GEM-EMI Paramedic Program

Download the 2019 NREMT-Paramedic Training Program Application

The paramedic program at the Emergency Medicine Institute of Lehigh Valley Health Network was founded by Dr. George E. Moerkirk in 1976. Since that time, the program has become more advanced with didactic classroom lectures, workshops, and hands on practical labs using human patient simulators. This program will provide ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS certifications as well as 12 lead EKG interpretation training. In addition, clinical and field rotations are required. 

Clinical Rotations:

Enhanced clinical rotations at Lehigh Valley Health Network and Sacred Heart Hospital allow for education and practice in patient assessments, medication administration, and airway management.

Field Internships:

Opportunities to put clinical practice and didactic education into action under the close supervision of experienced paramedics.

Requirements:

  • Current PA EMT certification (1 year of active experience preferred)
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Anatomy and Physiology is a prerequisite (class is held in September of each year)
    • If you have a college level A&P, semester 1 & 2, within the last 5 years and had a “C” or better, you can “test out” of this class
  • Completed Paramedic Application
  • Complete pre-entrance exams
  • 30-40 spare hours to devote to the program

Class hours:

The paramedic program runs from January to December of each year. Class is Monday and Wednesday evenings from 1830-2200 hrs with one or two Saturdays or Sundays per month. The Anatomy and Physiology class starts in September each year.

Accreditation:

The Lehigh Valley Health Network Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).” 

To contact CAAHEP or COAEMSP:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727-210-2350
Fax: 727-210-2354
www.caahep.org 

COAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Rowlett, TX 75088 
Phone: 214.703.8445
Fax: 214.703.8992
www.coaemsp.org" 

Disclosures: Following information is required by COAEMSP to be disclosed.

2017 National Registry Outcomes: (as of 12/31/17)

  • 100% pass rate: Written
  • 100% pass rate: Practical
  • Retention: Class of 2017 started with 22 and finished with 16. Six dropped for personal reasons. 72% retention rate. Threshold per accreditation is 70%
  • Positive Placement: 100% positive placement

2016 National Registry Outcomes:

  • 86.7% pass rate: Written
  • 100% pass rate: Practical
  • Retention: Class of 2016 started with 18 and finished with 16. Six dropped for personal reasons. 88.9% retention rate. Threshold per accreditation is 70%
  • Positive Placement: 100% positive placement                                        

2015 National Registry Outcomes:

  • 100% pass rate: Written
  • 100% pass rate: Practical
  • Retention: Class of 2015 started with 20 and finished with 17. Three dropped for personal reasons. 81% retention rate. Threshold per accreditation is 70%
  • Positive Placement: 100% positive placement