
Students are not allowed to take a retest on the same day that the failed exam was reviewed or the day that
remediation was given.
3.15 | SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
All students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of the program by
meeting qualitative and quantitative measures.
If a student fails to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements, that student will be placed on
academic probation until the next satisfactory academic progress check.
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible to continue in the program.
Progress is based on obtaining the grading standards set in the course syllabi. Students must complete programs
by the completion deadline for each course. Student progress is evaluated throughout the program.
3.16 | APPEAL PROCESS
A student who is not making satisfactory academic progress and who believes there are mitigating or extenuating
circumstances that led to failure to maintain satisfactory progress may appeal by written request to the Director
of Education and Training.
▪ The appeal will be submitted to the Director within three (3) business days of notification
of their disciplinary action.
▪ The appeals board will review and schedule an opportunity for the student to present their
case within two (2) weeks of the receipt of the appeal request.
▪ The appeals board will review all documentation and testimony regarding the incident in
question.
▪ The student will receive written notification of the decision made by the appeals board
within fifteen (15) business days of the hearing.
▪ The appeals board will consist of program faculty and administration as chosen by the
Director.
▪ The decision of the Board is Final.
3.17 | ACADEMIC PROBATION
Students who fail to successfully complete required components of a course will be placed on academic
probation. Once notified of your probation status in writing, students must make a counseling appointment with
the program administration. An individual Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) will be drawn up that indicates
how you will proceed in the program. The PIP will include performance objectives and an individual educational
plan with a time frame to meet the objectives. During this time, the student will be suspended from clinical
rotations to fulfill their didactic requirements. If this contract is not fulfilled in a timely manner as agreed,
dismissal from the program is likely.
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3.18 | TERMINATION
Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest healthcare standards of
professionalism. Students are entering the healthcare profession where one is expected to demonstrate a level of
competence and behavior of a professional deserving of the public’s trust. As a health care professional you
assume responsibility for the life, care, and treatment of other human beings and must act accordingly. Failure to
do so will result in termination.
Prohibited behavior that is subject to immediate termination:
▪ Cheating or assisting someone cheating.
▪ Submitting material, assignments, and academic submission of work that is not the work of the
student in question.
▪ Making false evidence, false accusations, and false statements against another person, or
regarding one’s own behavior and conduct related to clinical, didactic, academic, or field
experiences.
▪ Removal of tests or quizzes from classroom.
▪ Falsification or misuse of records, permits, identification cards, and documents associated with
this course of instruction.
▪ Conduct or behavior, which is disruptive to the learning process. Threatening assault or battery of
students, faculty, or staff associated with this program.
▪ Conviction of a felony crime while a student in this program.
▪ Any use of intoxicants or illegal drugs, or distribution of controlled substances on clinical or
classroom property.
▪ Possession of weapons or firearms in the classroom or in the clinical setting.
▪ Unauthorized entry into, damage or intentional misuse of property used in this program.
▪ Failure to maintain financial agreement or payment of program.
▪ Unsatisfactory attendance.
▪ Unsatisfactory academic progress.
▪ Blatant violations of patient safety.
3.19 | WITHDRAWAL
A student wishing to withdraw from a program shall notify the Program Director and the Director of Education
and Training of their intent and provide reason(s) for the withdrawal. Students shall schedule an exit interview
with the Director or his/her designee.
3.20 | RE-ENROLLMENT
Students who re-enroll in the program must repeat all aspects of the course. No credit will be given for previously
passed exams, didactic or practical.
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium have a two
(2) attempt policy. This policy limits the number of times an individual may enroll and re-enroll into a program to
two (2) attempts. Any deviation from this rule requires approval of the Director of Education and Training.
3.21 | ADA COMPLIANCE
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws providing for nondiscrimination
against qualified individuals with disabilities. The program will provide reasonable accommodations for such
individuals in accordance with these laws.
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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 has implications that pertain to licensure or certification. The
law permits testing that requires the use of sensory, manual or speaking skills where the tests are intended to
measure essential functions of the profession. For example, an applicant with reading difficulties is required to
take a written exam since the ability to read is an essential function of their career field. Additional time for
written examinations may be given based on the Accommodations Policy, but students cannot be exempted from
any examination due to regulatory requirements.
A second example is dealing with skills proficiency verifications that must be performed within established time
frames. Performing a skill within established time frames is required because speed of performance is an integral
part of patient care.
Both the ability to read and the ability to perform skills within time frames are essential functions for a healthcare
provider. Therefore, a person with a disability may not be denied the opportunity to take an examination; but this
person shall be required to take a written exam and pass the skills proficiency verifications within established
criteria.
The following specific points pertain to those involved in healthcare training and education programs:
▪ Students cannot be discriminated against on the basis of a disability in the offering of educational
programs or services.
▪ There can be no accommodation during screening, evaluation or course exams that will
compromise or fundamentally alter the evaluation of skills that are required to function safely and
efficiently in the profession.
▪ Students who have received an accommodation during the course need to fully understand that
there is a separate process for requesting an accommodation for the written certification exam
and eligibility for an accommodation is determined on a case-by-case basis. In other words, just
because a student was allowed an accommodation during the course does not guarantee an
accommodation for the National or State Certification Exam. Documentation confirming and
describing the disability should be submitted according to policy for consideration.
3.22 | ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY
Accommodations for Testing or Examinations Due to Disability
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium will offer
reasonable and appropriate accommodations for the written component of approved training programs for
those persons with documented disabilities.
Learning Disabilities
Those persons requesting accommodations for the written component of a training program must submit
documented evidence of a learning disability prior to the examination. Documentation should be submitted by
an appropriate health/educational professional. Based upon a thorough review and analysis of the written
examination by the examination vendors, it has been determined that persons with learning disabilities
manifested in the academic areas of reading decoding or reading comprehension may be eligible for special
test accommodations.
Documentation of a specific learning disability must include one of the following:
1. Evidence of a documented learning disability, which would negatively impact one’s performance on the
written examination, specifically in the reading areas (i.e. reading decoding or reading comprehension).
Such documentation must include at least one of the following:
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A. Diagnosis of a learning disability by an appropriate health/educational professional in the area of
reading decoding and/or reading comprehension based upon the result of standardized measure of
achievement in reading decoding and/or reading comprehension.
A learning disability is defined as one of the following:
I. Standard achievement scores in reading decoding and/or reading comprehension which are at
least one standard deviation below the score obtained on a standardized individual measure of
intelligence. Results of previous and currently valid psycho-educational evaluations will be
accepted as evidence. Evaluations more than three (3) years old will not be considered valid. If no
such assessment has been conducted, then the applicant is responsible for obtaining such
documentation before a decision can be made by the Director regarding the applicant’s request
for special accommodations.
II. A statistically significant deficit in some area of cognitive processing, which would impact one’s
ability to successfully complete the current program(s) written evaluation. Such cognitive
processing deficits should be documented through appropriate standardized testing.
B. School and/or work records, which demonstrate that special education services or accommodations
were provided due to a learning disability in the area of reading decoding and/or reading
comprehension. Appropriate documentation of the learning disability as defined above will also be
required.
2. Evidence of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which would negatively impact one’s
performance on the written examination. A childhood history of diagnosis with ADHD is not sufficient to
warrant accommodations on the written portion of the examination. While ADHD is frequently chronic,
the symptom picture often is changed by the time one reaches adulthood. Therefore, documentation of a
current diagnosis of ADHD is required to receive accommodations. Such documentation must include at
least one of the following:
A. Diagnosis of ADHD by an appropriate health professional licensed to perform such examinations. Such
documentation may include a developmental history that defines symptom onset, evidence of a
negative impact on education (i.e., an individual educational plan), and evidence of a negative impact
on current functioning. Additionally, the ADHD symptoms must not be the result of a psychiatric
condition alone (i.e., Major Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder or Anxiety Disorder).
B. Documentation may include standardized and/or computerized tests of attention such as the Delis-
Kaplan Executive Function System, TOVA Gordon Diagnostic Battery or the Connors’ Continuous
Performance Test. Self-report measures such as the Brown ADD Scales are acceptable, but must be
administered by an appropriate health professional.
Written Examinations
The types of accommodations, which may be requested by persons qualifying for special accommodations on the
written examination due to documented learning disability or ADHD (as described above) are as follows:
1. Extended Time: American Professional Educational Services will permit those persons who qualify for
special accommodations on the written examination due to a documented learning disability or ADHD, as
described above, to take the standard format of the examination but receive an extended amount of time
in which to complete the examination. Applicants qualifying for this option must begin their examination
prior to the start time of the exam. All exams will have the same ending time. This accommodation will
require prior appointment/arrangements with American Professional Educational Services in advance of
testing.
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2. Distraction– Free Space: American Professional Educational Services will permit those persons who
qualify for special accommodations on the written examination due to a documented learning disability or
ADHD as described above to complete the standard format of the examination in an environment that
minimizes distraction as much as possible. Depending upon the disability, distraction may result from
noise, or movement, or both. Applicants qualifying for this option will result in the placement of the
individual alone in a (proctored) room without phones, street noise or other distractions. This
accommodation will require prior appointment/arrangements with American Professional Educational
Services in advance of testing.
Please note that test accommodations will apply only to the written examination.
There are accommodations that are not allowed because they are not in compliance with the essential job
functions of a paramedic. These include, but are not limited to:
▪ Students are not allowed additional time for skills with specific time frames.
o Obviously patients would suffer due to life threatening conditions in emergency
situations if treatment were delayed.
▪ Students are not allowed unlimited time to complete a written exam.
o This request is not considered reasonable because a candidate should be able to
complete a test within a finite amount of time.
▪ Students are not allowed to have written exams given by an oral reader.
o The ability to read and understand small English print is an essential function of the
profession, and written exams are designed, at least in part, to measure that ability.
▪ Students are not provided a written exam with a reading level of less than grade eight (8).
o The healthcare field requires a reading level of at least grade eight (8) to work safely and
efficiently.
▪ Students must answer all written exam questions as written. The test proctor or any other
individual can provide no explanation of the questions.
Because of the critical nature of the tasks needed in healthcare, accommodation requests are considered very
carefully, on a case-by-case basis. The safety and welfare of the community must be insured while providing full
protection of the certification applicant’s rights. The main question to be considered is: with the accommodation
being requested, can this individual perform the essential functions of the job safely and efficiently?
3.23 | PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING AN ACCOMMODATION
Qualified individuals with disabilities may make requests for reasonable accommodation to the Program Director.
It is requested that all requests for accommodations are made prior to enrollment as to ensure that both the
school and student can ensure fair practice. On receipt of an accommodation request, the Program Director will
meet with the requesting individual to discuss and identify the precise limitations resulting from the disability and
the potential accommodations that may be made to help overcome those limitations.
The Director of Education and Training, in conjunction with the appropriate program administration identified as
having a need to know, will determine the feasibility of the requested accommodation. The student will be
notified of the final decision on the accommodation request or on how to make the accommodation.
3.24 | GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Upon successful completion of the Program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and one (1) copy of
their transcript.
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In order to graduate from the Program, a student must meet the following requirements:
▪ Completed all required aspects of the program.
▪ Pass all exams.
▪ Complete all laboratory requirements.
▪ Successfully complete final written and practical evaluations.
▪ Complete clinical internship.
▪ Complete field internship.
▪ Complete affective evaluation with a minimum mark of competent.
▪ Must meet Attendance Policy Standards.
▪ Be in good financial standing with the school.
3.25 | NATIONAL REGISTRY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
Upon completion of the didactic, laboratory and clinical requirements of the Paramedic program, students are
eligible for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), www.nremt.org, electronic and
practical examinations. NREMT exams are not part of the American Professional Educational Services or
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium programs and are not administered by American Professional
Educational Services or American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium staff.
NREMT Exams are paid for by the student.
American Professional Educational Services and American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium make no
promise or guarantee of successful completion of these exams.
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4 | ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
4.01| APPROPRIATE STUDENT CONDUCT
All students are expected to accept certain responsibilities, adhere to high standards of personal conduct, and
exhibit a high degree of personal integrity at all times. This not only involves showing sincere respect for the
rights and feelings of others but also demands that you refrain from any behavior that might be harmful to you,
other students, or that might be viewed unfavorably by the people we service or by the public at large.
ANY TYPE OF BEHAVIOR AND/OR CONDUCT THAT THE SCHOOL CONSIDERS INAPPROPRIATE COULD LEAD TO
DISCIPLINARY ACTION UP TO AND INCLUDING TERMINATION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AT THE SOLE
DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
IF YOUR PERFORMANCE, WORK HABITS, OVERALL ATTITUDE, CONDUCT, OR DEMEANOR BECOMES
UNSATISFACTORY IN THE JUDGMENT OF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION, BASED ON VIOLATIONS EITHER OF THE
ABOVE OR OF ANY OTHER POLICIES, RULES, OR REGULATIONS, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION,
UP TO AND INCLUDING DISMISSAL.
Disciplinary action may be taken against any student involved in disruptive activities. Any activity that interrupts
the schedule or the process of education may be classified as disruptive.
Listed below are examples and behaviors that are considered to be inappropriate conduct or behavior. Please
note that this list is not all-inclusive:
▪ Displaying unprofessional behavior or attitude.
▪ Falsifying application or other records.
▪ Establishing a pattern of absenteeism or tardiness.
▪ Reporting to class, field rotations, clinical rotations, or any other school sponsored activities
under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.
▪ Bringing or using alcoholic beverages on school or clinical site property or using alcoholic
beverages while engaged as a student on the campus, or during field or clinical rotations.
▪ Fighting or using obscene, abusive, or threatening language or gestures.
▪ Stealing property from fellow students, patients, entities who participate in your education, or
instructors / faculty.
▪ Having unauthorized firearms, weapons, or restraints (such as handcuffs) on school or clinical site
property or during any activities associated with the program.
▪ Disregarding safety or security regulations.
▪ Failing to maintain the confidentiality of patient information.
4.02 | RELATIONSHIP WITH PRECEPTORS
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium prohibit
relatives of students, through blood or through marriage, from functioning as classroom, laboratory, clinical or
field instructors to students they are related to. This has the potential to create a conflict of interest situation. The
Director of Education and Training should be made aware of any situations of this nature that arise.
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4.03 | NON-FRATERNIZATION
The faculty and staff assist in meeting the mission of providing a quality educational environment for all students
that supports the goals of the program. Students should be assured that the relationships they develop with
faculty and staff members will always be built upon the highest ethical precepts of the educational profession.
Virtually all faculty members, administrators and staff members are, or can appear to be, in a position to exercise
power or authority, directly or indirectly, over students in the program. Many students are at a stage when they
may be particularly vulnerable to the influence of faculty members, administrators, and staff members who are in
positions where they can affect the terms and conditions of a student’s standing in the Program.
If a student consents to a romantic relationship with a faculty member, administrator or staff member, the
existence of such a relationship could have unintended adverse effects on the educational environment of the
program. In some cases such a relationship can end unhappily or become problematic, resulting in charges of
sexual harassment, and even physical or psychological abuse.
Because of the commitment to maintaining an environment that supports our educational goals and in order to
promote the efficient and fair operation of the programs, and to avoid misunderstandings, complaints of
favoritism, supervision problems, security problems, morale problems, questions regarding academic
achievement, and possible claims of sexual harassment, American Professional Educational Services and the
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium prohibit romantic, sexual and exploitative relationships
between employees and students including but not limited to: dating, pursuing to date, and pursuing or having
romantic or sexual relationships with students. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline, up
to and including termination of employment.
Non-Romantic relationships can also have the same unintended adverse effects on the students and the learning
environment. Administration understands that many students in the program may have pre-existing non-romantic
relationships with staff members. However, while the student is enrolled in the program this relationship must be
limited to a professional capacity. Students and staff are strongly discouraged from engaging in private or social
interactions while enrolled in the program. If an activity is deemed inappropriate by the program administration,
disciplinary action may be taken up to and including termination of employment or dismissal from the program.
There may be exceptional circumstances in which the family member or partner of an employee is a student in
the program. This fraternization policy does not apply in such circumstances. The Director of Education and
Training is the administrative officer who determines whether an exceptional circumstance applies.
4.04 | NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium are
committed to the goal of achieving equal opportunity for all and, accordingly, does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and characteristics, age, religion, national or
ethnic origin, visible or invisible disability, or status as a disabled veteran. The School complies with federal and
state legislation and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. This policy applies to all staff, applicants for
instructional and staff positions, students and applicants for educational programs and activities. Inquiries
concerning this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources.
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4.05 | SEXUAL HARASSMENT
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium reaffirm
and emphasize the commitment to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is
reprehensible, subverts the mission of the business, and will not be tolerated.
The purpose of this policy is to prevent sexual harassment and to offer students and employees who believe they
have been sexually harassed a means to redress any such claim with the goal of ending the harassment and
providing a safe working environment. Retaliation against an individual who complains about sexual harassment
or who cooperates with an investigation of a complaint is unlawful and, if found to have occurred, will not be
tolerated.
Policy Statement
All members of the American Professional Educational Services and American/Backus Paramedic Program
Consortium community shall conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with concern, dignity and respect for
others. This community includes, but is not limited to employees, patients, students, vendors and non-employees.
Sexual harassment can occur between any community members. Complaints of sexual harassment will be taken
seriously and investigated. Any member of the community who violates this policy is subject to the full range of
disciplinary action. Sexual harassment in some instances need not be intentional to violate this policy.
An individual with a complaint concerning sexual harassment has a right to be heard. By means of these
procedures, American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program
Consortium provides an opportunity for an individual (Complainant), without fear of retaliation, to express a
complaint and to seek a prompt and equitable resolution while protecting the rights of the person against whom
the complaint has been filed (Respondent).
Definitions
"Any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when (1)
submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's status as a
student, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions
affecting such individual or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an
individual's performance or creating an intimidating hostile or offensive learning environment."
The law currently recognizes two forms of sexual harassment:
1. Quid Pro Quo:
Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature when:
Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an
individual's employment; or Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as
the basis of employment decisions affecting such individuals; and
2. Hostile Environment:
Such contact affects or interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an
intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. Hostile environment sexual harassment
involves speech or conduct that is directed at someone because of their gender and/or is conduct
of a sexual nature. Such speech or conduct includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
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Such speech or conduct is reasonably regarded as offensive and substantially impairs the learning
opportunity within the American Professional Educational Services Community. In all contexts it
must also be persistent and/or pervasive.
In addition, this policy covers Gender harassment:
Gender harassment is a form of sexual harassment that consists of discriminatory behavior towards an individual
based on gender. It includes the use of sexist language, illustrations, examples and gestures that demonstrate
discriminatory behavior. Sexually-related conduct forms the basis of a sexual harassment claim if a reasonable
person of the same gender would consider the actions sufficient to interfere unreasonably with the performance
of the complainant.
Confidentiality
American Professional Educational Services is committed to take corrective action when it becomes aware of a
problem involving sexual harassment. Individuals are strongly encouraged to come forward with complaints
regarding sexual harassment and to seek assistance from Management. American Professional Educational
Services cannot ensure confidentiality upon receipt of a complaint of sexual harassment; however, dissemination
of information relating to the case should be limited, in order that the privacy of all individuals involved is
safeguarded as fully as possible to the extent permitted by law. American Professional Educational Services will
enforce compliance with the non-retaliation provision of this policy. American Professional Educational Services
may proceed to investigate a complaint without the consent of the individual who originally filed the complaint.
Discipline
Any employee or student found to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy may be subject to discipline,
up to and including termination. American Professional Educational Services does not consider conduct in
violation of this policy to be within the course and scope of employment or the direct consequence of the
discharge of one’s duties. Accordingly, to the extent permitted by law, American Professional Educational Services
reserves the right not to provide a defense or pay damages assessed against an employee or student for conduct
that violates this policy.
Retaliations
Swift and appropriate action will be taken against any member of the American Professional Educational Services
community who is found to have retaliated against any other member of the American Professional Educational
Services community because he/she reported sexual harassment, assisted in the investigation of a sexual
harassment complaint, or testified or otherwise participated in a proceeding or hearing relating to an allegation of
sexual harassment within the organization. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, any form of hostility,
intimidation, reprisal or harassment.
4.06 | HAZING
Hazing is strictly forbidden. Hazing is defined as follows:
▪ Any actions that seriously imperils the physical well being of any student.
▪ Activities that are by nature indecent, degrading, or morally offensive.
▪ Activities, which by their nature, may reasonably be assumed to have a degrading effect upon the
mental attitude.
4.07 | PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium adheres to
a progressive discipline policy; however, American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus
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Paramedic Program Consortium may begin the discipline process at any step, or advance to any step based on the
circumstances at hand.
The levels of discipline are as follows:
I. Record of Conversation: Documented and receipt acknowledged through email.
II. Written Warning: Documented on Corrective Action / Written Warning Form.
III. Final Written Warning: Documented on Corrective Action / Written Warning Form. Provides the
student with a final warning to reconcile their action with the understanding that failure to do so
will result in immediate dismissal from the Program.
IV. Dismissal from Program
4.08 | APPEARANCE
American Professional Educational Services believes that uniform appearance is beneficial for the educational
process. This removes the possibility of distraction and sets standards that mirror the educational career field of
the program. Students must be in uniform for all school related activities.
Uniform shirts will be provided to EMS students. Additional uniform items may be purchased from American
Professional Educational Services. Students must supply their own pants and appropriate footwear.
All students will maintain the highest standard of dress and appearance at all times. Uniforms will be properly
fitted, clean, and ironed as necessary. Students must project an image in keeping with the high standards and
conduct expected of all students. Footwear will be clean and appropriate. No open toe or open heel footwear is
allowed at any point.
APPEARANCE: UNIFORM CARE & MAINTENANCE
Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their uniform. If any component of the uniform is lost or
damaged it must be replaced as soon as possible at the student’s expense.
APPEARANCE: USE OF UNIFORMS
Students are to abide by the following guidelines when dressed in a school uniform.
▪ While dressed in the uniform and in the public view whether on a clinical rotation, in school,
before or after class or before or after a clinical rotation all policies regarding the wearing of the
uniform will be followed.
▪ The uniform is not to be worn in public venues, in other than in an official capacity.
▪ At no time will the student consume alcohol while wearing the school uniform.
▪ Students are to wear the uniform with the shirt properly buttoned and tucked.
▪ Boots are to be properly laced or zipped.
▪ Hats are permitted, but must be plain and not have any visible logos or branding.
▪ Students are to be clean and neatly shaved, as applicable, at the beginning of each shift.
▪ Students may wear the uniform to restaurants for meals while in class or on clinical rotations
permitted they show professionalism and represent the Program and EMS at the highest level.
APPEARANCE: PERSONAL HYGIENE
Hair must be neat at all times. Students should wear their hair short or pinned back for their own safety.
Unnaturally colored hair is not permitted, i.e. purple, orange, red, etc.
Facial hair that interferes with the seal of a respirator is not permitted. All students must be clean-shaven
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to the expectations and requirements of the clinical sites.
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
reserve the right to remove students from the classroom or clinical site for poor hygiene. This includes
strong body or breath odors, including and especially tobacco, failure to shave, and unkempt hair.
APPEARANCE: JEWELRY
▪ No jewelry may be worn at any time during clinical rotations with the following exceptions:
o Watches, wedding bands (not diamonds), religious items, and Medic Alert
Bracelets.
▪ Visible body piercing is NOT permitted.
▪ Female students may wear ONE stud earring per ear. Dangling or hoop earrings are not
permitted.
▪ Tongue studs or facial piercings are not permitted.
▪ Visible Tattoos may NOT be permitted in certain clinical and field settings. Any tattoo that is
visible and deemed inappropriate by program administration must be covered at all times while
in the capacity as a student.
APPEARANCE: PROGRAM ID
Once issued, the Program ID is to be worn by all students while actively participating in class activities. The
Program ID is considered part of the uniform.
4.09 | GRIEVANCE & COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
Misunderstandings or conflicts can arise within any organization and with personnel in the outside organizations
we work with. This policy will apply to complaints against our personnel and any intra- departmental complaints /
conflicts as well as complaints / conflicts you have with a member(s) of outside organizations.
To ensure effective relations, it is important that such matters be resolved before serious problems develop.
Most incidents resolve themselves naturally by discussing them openly with both parties working to resolve their
misunderstanding; however, if a situation persists that you believe is detrimental to you, American Professional
Educational Services, or the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium, the following procedure will be
utilized to resolve and document the conflict.
STEP ONE
Where you have a complaint or conflict, discussing the problem with the Program Director is encouraged
as a first step. Complaints received from people outside of the school or program should be referred to
the Program Director as soon as possible.
The Program Director will document all complaints received from any source. The Program Director will
investigate and discuss the incident with all parties in question whenever possible in an effort to gather the
facts of the dispute. If you do not believe a discussion with the Program Director is appropriate, you may
proceed directly to Step Two.
STEP TWO
If you are not satisfied with the Program Director’s decision and wish to pursue the problem or complaint
further, you may prepare a written summary of your concerns and request that the Director of Education
and Training review the matter. The Director of Education and Training will review all written material to
date, discussions with all individuals concerned, and conduct a further investigation if necessary. The
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decision of the Director of Education and Training shall be final.
Upon resolution of complaint/conflict, all written material regarding the complaint/conflict will be submitted to
the Director of Education and Training. The Director of Education and Training will ensure that all
complaint/conflicts are documented to facilitate the tracking of any trends and to document determination.
4.10 | RETALIATION
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium will not
tolerate any form of retaliation against students availing themselves of this procedure. The procedure should not
be construed, however, as preventing, limiting, or delaying American Professional Educational Services and the
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium from taking disciplinary action against any individual, up to and
including dismissal from the program, in circumstances (such as those involving problems of overall performance,
conduct, attitude, or demeanor) where American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus
Paramedic Program Consortium deems disciplinary action appropriate.
4.11 | DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium intend to
provide a learning environment that is free from the use of non-prescription drugs and alcohol.
▪ The sale, manufacture, distribution, purchase, use, possession of the following substances or
having the following substances in one’s body when reporting to class or any program-related
activities while impaired by the following substances-intoxicants: alcohol, non-prescription
narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs, non-prescription marijuana, or other non- prescription controlled
substances is prohibited while at American Professional Educational Services or any activities
involving the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium.
▪ The distribution, sale, purchase, use, or possession of equipment, products, and material that are
used, intended for use, or designed for use with non-prescribed controlled substances is also
prohibited while on school or clinical site property.
▪ Arriving to class, the clinical or field internship setting with a measurable quantity of intoxicants,
non-prescribed narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs, marijuana, or other non- prescribed substances in
the blood or urine is prohibited.
▪ Student use of prescription drugs while enrolled in the program is permitted, provided that the
drug has been prescribed for the student by a licensed physician and is used in accordance with
the physician’s instructions and in the prescribed dosage, and provided also that use of the drug
does not impair the student’s ability to perform responsibilities in class, the clinical or field
internship setting safely and effectively.
▪ A student must report the use of any prescription drug that may affect the student’s safety or
performance to program administration. A student may be required to provide a copy of the
prescription and/or medical verification. If a student is unable to perform responsibilities while in
class, clinical or field internship setting safely or effectively while taking a prescribed medication,
the student may be placed on medical leave until the situation is resolved. This may result in
dismissal from the program.
▪ The purchase, sale, or transfer of a prescription drug by any student to or from another student
or any other individual while on school or clinical site premises or while otherwise engaged in
school activity is prohibited.
▪ Students are prohibited from reporting to class or any other activity while impaired by, or under
the influence of, any over-the-counter drug that may affect the student’s safety or performance.
▪ Reporting to or being in class or a related activity with a measurable quantity of prescribed
narcotics in blood or urine is prohibited; also, reporting to or being in class or a related activity
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when using prescribed narcotics is also prohibited if, in the opinion of program administration,
such use prevents the student from performing his or her responsibilities or poses a risk to the
safety of the student, other persons, or property.
▪ Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination from the
program. In lieu of termination, other disciplinary action may apply in the judgment of program
administration, including, but not limited to, suspension from the program, or requiring the
student’s attendance and successful completion of an approved substance abuse assistance or
rehabilitation program.
It is a condition of the program that students may be required to submit drug tests under circumstances
that include, but are not limited to:
▪ Investigations of incidents / accidents that result in bodily injury or property damage.
▪ Where, in the opinion of program administration, violations of safety rules or procedures are
suspected.
▪ Where, in the sole discretion of program administration, there is reasonable cause to believe a
student has been engaging in illegal drug use at any time or is working under the influence of
alcohol.
4.12 | TOBACCO USE
Recognizing that smoking, and exposure to smoke and the use of nicotine, in general is a major cause of chronic
health problems and preventable deaths, American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus
Paramedic Program Consortium prohibits the use of tobacco products or e-cigarettes (vapes) on school property
or the property of any school related activity, including tobacco use within a personal vehicle parked on school
property. Students who must use tobacco products or e-cigarettes are expected to leave property prior to use.
Students will follow the smoking policies of the clinical facilities. Missing parts of classes or being absent from
clinical sites in order to use tobacco will be treated as an unexcused absence.
4.13 | ATTENDANCE
Due to mandated minimum training hours set forth by state and federal regulatory agencies, attendance is
necessary to be eligible to take the final and end of semester exams.
The overall integrity of our programs requires students to fully participate in lectures, labs, clinical hours and
classes. Classes and lectures are occasionally done with guest physicians and lecturers who are able to bring their
experiences into the classroom to benefit our students and provide the most interactive and beneficial setting for
concept learning. Students are required to comply with the attendance policy. Participation in all scheduled class
meetings and lectures is a very important part of the learning experience for all participants.
It is critical that students attend and participate in class in order for them to receive the benefit of this experience
and to demonstrate their understanding of the materials being presented. In order to meet the course objectives,
it is imperative that students attend all classes. In exceptional circumstances there may be infrequent occasions
when a student will not be able to attend class. If a student expects to be absent from a class, the student must
notify program administration in advance. Class is not optional as absences diminish the transfer of key concepts
and ideas that the larger class benefits from.
Absences fall into two (2) categories, approved and unapproved. In all cases of absence, the student must notify
program administration in advance.
Failure to report an absence in a timely manner will be considered a lapse in professional conduct and therefore
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may affect eligibility for continuation and completion. A comprehensive class schedule and academic calendar are
provided by the program, and all travel arrangements should be made not to conflict with the academic calendar.
APPROVED ABSENCES
Approved absences fall into two (2) subcategories as follows:
1. Unexpected events - this may include a medical or family emergency, sudden significant
event or change in life status. In order for the absence to be considered “approved” even
under category 1, the student must apply for approval of the absence and provide some
limited information on the event and circumstances.
2. Religious obligations may be excused. Students should use extreme discretion regarding
scheduling of travel related to religious obligations.
Students will be required to make up any missed assignments.
UNAPPROVED ABSENCES
Unapproved absences are absences that have not been described above, and include weddings, family
events, graduations; birthday parties, etc. The Progressive Discipline Policy will be used to address
unapproved absences up to and including administrative withdrawal.
In order to meet the program minimum requirements, 100% attendance during clinical and field
internships is required. If a student must miss a shift, prior communication is required and the time must
be rescheduled. Absences that are deemed excessive will be dealt with through the progressive discipline
policy.
TARDINESS AND EARLY DEPARTURE
The instructor will record late arrivals or early departures. Students arriving 15 or more minutes late for class or
leaving 15 or more minutes early (without prior approval) will receive an unapproved absence for the entire class.
Any student accruing three (3) late arrivals or early departures during a semester will be placed on academic
probation.
REPORTING OF ABSENCE
Program administration will review all absences and advance requests and have conversations with
students regarding their absence to determine if it qualifies as a family or medical emergency or significant
event that warrants the absence being deemed approved. Program administration will determine if the
absence is approved and if it will require a make-up session.
Any student absent for twelve (12) hours in one (1) term will be placed on academic probation. Absence
of sixteen (16) hours or more in one (1) term may result in dismissal from the program.
Each absence will result in a ten (10) point penalty on the student’s monthly affective grade. Each tardiness of
less than fifteen (15) minutes will result in a five (5) point penalty on the student’s monthly affective grade.
4.14 | MAKE-UP WORK
PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED WORK
Students must turn in any previously assigned homework (homework, papers, projects, etc.) by the end of the
first day of their return. Written work may be submitted directly to the instructor.
ANY WORK MISSED DURING THE ABSENCE
Program Director will assign make-up work missed during an absence. Students will be responsible for the work
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missed no matter the reason for the absence. Missed work not completed as assigned will be recorded as a score
of zero (0) in the grade book.
4.15 | STUDENT PRIVACY POLICY & FERPA
Every endeavor is made to keep the student's record confidential and out of the hands of those who would use it
for other than legitimate purposes. All members of the faculty, administration, and clerical staff will respect
confidential information about students that they acquire in the course of their work. At the same time, the
program will be flexible enough in its policies not to hinder the student, the institution, or the community in their
legitimate pursuits. This policy is intended to fully comply with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974, Pub. L.90-247, as amended. Student’s records and information may only be released when authorized by
the student to do so. This restriction includes release to any employers and/or sources of funding. Such
authorizations must be written and kept with the students file. Personal records may be disclosed to state, or
statutorily authorized federal officials or employees who need the information in order to fulfill their official,
professional responsibilities as required by law. Disclosure of personally identifiable information may also be
disclosed to accrediting organizations when necessary to their accrediting functions. Education records will be
forwarded on request to any other school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll upon written request only.
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium has
the right to disclose certain personally identifiable information from a student’s record, without written
permission, to the following parties or under the following conditions:
▪ Program officials with legitimate educational interest;
▪ Other schools to which a student is transferring;
▪ Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
▪ Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
▪ Accrediting organizations;
▪ To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
▪ Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
▪ State and local authorities, pursuant to specific State law.
Vital personal information will not be disclosed to any other parties without the written consent of the
student.
4.16 | HIPAA
All students must be familiar with the HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF
1996.
Protected Health Information (or “PHI”), under the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) is any information about health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that
can be linked to a specific individual. Confidentiality of protected health information is the responsibility of
all healthcare providers, inclusive of students.
Students will be cautious whenever they discuss protected health information, taking into consideration their
location (e.g., public areas) and who they discuss this information with. It is appropriate to discuss this
information with preceptors and other healthcare providers who are and were previously involved with the
patient’s care. Students are encouraged to discuss interesting clinical cases encountered during their internship
with peers and faculty; however, at no time should the names of patients or any other identifying information be
divulged.
No part of the patient’s medical record may be copied or taken from the clinical site. The only exception is ECGs,
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and only after they have been de-identified (redaction should be accomplished using a wide black pen or marker
and subsequently photocopying the result).
All students will rigidly abide to the standards set forth in this act. Any violation of these standards will be
regarded as a serious breach of discipline and will be dealt with accordingly.
All students must complete HIPAA training at each of their clinical sites as part of their orientation, if required.
ANY DISCUSSION OF PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION OR DISCUSSION OF CLINICAL ENCOUNTERS OUTSIDE
THESE GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND / OR DISMISSAL FROM THE PARAMEDIC
EDUCATION PROGRAM.
4.17 | COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT POLICY
Individuals using computers and networks at American Professional Educational Services are responsible for
complying with copyright laws and American Professional Educational Services’ policy and procedures for
computer use. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998 amends the federal copyright law to provide
certain liability protections for online service providers when their computer systems or networks carry material
that violate (infringe) copyright law.
Students should not download, upload, transmit, make available, or otherwise distribute copyrighted
material without authorization using American Professional Educational Services computer systems,
networks, and Internet access or storage media. This is inclusive of utilizing unlicensed/unauthorized peer-
to-peer file services that would promote copyright infringement. Users who violate this policy are subject
to disciplinary action as appropriate under the circumstances. Such disciplinary action may include
suspension, dismissal and other legal actions.
In addition to the complaint being handled by program administration, copyright owners may also take
direct legal action against alleged infringers, and subpoena American Professional Educational Services for
information about people sharing files. The No Electronic Theft (NET) Act provides for serious criminal
penalties, including a fine of up to $250,000 and a potential jail sentence. Lack of knowledge about
copyright infringement laws will not excuse one from legal consequences, or from action by American
Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium. It is your
responsibility to be aware of the legality of your actions.
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium support
limitations on unauthorized duplication and use of copyrighted materials. American Professional Educational
Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium do not condone any infringement on property
rights.
Employees, students, and visitors are prohibited from the use or duplication of any copyright materials not
allowed by copyright law, fair use guidelines sanctions by Congress, licenses or contractual agreements. Willful or
serious violations also are considered to be a violation of expected standards of behavior for employees and
students and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with board policy. Unless allowed as “fair use” under
federal law, permission must be acquired from the copyright owner prior to copying copyrighted material in any
format.
The Program Director is responsible for providing information and training to personnel and students, as
appropriate, to provide further guidance on the fair use of copyrighted materials.
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4.18 | ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY USE
Personal use of American Professional Educational Services’ software and business equipment, including, but not
limited to, radios, telephones, facsimiles, computers, E-mail system, the Internet, and copy machines is not
permitted.
This acceptable use policy governs the use of computers and networks of the program. As a user of these
resources, you are responsible for reading and understanding this document. This document protects the
consumers of computing resources, computing hardware and networks, and system administrators. This
document is a license. Use of any American Professional Educational Services or Backus Hospital computing
resource implies acceptance of the term of this license agreement. In general, acceptable use means respecting
the rights of other computer users, the integrity of the physical facilities and all pertinent license and contractual
agreements. If an individual is found to be in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy, the Program will take
disciplinary action, including the restriction and possible loss of network privileges. A serious violation could result
in more serious consequences, up to and including suspension or termination from the Program. Individuals are
also subject to federal, state and local laws governing many interactions that occur on the Internet. These policies
and laws are subject to change as state and federal laws develop and change. The uses of computer resources are
provided for academic use. Conduct which violates this policy includes, but is not limited to the activities in the
following list:
1. Unauthorized use of a computer account.
2. Using the network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems.
3. Connecting unauthorized peripherals to any computer.
4. Unauthorized attempts to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes. This
includes creating and/or running programs that are designed to identify security loopholes and/or
decrypt intentionally secure data.
5. Knowingly or carelessly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers,
terminals, peripherals, or networks.
6. Knowingly or carelessly running or installing software programs on any computer system or network,
or giving to another user a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer
system or network. This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan
Horses, and worms.
7. Deliberately wasting/overloading computing resources, such as printing documents without prior
authorization or too many copies of a document.
8. Violating terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws.
9. Violating copyright laws and their fair use provisions through inappropriate downloading,
reproduction or dissemination of copyrighted audio, video, text, images, etc.
10. Using program resources for commercial activity such as creating products or services for sale.
11. Using electronic mail to harass or threaten others. This includes sending repeated, unwanted e-mail
to another user.
12. Use of peer to peer (p2p) file sharing software of any kind.
13. Inappropriate mass mailing. This includes multiple mailings to newsgroups, mailing lists, or
individuals, e.g. "spamming," "flooding," or "bombing."
14. Forging the identity of a user or machine in an electronic communication.
15. Transmitting or reproducing materials that are slanderous or defamatory in nature or that otherwise
violate existing laws or program regulations.
16. Displaying obscene, lewd, sexually harassing images, hate speech or text that is not directly related to
academic research or assignments in a public computer facility.
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4.19 | IN CLASS USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA
We expect electronic equipment in the classroom will always be used as part of the learning process and not for
extra curricular activities during the class time. All cell phones must make no noise or disturbance during class
time. Texting, voice calls and social media activities are prohibited during class time.
4.20 | INTERNET USE
Use of the Internet includes all restrictions that apply generally to the use of other electronic technology,
as noted above. In addition, the following rules apply with respect to Internet usage:
▪ No Browsing of Restricted Content Websites: Accessing websites that contain pornographic or
other illicit material is strictly prohibited.
▪ No Downloading of non-educational related data: downloading files should be limited to those
that relate directly to educational objectives.
▪ No downloading of application programs: Such software may not only contain embedded viruses,
but is also untested and may interfere with the functioning of standard applications.
▪ No participation in web-based surveys without authorization.
▪ No use of subscription-based services without prior approval: Some Internet sites require that
users subscribe before being able to use them. Users should not subscribe to such services
without the express approval of the Program Director.
▪ No violation of copyright: Many of the materials on the Internet are protected by copyright. Even
though they may seem to be freely accessible, many of the intellectual property laws that apply
to print media still apply to software and material published on the Internet. Students are
permitted to print out web pages and to download material from the Internet for informational
purposes as long as the purpose for such copying falls into the category of "fair use". Please do
not copy or disseminate material that is copyrighted. Students having any questions regarding
such materials should contact the Program Director for guidance.
4.21 | BLOODBORNE EXPOSURE
An exposure incident is when a contact or exposure of eyes, mouth, other mucous membranes, non‐intact skin or
parenteral (needlesticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions), contact with blood or other potentially infected
materials occurs resulting from the performance of a student’s duties. Students must report ALL exposures to the
Program Director. The Program Director will provide additional paperwork that is necessary. It is the
responsibility of every Paramedic Student to know and be familiar with all clinical site and field site Health and
Safety Plans, including, but not limited to the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.
4.22 | INJURY REPORTING
Any injury that occurs, even a slight cut or strain, must be reported immediately to a faculty member. American
Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium are committed to
providing a safe and healthful learning environment, while minimizing the exposure of our students to health or
safety risks. To accomplish this objective, all students are expected to work diligently to maintain safe and
healthful working conditions and to adhere to proper operating practices and procedures designed to prevent
injuries and illnesses.
The responsibilities of all students in this regard include:
▪ Exercising maximum care and good judgment at all times to prevent accidents and injuries.
▪ Reporting all injuries to faculty and seeking first aid, regardless of how minor.
▪ Reporting unsafe conditions, equipment, or practices to faculty.
▪ Using safety equipment at all times.
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▪ Conscientiously observing all safety rules and regulations at all times.
▪ Notifying faculty before the beginning of the class, of any medication they are taking that may
cause drowsiness or other side effects that could lead to injury to them and their fellow students.
▪ Knowing the locations of all fire and safety exits.
▪ Never attempting to catch falling objects.
▪ Wearing non-slip footwear at all times.
▪ Making certain all emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, alarms, and exit doors, is
accessible at all times.
▪ Horseplay and practical jokes are prohibited.
▪ Maintaining all equipment in good repair.
▪ Being familiar with all health and safety plans including, but not limited to:
• Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
• Tuberculosis Control Plan
• Respiratory Protection Plan
• Hazard Communication Plan
• Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
• Fire Safety Plan
• Emergency Action Plan
4.23 | REQUIRED MATERIALS
Students are expected to have adequate supplies (notepaper, writing utensils, etc.) to be productive in the
classroom environment. Students should have purchased or plan to purchase appropriate clinical
equipment (such as a stethoscope, pen light, watch) prior to the start of class.
4.24 | CLINICAL & FIELD INTERNSHIP: OVERVIEW
Clinical and field rotations are an essential component of the healthcare program. Each clinical and field
rotation is intended to offer the student both a positive learning opportunity and real life experiences. The
primary purpose of clinical and field rotations is to expose the student to patient assessment, and skills
applicable to the career field. The practice of skills and patient documentation are essential parts of clinical
and field rotations. While on clinical and field rotations:
▪ Students are to be dressed in accordance with the uniform policy.
▪ Students are to display a professional attitude while seeking out learning opportunities without
interfering in the emergency care of patients or infringing on patient confidentiality.
▪ Students must function in the student capacity, regardless of previous affiliations or employment
with the clinical site.
▪ Students may not be financially compensated for their time in clinical rotations or the field
internship.
▪ Students are not to be substituted for paid personnel.
STUDENTS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM PERFORMING ANY SKILLS UNLESS THEY ARE IN AN APPROVED
CLINICAL OR FIELD ROTATION DURING A SCHEDULED SHIFT, WHILE IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM.
To receive a passing grade for the clinical component of each course, students must accomplish the following by
the course completion date:
▪ Complete the required number of clinical hours and/or patient contacts at each clinical site.
▪ Complete all minimum runs and/or minimum numbers of skills.
▪ Perform assessments and interventions to the satisfaction of the Field Training Officer, as
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documented on the clinical forms.
▪ Meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, actions, demeanor and
language.
Detailed information is contained within the Clinical Internship Guide and Field Internship Guide, which can be
found as an appendix.
4.25 | PRACTICING SKILLS IN THE FIELD
Students enrolled in the Paramedic Program may only practice certain advanced skills in the presence of a
program instructor during lab sessions. A Field Training Officer must monitor all advanced skills during
clinical/field rotations.
Students are limited to practicing only skills previously taught by the faculty of the Paramedic Program.
STUDENTS MAY NOT PERFORM ADVANCED SKILLS WHILE WORKING AS AN EMT.
Students may accept invitations to ride with EMS agencies as a citizen of the community. However, these
rides will not be considered as a clinical rotation and students are not permitted to wear a school uniform.
Violations of this policy may result in the immediate removal of the student from further clinical rotations,
which would prevent the student from completing the program.
4.26 | LABORATORY
Each module has skills to be mastered and demonstrated by the student in the lab. This is a required part of
competency-based education. The two main types of laboratory practice will be skill-based or scenario-based.
Scenario-based problem solving and critical thinking skills will be practiced and demonstrated by the student. The
laboratory provides a safe and realistic environment for experiencing and practicing those psychomotor skills
necessary to successfully carry out the job without the pressures of the field setting. Program faculty members
are experienced EMS educators with extensive experience in patient care. The faculty will draw on real life
situations to help make laboratory practice realistic. Scenario-based training will start at a simple level and
increase in sophistication until it mirrors the complex decision making necessary in the field. American
Professional Educational Services has a complete range of task trainers and sophisticated patient simulators for
the student to practice within a manor realistic to the situations the student will face in the career field.
There will be some skills that must be practiced on live human beings (students and faculty) as a preparation
before entering the clinical setting. The practice of patient assessments, for example, will be done on live, and
sometimes moulaged, patients in addition to the task trainers and simulators. The practice of these and other
skills will involve the touching of live model patients and other students, including in the areas of the chest and
pelvis under the direct supervision of the faculty. The program strongly believes in the importance of this practice
but is aware of the risk of inappropriate behavior. All students in any role in these situations including of rescuer
or patient or observer are expected to display the appropriate professionalism and tact expected of real patient
care at all times. Students are also reminded of the sexual harassment policy described in this handbook. If at
any time a student feels uncomfortable, it is the student’s responsibility to make that known to the faculty
member present. Specific skills that will be practiced on classmates and instructors include the following but are
not limited to:
1. Traction splinting and other splinting of the upper leg or pelvis.
2. Patient assessment and physical examination including inspection, palpation, auscultation and percussion.
3. Dressing and bandaging of wounds.
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4. Auscultation of breath and heart sounds.
5. Assessment of pulse and respirations
6. Application of ECG electrodes for monitoring and 12 lead chest electrodes.
7. Spinal immobilization.
8. Giving and receiving of various injections and IVs access.
The successful completion of the laboratory sections is evidenced by completed lab signature sheets and/or
FISDAP data entry.
4.27 | LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium strive to
provide quality and well-maintained equipment to paramedic students for training purposes. Students will use
this equipment frequently, and normal wear and tear from this use is expected. Any activity or use that causes
purposeful damage or any reckless use with resulting accidental damage will not be tolerated.
4.28 | LABORATORY DOCUMENTATION
To ensure that minimum individual laboratory experience is obtained, instructor and peer verification forms must
be completed. Data must be entered into FISDAP when applicable. FISDAP skills will be audited and confirmed
with verification forms to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Data must be entered into FISDAP within 96 hours of the end of the lab session.
4.29 | LABORATORY SAFETY AND PROCEDURES
Live invasive skills will only be practiced under an instructor’s direct supervision. While no individual is required to
undergo a live invasive procedure, students are encouraged whenever possible to practice some invasive skills
(such as venipuncture and blood draw) on healthy people under direct supervision of an authorized instructor
prior to attempting skills on patients. When practicing airway, intravenous, or trauma skills, full infection control
precautions will be used, even in manikin practice. This will include hand washing before gloving and then again
after removing gloves, the use of gloves, the use of eye protection and face masks (for respiratory procedures)
and the proper disposal of all contaminated materials in the provided red bags and sharps containers. Clean
needles used on manikins may be resheathed if a one-handed technique is used. Much of the equipment used for
manikin practice is outdated. The student must check all equipment to be used for both manikin practice and live
procedures, just as they would in real patient care that the appropriate equipment is in date when used on real
people and outdated for manikin use. Sharps containers will be placed within easy reach before starting a live
invasive procedure and sharps will be placed directly in them. Any needle-stick injury or other blood exposure
must be immediately reported to the lab instructor and the appropriate program administration. The area of
injury or exposure will be immediately washed with soap and water. Surfaces used for sterile procedures such as
injections, phlebotomy and intravenous cannulations will be scrubbed with 70% isopropyl alcohol or dialdehyde
solution before and after use.
It is the responsibility of every student to assist in the cleaning and decontamination of manikins, simulators and
equipment after every use.
No food, beverages, or personal belongings other than laboratory materials will be permitted within the
laboratory space. Hand washing before and after lab procedures and before and after eating and drinking or
using the bathroom is the most important infection control procedure.
Since lab equipment and supplies are costly, conservation and reuse of supplies when performing procedures on
manikins is encouraged. Every effort is made to give each student the ability to practice procedures in a safe and
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realistic manner with operational equipment as often as is necessary to ensure student comfort with a procedure
before using that technique in the clinical setting. Care and maintenance of equipment is part of the students’s
role and responsibility. Therefore, as a student is finished for the lab session, they will assist in the organizing,
cleaning, and maintenance of the lab equipment. Any broken or non-functional equipment should be noted on a
piece of paper and given to the instructor in charge of labs for the day if it cannot be immediately repaired.
Without this notification it is impossible to keep working equipment available for student use. Appropriate
equipment checklists will be maintained by students with an inventory list of disposable equipment that needs to
be replaced for the next lab session.
Many of the procedures that the students will be performing have potentially dangerous complications;
therefore, all directions must be followed without exception. Student horseplay or any behavior that may
jeopardize any students’ health or safety or equipment will not be tolerated.
4.30 | STUDENT RECORDS
American Professional Educational Services shall create and maintain records including but not limited to
application materials, records of grades attained, information concerning discipline and counseling, clinical
performance, and other individual student behavioral records. Records will not be removed from the American
Professional Educational Services’ offices. Students shall be responsible for notifying the program administration
of changes including but not limited to address, email address, phone numbers, cell phone numbers and
employment status, and other directory information within one (1) week of said changes. Failure to do so may
result in administrative probation or program suspension.
Student records shall be maintained by the Program for a period of seven years.
4.31 | WEATHER
We must always be concerned about the safety of our students and staff when traveling to and from classes
during impending or ongoing poor weather conditions.
If an inclement weather event is expected, the Director of Education and Training or his designee makes it a
practice to monitor weather conditions and consult with American Ambulance operations. We also monitor the
cancellation/delay announcements for the local public schools and Three Rivers Community College. We will
generally not make a call to cancel night classes until 1500 on the day of class. If a decision is made to cancel
classes and clinical rotations, that information will be posted in the following ways:
▪ American Professional Educational Services Facebook Page
▪ APES Weather Line – 860.886.1463 x125
▪ NBC Connecticut
▪ News 8 (WTNH)
▪ News 3 (WFSB)
▪ Radio stations – FM: 97.7, 98.3, 98.7, 100.9; AM: 1310, 14AM
If the school is closed, all school related activities are canceled. This includes clinical and field rotations scheduled
for the day or night.
In the event we have not canceled or delayed classes and you do not feel comfortable driving in poor weather
conditions to APES or an off-site location, please contact your instructor or call the office to let us know you will
not be attending class due to the weather. You will be responsible for all missed work if the class is not
canceled. If you cannot get in touch with your instructor, do not hesitate to contact the Director at extension
100. If no one answers, please leave a message (it is sent to our email).
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4.32 | INCIDENT REPORTS
Examples of incidents requiring an Incident Report to be completed:
▪ Absences.
▪ Tardiness.
▪ Professional Conduct/Behavior problems (attitude).
▪ Errors made in Clinical and Field Rotations.
▪ Patient Care and Relation problems.
▪ Failure to meet required dress code and personal hygiene issues.
▪ Failure to comply with hospital, field and didactic rules.
▪ Impaired behavior.
▪ Failure to obey directions of staff, faculty, and superiors.
▪ Changing schedules for practical sessions or field assignments without the proper
approval.
▪ Unsafe practices that endanger others or are capable of harm to others.
Documentation will include corrective actions required, student’s deficiency, and the remedy advised. The
student will be able to view the incident report within 48 hours of the official request.
A second (repeat) incident or total of three (3) incidents may be grounds for termination. It will be left to the
discretion of the Program Director and will depend on the severity of the incident.
4.33 | SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media, to include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Linkdin, Tumblr, YouTube, etc, is very
widespread in today’s society. With that in mind, students should understand that their activity on social
media sites could greatly impact their credibility and professional obligations as a healthcare provider.
Students are expected to follow all behavioral standards outlined in this handbook when utilizing social
media. All students are to uphold the following standards for social media use and any violation could be
grounds for termination from the program:
▪ Students must not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information.
o Merely removing someone’s name (or face, in the instance of images) from a
communication does not necessarily protect that person’s identity. Under federal law
(HIPAA), protected “individually identifiable information” includes health information
that identifies the individual or can reasonably be used to identify the individual, in any
form (oral, written, or otherwise) that relates to the past, present, or future physical or
mental health of an individual.
▪ Students are not to post any pictures or information about classmates or instructors to
social media without the expressed consent of the classmate or instructor.
▪ Students are not to communicate with patients using social media.
▪ Students should evaluate all their postings with the understanding that a patient,
colleague, educational institution, or employer could potentially view those postings.
Online content and behavior has the potential to either enhance or undermine not only
the individual’s career, but also the profession.
▪ Students are not to discuss or post about any disciplinary action that has occurred on social
media.
▪ Students are not to post any derogatory statement or images about American Professional
Educational Services or any clinical sites.
▪ Students should take advantage of privacy settings available on many social networking
sites in their personal online activities and seek to separate their online personal and
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professional sites and information. Use of privacy settings and separation of personal and
professional information online does not guarantee, however, that information will not be
repeated in less protected forums.
▪ As the patient’s advocate, healthcare providers have an ethical obligation to take
appropriate action regarding instances of questionable healthcare delivery at an individual
or systems level that reflect incompetent, unethical, illegal, or impaired practice. Students
who view social media content posted by a colleague or classmate that violates ethical or
legal standards should first bring the questionable content to the attention of the
colleague so that the individual can take appropriate action. If the posting could threaten a
patient’s health, welfare, or right to privacy regarding health information, the student has
the obligation to report the matter to an instructor or program administration.
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5 | STUDENT SERVICES
5.01 | COUNSELING & GUIDANCE
American Professional Educational Services and the American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium are
committed to the students’ successful completion. American Professional Educational Services and the
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium will provide various counseling and guidance services to ensure
students are adequately oriented and are made fully aware of all resources available to them to during their
enrollment. The program will provide counseling and guidance in the areas of educational, occupational and
appropriate personal areas to provide additional support to students as necessary or on an interval basis.
5.02 | TUTORING
Tutoring is available at the student’s expense. Students should not contact faculty directly for tutoring. Tutoring
sessions must be coordinated through program administration.
5.03 | LOCATION
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium classes are held at American Professional Educational Services
located in the lower level of the American Ambulance building located at:
One American Way
Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: 860-886-2737
Our parking lot and entry are on the Thames Street side of the building. For GPS tracking utilize
the address of 1 Thames St, Norwich, CT.
5.04 | CLASS SIZE
The maximum ratio for lab activities is 7 students to 1 instructor for the paramedic program. The maximum class
size for the Paramedic Program is 21 students.
5.05 | PARKING
Parking for all students is provided free of charge. Parking spots are available for the general use of students,
subject to the “first-come, first-serve” rule and are not guaranteed. Do not park in spots that are signed as
reserved. Additional parking is available at the Norwich Transportation Center at no cost.
Please keep in mind that the parking lot is generally unattended and parking is at your own risk.
5.06 | TRANSCRIPTS
The first copy will be enclosed with the graduation certificate if the student is graduating. All subsequent
transcript requests must be made in writing. The student must sign for release of transcripts. The fee for
transcripts is ten dollars ($10.00). Transcripts and completion certificates will not be issued to anyone with any
outstanding balance owed.
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APPENDIX A | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
A.01 | ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TITLE EMAIL
President [email protected]
NAME
Michael Aliano
Damian Rickard, BS, EMS-I Director of Education and [email protected]
Patrick Gauthier, A.S, NRP, EMS-I Training, Paramedic [email protected]
Kyle Ridenour, A.S, NRP, EMS-I Program Director [email protected]
ALS Program Coordinator
Lead Instructor
Lead Instructor
Erin Crowley, NREMT, EMS-I BLS Program Coordinator [email protected]
Teia Powell AHA Programs [email protected]
Veronica Cedrone Coordinator [email protected]
Kyle McClaine, MD, FACEP [email protected]
Support Services
Representative
Medical Director
A.02 | CONSORTIUM COMMITTEE REPRESENTING AFFILIATION
Educational American Professional
COMMITTEE MEMBER Institution Educational Services
Michael Aliano Educational American Professional
Institution Educational Services
Damian Rickard, B.S, Educational American Professional
EMS-I Institution Educational Services
Patrick Gauthier, A.S, Educational American Professional
NRP, EMS-I Institution Educational Services
Kyle Ridenour, A.S, NRP, Clinical Site Backus Hospital
EMS-I
Kyle McClaine, MD, Clinical Site Backus Hospital
FACEP
Jeffrey Way, NRP, FP-C, Clinical Site Backus Hospital
CCP-C
Stephanie Geer, BSN, RN
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A.03 | ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMUNITY OF INTEREST AFFILIATION
COMMITTEE MEMBER Sponsor Administration American Professional
Damian Rickard, B.S, EMS-I (Program Director) Educational Services
Patrick Gauthier, A.S, NRP, EMS-I American Professional
Kyle Ridenour, A.S, NRP, EMS-I Sponsor Administration Educational Services
Kyle McClaine, MD, FACEP
Edward Dubois, EMT-P Employer of Graduates American Ambulance
Erin Crowley, NREMT, EMS-I Representative
Aaron Westervelt, Chief Medical Director Backus Hospital
Jeffrey Way, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C (Physician)
Stephanie Geer, BSN, RN American Professional
Christopher Jones, NRP Faculty Educational Services
Veronica Cedrone American Professional
Joel Demers, NRP Faculty Educational Services
Police and Fire Services Laurel Hill Fire Department
Hospital / Clinical Backus Hospital - EMS Coordinator
Representative(s)
Hospital / Clinical Backus Hospital – Emergency
Representative(s) Department Educator
Graduate American Ambulance /
Guilford Fire Department
Public Member American Professional
Educational Services
Key Government Official Connecticut Department of Public
Health, Office of EMS.
Current Student American/Backus Paramedic Program
Consortium
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A.04 | FACULTY American Professional Educational Services
NAME American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
Patrick Gauthier
Kyle Ridenour CREDENTIALS
Christopher Colonair A.S, NRP, TP-C, EMS-I
Erin Crowley A.S. NRP, CCEMT-P, EMS-I
Edward Dubois NRP, CCEMT-P, EMS-I
Samantha Mercer LPN, NREMT, EMS-I
Timothy Meredith EMT-P
Kevin Ring RN, NRP
Robert Velletri NRP
Kshanti Livingston RN, NRP
Randy Page NRP, EMS-I
George Previs NRP
Adam Schuett NRP
NRP, EMS-I
NRP
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A.05 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Paramedic Program is a rigorous program. The program consists of approximately 1200 total educational
hours; 580 instructional hours and approximately 600 hours of clinical rotation and field internship. The program
provides a comprehensive overview of emergency treatment for all types of medical and traumatic emergencies.
Students will be engaged in field and pre-hospital treatment, rehabilitation and discharge of patients with a focus
on how they can positively impact patient care in their day-to-day practice as a Paramedic. The course typically
takes 11 - 18 months due to scheduling of clinical and field internship rotations. Maximum time allowed to
complete the program is 18 months from the start date of the course.
A.06 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM GOAL
The American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium’s goal is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in
the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains without exit points at
the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical
Responder levels
A.07 | PARAMEDIC PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
As the healthcare field grows, faces changes, and makes advances, so do our programs. The traditional role of
paramedics as solely rapid care and transportation to a hospital is being challenged. Paramedics are now seen as
critical care providers practicing in an out of hospital setting. A number of healthcare systems in our country
have embraced the utilization of paramedics in non-traditional roles and settings. Our Paramedic faculty
members have experience in a variety of traditional and non-traditional settings including transporting and non-
transporting EMS, critical and specialty care transport special operations medicine, and hospital emergency
rooms.
A.09 | DESCRIPTION OF THE PARAMEDIC PROFESSION
Paramedics have fulfilled prescribed requirements by a credentialing agency to practice the art and science of
out-of-hospital medicine in conjunction with medical direction. Through performance of assessments and
providing medical care, their goal is to prevent and reduce mortality and morbidity due to illness and injury.
Paramedics primarily provide care to emergency patients in an out-of-hospital setting.
Paramedics possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the public and the
profession. Paramedics recognize that they are an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as
linkages among health resources.
Paramedics strive to maintain high quality, reasonable cost health care by delivering patients directly to
appropriate facilities. As an advocate for patients, paramedics seek to be proactive in affecting long term health
care by working in conjunction with other provider agencies, networks, and organizations. The emerging roles
and responsibilities of the Paramedic include public education, health promotion, and participation in injury and
illness prevention programs. As the scope of service continues to expand, the Paramedic will function as a
facilitator of access to care, as well as an initial treatment provider.
Paramedics are responsible and accountable to medical direction, the public, and their peers. Paramedics
recognize the importance of research and actively participate in the design, development, evaluation, and
publication of research. Paramedics seek to take part in life-long professional development, peer evaluation and
assume an active role in professional and community organizations.
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A.10 | PARAMEDIC FUNCTIONAL JOB ANALYSIS
The Functional Job Description is outlined here and describes the required skills and job requirements essential to
EMS personnel.
Paramedic Characteristics from DOT NHTSA:
The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility
entailed in the position. The Paramedic must have excellent judgment and be able to prioritize decisions and act
quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self-disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview
hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural
groups and ages within those groups. The Paramedic must be able to function independently at optimum level in
a non-structured environment that is constantly changing.
Even though the Paramedic is generally part of a two-person team working with a lower skill and knowledge level
Basic EMT, it is the Paramedic who is held responsible for safe and therapeutic administration of drugs; including
narcotics. Therefore, the Paramedic must not only be knowledgeable about medications but must be able to
apply this knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of medications include thoroughly
knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs including analgesics, anesthetics, anti-
anxiety drugs, sedatives and hypnotics, anti-convulsants, central nervous stimulants, psychotherapeutics which
include antidepressants, and other anti-psychotics, anticholinergics, cholinergics, muscle relaxants, anti-
dysrhythmics, anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, diuretics, bronchodilators, opthalmics, pituitary drugs, gastro-
intestinal drugs, hormones, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, serums, vaccines, anti-parasitics, and
others.
The Paramedic is personally responsible, legally, ethically, and morally for each drug administered, for using
correct precautions and techniques, observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, keeping
one’s own pharmacological knowledge-base current as to the changes and trends in administration and use,
keeping abreast of all contraindications to administration of specific drugs to patients based on their
constitutional make-up, and using drug reference literature.
The responsibility of the Paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive drug history from the patient that
includes names of drugs, strength, daily usage and dosage. The Paramedic must take into consideration that
many factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type medication to be given. For example, some
patients may be taking several medications prescribed by several different doctors and some may lose track of
what they have or have not taken. Some may be using non-prescription/over the counter drugs. Awareness of
drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food is
imperative. The Paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of medication administered to a
pregnant mother and the fetus; keeping in mind that drugs may cross the placenta.
The Paramedic must be cognizant of the impact of medications on pediatric patients based on size and weight,
special concerns related to newborns, geriatric patients and the physiological effects of aging such as the way skin
can tear in the geriatric population with relatively little or no pressure. There must be an awareness of the high
abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction; therefore, the Paramedic must be
thorough in report writing and able to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was
given. The ability to measure and remeasure drip rates for controlled substances/medications is essential. Once
medication is stopped or not used, the Paramedic must send back unused portions to the proper inventory area.
The Paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated
with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between Celsius and
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Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies (i.e. proper size of
intravenous needles) based upon a patient’s age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining
blood samples and perform these tasks, administer medication intravenously , administer medications by gastric
tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal precautions and body
substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.
The Paramedic must be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed patients through antidotes, and
have knowledge of poisons and be able to administer treatment. The Paramedic must be knowledgeable as to the
stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient’s system and be cognizant that route of
administration is critical in relation to patient’s needs and the effect that occurs.
The Paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients
including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac
functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and
administering of appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of off-site designated physician.
The Paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm while working in difficult and stressful circumstances,
but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions
of the position. Good judgment along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing
other team members to assist as needed. The Paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently
handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This
includes not only all legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the
knowledge and skills acquired in real life threatening emergency situations.
The Paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations which include responding to
calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work
with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual,
and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.
Physical Demands
Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would
not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125
pounds. Motor coordination is necessary over uneven terrain. The patient’s, the Paramedic’s and other workers’
well-being must not be jeopardized.
Comments
The Paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work for fire or EMS departments, private
ambulance services, police departments or hospitals. Response times for nature of work are dependent upon
nature of call. For example, a Paramedic working for a private ambulance service that transports the elderly from
nursing homes to routine medical appointments and checkups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances
than the Paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in districts known to have high crime rates. Thus, the
particular stresses inherent in the role of the Paramedic can vary, depending on place and type of employment.
However, in general, the Paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene.
When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex and care of the patient must be started immediately. In
essence, the Paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician
services to the ambulance.
48 STUDENT HANDBOOK
American Professional Educational Services
American/Backus Paramedic Program Consortium
The Paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judgments while following oral directives. The ability
to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the
patient.
Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required, as is a pager,
depending on place of employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and correctly
distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient
manner. Concisely and accurately describing orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one’ s impression of
patient’s condition, is critical as the Paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for
deliberation. The Paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant patient data.
At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond
what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the Paramedic must enter data on a computer from a
laptop in the ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively.
A.11 | PARAMEDIC DESCRIPTION OF TASKS
(Encompasses the range of all tasks performed by lower level EMT’s)
Answers verbally to telephone or radio emergency calls from dispatcher to provide advanced efficient and
immediate emergency medical care to critically ill and injured persons using a full range of equipment.
Drives ambulance to scene of emergency, reads map, responds safely and quickly to the address or location as
directed by radio dispatcher, observes traffic ordinances and regulations. Visually inspects and assesses or “sizes
up” the scene upon arrival to determine if scene is safe, determines the mechanism of illness or injury, the total
number of patients involved, and remains calm and confident while demonstrating leadership and responsibility.
Radios dispatcher for additional help or special rescue and / or utility services. Reports verbally to the responding
EMS unit or communications center as to the nature and extent of injuries and the number of patients.
Recognizes hazards. Conducts triage, sorting out and classifying priorities for most immediate need for treatment.
Uses excellent judgment to identify priorities based on the most critical needs for patient survival.
Searches for medical identification as a clue in providing emergency care, i.e. identification bracelet for patient
who is diabetic. Reassures patient and bystanders while working in a confident and efficient manner, avoids
misunderstandings and undue haste while working expeditiously to accomplish the task. Extricates patient from
entrapment, works with other EMS providers in rendering emergency care and protection to the entrapped
patient. Performs emergency moves, assists other EMS providers in the use of prescribed techniques and
appliances for safe removal of the patient.
Determines nature and extent of illness or injury in patient, takes pulse, blood pressure, and temperature, visually
observes patient, recognizes the mechanism of injury, takes comprehensive medical history of patient, including
patient’s current usage of prescribed and non-prescribed medications/drugs. Communicates with and provides
verbal direction to Basic EMT to assist with tasks within the Basic’s scope of practice. Obtains consent and/or
refusal. Uses good judgment to draw conclusions with often limited information; verbally communicates
effectively to provide quality treatment to diverse age and cultural groups. Provides family support, manages the
difficult patient, conducts fundamental mental status assessment, restrains patient, and may intervene
pharmacologically.
Positions unresponsive patient, protects the seizing patient, identifies and treats the hypoglycemic patient,
provides heating/cooling intervention, manages burns and exposures, overdoses, conducts ingestion
management. Manually stabilizes neck and body of child and adult, immobilizes extremities, straightens selected
STUDENT HANDBOOK 49
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