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NURSING

The nursing program functions within the general policies, purposes, and standards of Motlow State Community College and is especially concerned with meeting the educational and health care needs of the community. The four semester curriculum provides learning opportunities which emphasize the application of the nursing core competencies which are professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration, and managing care of a diverse client population. Clinical activities are provided in campus classrooms, area hospitals, extended care facilities, and other health and community agencies. While the majority of the clinical experiences are located within the college’s eleven county service area, additional travel is sometimes required. Students completing this program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Articulation with a baccalaureate program of study is supported.

GENERAL ADMISSION TO THE NURSING PROGRAM

Application Procedure

• Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
  (Students will declare Nursing as their major but will be placed in General Studies until accepted into the nursing program)
• Submit all prior collegiate and high school transcripts to the Admissions and Records Department by the Nursing Program application deadline. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that official transcripts have been received by the Admissions Department from all previously attended institutions. Incomplete or inaccurate transcripts will affect the student’s ability to be admitted or retained within the program.
• Submit a nursing program application.
• The nursing program application is available beginning August 1st through MyMotlow on the college’s website. Submission of applications to Motlow’s nursing program ends at 4:30 pm (CST) on the last business day of January.

  • To access the nursing program application:

    1. Log-in to MyMotlow
    2. Click Student
    3. Click Applications for Nursing, Scholarships, Access and Diversity Grant
    4. Click Nursing Application and complete the application.
  • Upon submission of an application, a confirmation email will be sent. Please print and retain this confirmation email.
  • Nursing program applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.
• Take the HESI entrance exam. The HESI entrance exam for Motlow includes these components: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, and anatomy and physiology. The entrance exam will be administered in the Testing Center on designated dates at all campuses during the fall and spring semesters.
  • If a prior HESI entrance exam or HESI entrance exam taken at another institution is to be used, it must have been taken within the past five years and contain the components required by Motlow. The student must submit a copy of the entrance exam’s summary report to the nursing department by the application deadline. The program does not access prior HESI entrance exam scores.
• Obtain complete instructions on the nursing application and HESI entrance exam by accessing the Program Admission Information Packet and HESI Entrance Exam Information on the nursing program’s webpage.
• Notification of the student’s acceptance and/or denial to the nursing program will be done by electronic mail via the student’s Motlow email account.

Selection Criteria

Any student desiring to apply to the Nursing Program must:

• Have a cumulative collegiate grade point average no less than 2.75. The grade point average used to calculate admission is the GPA at the end of the fall semester prior to admission and does not include learning support courses.
• Complete all required learning support requirements (an applicant may be conditionally accepted if he/she is in the process of taking learning support coursework which will be completed by the end of summer semester prior to entry in the subsequent fall semester).
• Complete BIOL 2010 and 2020 (Anatomy and Physiology I and II) with a grade of a “C” or better within 5 years prior to entering the nursing program. (An applicant may be conditionally accepted if he/she is in the process of completing BIOL 2010/2020 coursework which will be completed by the end of the summer semester prior to entry into the program).
• Have a cumulative HESI entrance exam score of 80% or higher.

Applicants who score less than 80% on the entrance exam or have a cumulative, collegiate GPA less than 2.75 will not be considered for admission.
Candidates who qualify for admission are selected for entry into the nursing program based on total points calculated from grade point average and entrance exam scores with a total of 800 points possible.

Calculation of Points for Program Acceptance

1. 500 points, if entrance exam cumulative points equal 100%. A percentage of points will be awarded for entrance exam scores less than 100%. (Example: for an entrance exam score of 85%, multiply 500 by .85 = 425 points).
2. 300 points, if cumulative collegiate GPA is 4.0. The GPA at the end of fall semester in the year prior to admission is used for this calculation. A percentage of points will be awarded for GPA’s less than 4.0. (Example: for a GPA of 3.0-divide 3.0 by 4.0 = 0.75; multiply 0.75 by 300 = 225 points).
3. The student’s points would be 425 + 225 = 650 total points.
4. Students are ranked on a selection list in numerical order with the students with the highest scores selected to fill the class.

Students admitted to the program are required to attend a mandatory Nursing Program Orientation Session held in May to mid-June with the date, time, and location included in the admission email.
 

LPN TO RN NURSING TRANSITION ADMISSION

Application Procedure

• Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
• Submit all prior collegiate and high school transcripts to the Admissions and Records Department by the Nursing Program application deadline. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that official transcripts have been received by the Admissions department from all previously attended institutions. Incomplete or inaccurate transcripts will affect the student’s ability to be admitted or retained within the program.
• Submit a nursing program application.
• The nursing program application is available beginning August 1st through MyMotlow on the college’s website. Submission of applications to Motlow’s nursing program ends at 4:30 pm (CST) on the last business day of January.
  • To access the nursing program application:
    1. Log-in to MyMotlow
    2. Click Student
    3. Click Applications for Nursing, Scholarships, Access and Diversity Grant
    4. Click Nursing Application and complete the application
  • Upon submission of an application, a confirmation email will be sent. Please print and retain this confirmation email.
  • Nursing program applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.

• Be a graduate of an accredited practical nurse program.
• Submit a copy of LPN licensure by the application deadline to the nursing program.
• Take the HESI entrance exam. The HESI entrance exam for Motlow includes these components: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, and anatomy and physiology. The entrance exam will be administered by the Testing Center on designated dates at all campuses during the fall and spring semesters.
  • If a prior HESI entrance exam or HESI entrance exam taken at another institution is to be used, it must have been taken within the past five years and contain the components required by Motlow. The student must submit a copy of the entrance exam’s summary report to the nursing department by the application deadline. The program does not access prior HESI entrance exam scores.
• Obtain complete instructions on the nursing application and HESI entrance exam by accessing the Program Admission Information Packet and HESI Entrance Exam Information on the Nursing webpage.
• Notification of the student’s acceptance and/or denial to the nursing program will be done by electronic mail via the student’s Motlow email account. 

Selection Criteria

LPNs desiring to apply to the Nursing Program must:

• Have a cumulative collegiate grade point average no less than 2.75. The grade point average used to calculate admission is the GPA at the end of the fall semester prior to admission and does not include learning support courses.
• Complete all required learning support requirements. An applicant may be conditionally accepted if he/she is in the process of taking learning support coursework which will be completed prior to beginning the LPN to RN Transition Course.
• Complete BIOL 2010, BIOL 2020 and BIOL 2230 with a grade of “C” or better prior to beginning the LPN-RN Transition Course and within the past five years.
• Complete ENGL 1010 and PSYC 1030 prior to beginning the LPN to RN Transition Course.
• Have a cumulative HESI entrance exam score of 80% or higher.

LPN applicants who score less than 80% on the entrance exam, have a cumulative, collegiate GPA less than 2.75 or cannot complete the prerequisite science and general education courses, prior to the start of the LPN to RN Transition course will not be considered for admission.
Candidates who qualify for admission are selected for entry into the nursing program based on total points calculated from grade point average and entrance exam scores with a total of 800 points possible.

Calculation of Points for Program Acceptance

1. 500 points, if entrance exam cumulative points equal 100%. A percentage of points will be awarded for entrance exam scores less than 100%. (Example: for an entrance exam score of 85%, multiply 500 by .85 = 425 points).
2. 300 points, if cumulative collegiate GPA is 4.0. The GPA at the end of fall semester in the year prior to admission is used for this calculation. A percentage of points will be awarded for GPA’s less than 4.0. (Example: for a GPA of 3.0-divide 3.0 by 4.0 = 0.75; multiply 0.75 by 300 = 225 points).
3. The student’s points would be 425 + 225 = 650 total points.
4. Students are ranked on a selection list in numerical order with the students with the highest scores selected to fill the class.

LPNs admitted to the program are required to attend a mandatory Nursing Program Orientation Session held in May with the date, time, and location included in the admission email.
Upon completion of the LPN to RN Transition Course, the student will receive seven credit hours for NURS 1350 plus an additional 13 semester credit hours for NURS 1410, NURS 1420, NURS 1400, and NURS 1070.

Applicants Not Selected for the Program

After the students have been selected, the selection list converts to an alternate list and, if needed, candidates are selected from the alternate list in numerical sequence until the class is full. Candidates not selected will be required to resubmit a nursing application if they want to be considered for admission in the next year. If an applicant has taken the HESI entrance exam within the past 5 years, he/she can use their existing score or retake the examination. To use an existing score, the student is responsible for submitting an official copy of the HESI entrance exam to the nursing department by the nursing application deadline.
If the entrance examination used for admission changes, the candidate must take the examination being used for the current year.

Clinical Agency Requirements

Upon acceptance to the nursing program, students are required to complete and submit all the clinical requirements which include a criminal background and a drug screen by a designated date before the beginning of the fall semester. A list of the requirements is given to the students at Nursing Program Orientation Session.

Nursing Education Program Costs

In addition to the fees of the college; students admitted to the nursing program may anticipate the following nursing costs:

* Indicates a one-time fee. All others recur each semester.

All fees listed above represent approximate costs and are subject to change without prior notice.

RETENTION STANDARDS

Students must meet the following academic criteria for retention in the nursing program:
Failure to meet these criteria will hinder progression in the program.

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Make a grade of “C” or better in all biology and nursing courses.
• Complete BIOL 2230 (Microbiology) as required within the course of study or, if taken before acceptance to the nursing program, within five years prior to entering the nursing program.
• Achieve satisfactory performance in both theory and clinical (campus nursing lab and clinical field experience).
• Complete the co-requisite courses for NURS 1410, NURS 1420, NURS 2410, and NURS 2420.
  
  Students must meet performance criteria for retention in the nursing program. The following criterions are based upon the Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression from the Southern Regional Education Board Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. 
   
• Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
• Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
• Communicative abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
• Physical abilities sufficient to lift 50 pounds, move from room to room, and maneuver in small spaces.
• Gross or fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
• Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
• Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.
• Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.
• Emotional stability sufficient to demonstrate good judgment in decision making, maintain safety and security of clients, and behave appropriately with clients, staff, and supervisors.

Because the college seeks to provide a reasonably safe environment for nursing students, nursing faculty, and for the patients entrusted to their care, a student may be required, during the course of the program, to demonstrate his/her physical and/or emotional fitness to meet the requirements of the course. The nursing faculty may recommend for a student to seek physical and/or psychological testing if the student is unable to meet the performance criterion. The student reserves the right to decide to self-identify and request accommodations through the Office of Disability Services.

READMISSION STANDARDS

Students who withdraw from the program during the first semester or fail NURS 1400, NURS 1410 or NURS 1070, and desire to re-enter, must submit a new application and be selected for admission into the nursing program.
Students who withdraw or fail NURS 1420, NURS 2410, NURS 2420, or NURS 2130 may be eligible for readmission and may re-enter the course in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal or failure.
To be considered for readmission, a student must:

• Complete an exit interview form by the end of the semester in which the failure or withdrawal occurred. If the student exited the program at the completion of a semester, the exit interview and form must be completed no later than six weeks following the end of the semester.
• Submit a written request to the Director of Nursing Education three months prior to the term of desired admission. Included in the request should be an explanation of factors that contributed to the unsuccessful initial attempt and actions taken to enhance chances for success if the opportunity for readmission were to be granted.
• Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher for all college level courses at time of readmission.
• Observe the 2 year currency on last nursing course completed at the time of readmission and a five year currency on required sciences completed.

Students will be notified of their readmission status by letter from the Office of Nursing Education in a timely manner. Students not readmitted may apply again by resubmitting a request to enter the program following the aforementioned entry requirements/criteria.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students who wish to transfer to the Motlow Nursing Program from other collegiate-level nursing programs must:

• Submit a letter to the Director of Nursing Education requesting entry into the MSCC Nursing Program.
• Meet the transfer and admissions requirements of the College.
• Meet the same standards as MSCC students seeking readmission into the nursing program with the exception of the exit interview.
• Submit a letter from the nursing Dean/Director of the school from which they are transferring giving information relative to the student’s readmission status in that particular program.

Once these requirements have been met, transfer students are placed on a list along with the students requesting readmission in the order that their letters requesting entry are received.
Transfer students accepted into the program will be required to demonstrate the nursing skills taught in the campus nursing lab for the course prior to the semester in which they plan to enter. The student will be provided with the critical elements required for the successful performance of the skill, scheduled practice time and supplies prior to the skill demonstrations. A nursing faculty will evaluate the skill demonstration. If a transfer student cannot demonstrate the skills successfully in three attempts with a remediation session between the second and third attempts, the course entered will be changed based upon the skills successfully demonstrated.

SELECTION OF READMISSION AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students will be selected for readmission and transfer as classroom and clinical space allows. Students may not receive their preferred campus. Students will be notified of their readmission/transfer status in a timely manner by electronic mail via the students’ Motlow email accounts.

The Order of Readmission Selection:

1. Motlow students who withdrew with documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances must be clearly stated on the exit interview form in the student’s folder.
2. Transfer students who meet the college’s admission and nursing programs criteria in the order that the letters requesting transfer were received. 
3. Motlow students who failed their last NURS course or withdrew from the program because of low grades or disciplinary actions. The grade average in the NURS course at the time the student exited the program will be used to rank the group of students on the readmission list.
4. Transfer students with a history of academic failure, clinical failure or misconduct in the program from which they are transferring.

LIMITATIONS ON READMISSION

Students who do not meet the clinical or campus nursing lab outcomes as defined by the course syllabus and withdraw from the nursing course by the drop deadline thereby receiving a “W” for the course, may be readmitted only once. A student with a second withdrawal due to unsatisfactory performance in clinical or campus nursing lab will not be readmitted.

Students who receive a grade of “D” or “F” may retake the course one time. Students who receive grades of “D” or “F” in two required nursing courses are ineligible for transfer/readmission to the Motlow Nursing Program.

COMPETENCY EXAMINATIONS

Students are required to take competency exams during each semester of the nursing program. These nationally norm-referenced exams provide information on the student’s knowledge acquisition and the experience of taking an exam similar to the format of the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

 LICENSING EXAMINATION 

During the last semester of the program, students apply to take the National Council Licensing Exam – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Graduates of the Motlow nursing program who are eligible per the Tennessee Board of Nursing may complete the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse. Students selected to the program who have criminal records may upon graduation be ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse as determined by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Allied Health

Emergency Medical Services Education
Drew Hooker-Emergency Medical Services Coordinator

Motlow State Community College offers an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate for those students desiring a career as an EMT. The Purpose of the program is to support the student’s development and growth in the process of becoming a trained Emergency Medical Professional. These courses will provide learning experiences that enable the student to acquire knowledge needed to meet the healthcare needs of the communities in which they will work. They will be prepared to provide emergency care to the sick and injured.

The purpose of the EMS Education is to prepare an EMS professional who demonstrates the competencies necessary to assume the role of emergency personnel as defined by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services and to provide competent, qualified candidates eligible for licensure to meet the needs of the college’s eleven county service area.

Classes are completed in an intense setting utilizing lecture, lab and clinical training. Class size is limited and is filled on a first to qualify basis (EMT/AEMT). Paramedic is filled in a selection process with limited class size.

Motlow State Community College offers four tracks of educational training in emergency medical services.

1. Emergency Medical Technician – students take 16 credit hours which includes fundamentals, skills and clinical/field experience. Upon successful conclusion of the course, students may take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an EMT.
2. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician – students take 16 credit hours which includes fundamentals, skills and clinical/field experience. Upon successful completion of the course, students may take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an AEMT.
3. Paramedic - students take 43 credit hours which include fundamentals, skills, and clinical/field experience. The paramedic training is completed in three semesters. Upon successful completion of the training, the student is eligible to take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an EMT-Paramedic.
4. A.A.S. in Paramedic - students can take an additional 17 hours of General Education courses to complete the A.A.S. in Paramedic. These courses will allow the student to further their education in obtaining a college degree.

EMT Certificate Program

The EMT is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide basic emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. The EMT function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. EMT perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The EMT is a link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for EMT

EMT Requirements

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Submit application for EMT training between May 1st and August 1st.
3. Schedule a meeting with the EMS Program Director.
4. Be admitted to the college.
5. Submit proof of medical malpractice insurance and health insurance, as required.
6. Complete a physical exam, along with all required vaccinations and/or titers.
7. Meet other admission requirements as stipulated in the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Students enrolled in the EMT training that plan to continue the next semester for the AEMT training should submit an application to the EMS Director only between October 1st and December 1st.
Students will be notified of admission by August 15th for EMT training and December 15th for AEMT training.

Clinical Agency Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine and a physical examination is required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Costs for the EMT

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the EMT courses, may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $180
*State EMS examination and application $125
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $140
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $40
Uniform (2 per student) $300
Background checks $75
Testing Account $35
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $15

Performance Criteria

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen.
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation. Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.
4. The student must have proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (<3 months old). The chest x-ray is needed only if TB Skin Test is positive.
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity.
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity.
   4. Seasonal flu immunization.
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer.
   6. Tdap
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card.
6. Liability Insurance.

AEMT Certificate Program

The AEMT is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide basic emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. The AEMT’s function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. AEMT’s perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The AEMT is a link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for AEMT

AEMT Requirements

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Submit application for AEMT training between October 1st and December 1st.
3. Schedule a meeting with the EMS Program Director.
4. Be currently licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee or have successfully completed an EMT education program within 120 days of beginning the Advanced EMT education program and have successfully completed an Tennessee EMS Board approved EMT competency written and practical examination.
5. EMTs who have shown competency in basic knowledge and skills through completion of Board approved written and practical examination and wish to progress to AEMT training without obtaining an EMT license shall submit evidence of good moral character (two letters of reference). Such evidence shall attest to the EMTs good moral character and be two recent (within the preceding 12 months) original letters from medical professionals attesting to the applicant’s personal character. Preferably, one letter should be from current employer and the second letter should be a character reference. In the situation of unemployment, two character letters may be submitted. Family references will not be accepted.
6. A copy of the CPR healthcare provider level certificate must be submitted that includes one-person, two-person, infant and child CPR.
7. Submit proof of medical malpractice insurance and health insurance as required.
8. Complete a physical exam, along with all required vaccinations and/or titers.
9. Meet other admission requirements as stipulated in the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Students enrolled in the EMT training that plan to continue the next semester for the AEMT training should submit an application to the EMS Director only between October 1st and December 1st.
Students will be notified of admission by August 15th for EMT training and December 15th for AEMT training.

Clinical Agency Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine and a physical examination is required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Costs for the AEMT Courses

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the EMT and AEMT courses, may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $180
*State EMS examination and application $125
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $140
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $40
Uniform (2 per student) $300
Background checks $75
Testing Account $35
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $15

Performance Criteria

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance.
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen.
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation. Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.
4. The student must have proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (<3 months old). The chest x-ray is needed only if TB Skin Test is positive.
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity.
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity.
   4. Seasonal flu immunization.
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer.
   6. Tdap
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card.
6. Liability Insurance

Paramedic Certificate Program

The Paramedic is an emergency medical professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is the link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for Paramedic Certificate

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Possess an academic or equivalent high school diploma or general education. (GED)
3. Paramedic courses require that applicants complete any required remedial or learning support coursework as required by the placement test or ACT scores.
4. Submit application for EMT-Paramedic training between December 1st and March 1st.
5. Submit two letters of reference. Preferably, one letter should be from current employer and the second letter should be a character reference. In the situation of unemployment, two character letters may be submitted. Family references will not be accepted.
6. Be currently licensed as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee. Students must submit a copy of a current AEMT card to the Paramedic Program.
7. A copy of the CPR healthcare provider level certificate must be submitted that includes one-person, two-person, infant, and child CPR.
8. Applicant may be required to take a knowledge test if the student has been out of AEMT for more than one calendar year.
9. Interview with the admissions screening committee as prescribed by the TN Department of Health-EMS division.
10. Complete the AEMT Exam.
11. Submit a copy of AEMT license.

Performance Criteria for Paramedic Certificate

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance.
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen.
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation. Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.
4. The student must have proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (<3 months old). The chest x-ray is needed only if TB Skin Test is positive.
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity.
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity.
   4. Seasonal flu immunization.
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer.
   6. Tdap.
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card.
6. Liability Insurance.

Paramedic degree program requires that students must meet the following academic criteria for retention in the Paramedic program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Make a grade of C or better in all math, science, and paramedic (EMSP) courses.
• Complete prerequisite courses as outlined in the course descriptions and college catalog. Failure to meet these criteria may hinder progression in the program.
• Costs for the Paramedic courses.

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the Paramedic courses, may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $335
*State EMS licensure and application $175
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $110
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $100
Uniform (2 per student) $350
Testing Account $60
Background checks $75
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $80

*These costs will be required at the end of the course when the student tests with the State of Tennessee.

Clinical Agency Requirements for the Paramedic Certificate

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine and a physical examination is required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Students must complete the first three semesters of the program as outlined in the program of study. All other courses may be completed at the discretion of the student; however, a student must meet the program requirements as outlined in the catalog of the year admitted.

Selection Criteria for Entering the Paramedic Certificate Program

Entry into the program will be established by a panel. You will proceed through a three step process.

1. Interview- It is with a panel which includes faculty and surrounding members of the EMS community. You will be graded on the following criteria which are in accordance with EMS rules 1200-12-1-13.
   • EMS related experience
   • Level of maturity and motivation
   • Level of knowledge
   • Ability to communicate
   • Poise
2. Complete EMT – Basic exam
   • This is a basic exam that tests you basic EMT skills to ensure the student is at a competent level. There is a minimum score to achieve; Total scores will only be taken into account in the event of a tie between applicants.
3. Provide copy of EMT license and High school diploma/GED

Graduation

To successfully complete the Paramedic Program and establish eligibility for the licensure examination, students must:

•  Meet all course and skill requirements as outlined in the student handbook
•  Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0
•  Discharge all financial obligations to Motlow State Community College
•  Not be under investigation or subject to disciplinary action for violation of program or college rules, regulations, or policies

Readmission to the Paramedic Certificate

Students who withdraw from the paramedic program after successfully completing at least one semester of the program may apply for readmission. If a student withdraws from the program or fails the student must submit a new application and undergo the selection process for acceptance into the paramedic program. Students who withdraw from or fail may be eligible for readmission and may re-enter the course in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal or failure.

Readmission will occur on a space- and resource-available basis.

To be considered for readmission, the student must:

1. Complete an exit interview with the EMS Program Coordinator and sign an Exit Interview Form by the end of the semester in which the failure, termination, or withdrawal occurred. If the student exited the program at the completion of a semester, the interview and form must be completed no later than six weeks following the end of the semester;
2. Submit a written request to the EMS Program Coordinator three months prior to the term of desired admission. Included in the request should be an explanation of factors that contributed to the unsuccessful initial attempt and actions taken to enhance chances for success, if the opportunity for readmission were to be granted;
3. Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher at time of readmission; and
4. Observe a 2 year currency on last paramedic (EMSP) course completed.

The EMS Department will review each applicant for eligibility for readmission and prioritize applicants for readmission based on the following criteria:

1. MSCC students who withdrew with documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances should be clearly stated on an exit interview form.
2. MSCC students who failed their last paramedic (EMSP) course or withdrew from the program for any reason, including low grades or disciplinary actions. The grade average in the EMSP course at the time the student exited the program will be used to rank this group of students on the readmission list.

Students will be notified of their readmission status by a letter from the EMS Program Coordinator in a timely manner (the first week of August for fall semester and the first week of December for spring semester). Students not readmitted may apply again by resubmitting a request to enter the program following the aforementioned entry requirements/criteria.

A.A.S in Paramedic

The Paramedic is an emergency medical professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is the link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for Paramedic

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Possess an academic or equivalent high school diploma or general education. (GED)
3. Paramedic courses require that applicants complete any required remedial or learning support coursework as required by the placement test or ACT scores.
4. Submit application for EMT-Paramedic training between December 1st and March 1st.
5. Submit two letters of reference. Preferably, one letter should be from current employer and the second letter should be a character reference. In the situation of unemployment, two character letters may be submitted. Family references will not be accepted.
6. Be currently licensed as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee. Students must submit a copy of a current AEMT card to the Paramedic Program.
7. A copy of the CPR healthcare provider level certificate must be submitted that includes one-person, two-person, infant, and child CPR.
8. Applicant may be required to take a knowledge test if the student has been out of AEMT for more than one calendar year.
9. Interview with the admissions screening committee as prescribed by the TN Department of Health-EMS division.
10. Complete the AEMT Exam.
11. Submit a copy of AEMT license.

Performance Criteria A.A.S.

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance.
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen.
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation. Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.
4. The student must have proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:

a. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (<3 months old). The chest x-ray is needed only if TB Skin Test is positive.
b. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity.
c. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity.
d. Seasonal flu immunization.
e. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer.
f. Tdap.

5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card.
6. Liability Insurance.

Paramedic degree program requires that students must meet the following academic criteria for retention in the Paramedic program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Make a grade of C or better in all math, science, and paramedic (EMSP) courses.
• Complete prerequisite courses as outlined in the course descriptions and college catalog. Failure to meet these criteria may hinder progression in the program.

Costs for the Paramedic courses

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the Paramedic courses, may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $335
*State EMS licensure and application $175
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $110
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $100
Uniform (2 per student) $350
Testing Account $60
Background checks $75
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $80

*These costs will be required at the end of the course when the student tests with the State of Tennessee.

Clinical Agency Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine and a physical examination is required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Selection Criteria for Entering the Paramedic Program A.A.S.

Entry into the program will be established by a panel. You will proceed through a three step process

1. Interview- It is with a panel which includes faculty and surrounding members of the EMS community. You will be graded on the following criteria which are in accordance with EMS rules 1200-12-1-13.
   • EMS related experience
   • Level of maturity and motivation
   • Level of knowledge
   • Ability to communicate
   • Poise
2. Complete EMT – Basic exam
   • This is a basic exam that tests you basic EMT skills to ensure the student is at a competent level. There is a minimum score to achieve; Total scores will only be taken into account in the event of a tie between applicants.
3.  Provide copy of EMT license and High school diploma/GED.

Graduation

To successfully complete the Paramedic Program and establish eligibility for the licensure examination, students must:

• Meet all course and skill requirements as outlined in the student handbook
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Discharge all financial obligations to Motlow State Community College
• Not be under investigation or subject to disciplinary action for violation of program or college rules, regulations, or policies

Readmission to the A.A.S. Degree

Students who withdraw from the paramedic program after successfully completing at least one semester of the program may apply for readmission. If a student withdraws from the program or fails the student must submit a new application and undergo the selection process for acceptance into the paramedic program. Students who withdraw from or fail may be eligible for readmission and may re-enter the course in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal or failure.

Readmission will occur on a space-and-resource-available basis.

To be considered for readmission, the student must

1. Complete an exit interview with the EMS Program Coordinator and sign an Exit Interview Form by the end of the semester in which the failure, termination, or withdrawal occurred. If the student exited the program at the completion of a semester, the interview and form must be completed no later than six weeks following the end of the semester;
2. Submit a written request to the EMS Program Coordinator three months prior to the term of desired admission. Included in the request should be an explanation of factors that contributed to the unsuccessful initial attempt and actions taken to enhance chances for success if the opportunity for readmission were to be granted;
3. Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher at time of readmission; and
4. Observe a 2 year currency on last paramedic (EMSP) course completed.

The EMS Department will review each applicant for eligibility for readmission and prioritize applicants for readmission based on the following criteria:

1. MSCC students who withdrew with documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances should be clearly stated on an exit interview form.
2. MSCC students who failed their last paramedic (EMSP) course or withdrew from the program for any reason, including low grades or disciplinary actions. The grade average in the EMSP course at the time the student exited the program will be used to rank this group of students on the readmission list.

Students will be notified of their readmission status by a letter from the EMS Program Coordinator in a timely manner (the first week of August for fall semester and the first week of December for spring semester). Students not readmitted may apply again by resubmitting a request to enter the program following the aforementioned entry requirements/criteria.
 

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