Daniel Freeman Paramedic School

"It really is my opinion that someone with education in the basic medical sciences will be a far better provider than someone who is trained in the field with street smarts."

There may be a misunderstanding. At this point, when I refer to basic medical science, I am speaking of A&P, pharmacology, and pathophys. I am not sure about other areas, by a local college offers these classes and by pre-reqs, I am speaking about taking at least A&P.
(as an aside, A&P requires gen. bio. and gen. chem. to get into at a local community college. May or may not be the same other places).

I still genuinely believe there must be a misunderstanding, and as I said above I am hoping you will enlighten me as to what your opinions are.
 
I find it funny that they are looking into making Freeman actually apply towards college credit, but the UCLA itself will not offer it. It will be through the Westwood college (which has just been sued for offering junk degrees).

Also, the program itself is not even on the UCLA campus, it is in the ghetto in Inglewood. The hospital it used to be affiliated with is now shut down.

I love when people spout off to me that Daniel Freeman is the best paramedic school. Actually, my school required anatomy and physiology before entering, and the big bad UCLA Daniel Freeman does not. My school offers college credit and can apply towards an Associates degree in Paramedic Studies. Daniel Freeman does not. My school is also much cheaper.

Daniel Freeman has a strong reputation and lengthier application than most schools I've heard of in Southern California for private students. While A&P is not required, it makes you a stronger applicant. There is also a personal statement. EMT entrance exam. Basic HOBBET exam. Panel interview. And required references from employers, coworkers, and academic instructors. Their packet seems similar to my college application packet.

While I can't say whether that makes it better or worse than other schools, it is impressive that they make their applicants work for their spot. I have coworkers who have changed their mind on applying when they realized the application process. If anything, I think that weeds out for motivation, which isn't everything, but does make a difference when academics or field internship gets tough (people have different strengths & weaknesses).

For reference, I recently checked and they do offer college credit through the local community college. They are a part of UCLA, but not to subject all the same rules, regulations, and not integrated with the regular campus, so can't get UCLA credit.

It is in Inglewood, so they could be right next to their affiliated hospital, but that shut down 2-3 years ago. They have kept the building. Most people know it's not in Westwood, though. Bringing this up as a negative makes me feel like you're reaching to find negatives. I'm all for criticisms of different programs, but again sounds like reaching, especially when you compare your school right after.

I do know they have some big names in EMS as their instructors. This doesn't make them good educators by itself, but there must be something drawing them to that school (and it's not the money). They have worked in different systems are familiar with newest trends in EMS and in education. I know they have regular meetings on educational techniques. While located in Los Angeles, they teach a more national scope, as students are allowed to practice wider scope by their medical director while in hospital clinicals, including RSI. I'm sure this is what most schools do, but making the point that it's not just LA County training.

Also, from speaking to several people who have attended more than one paramedic school before (for various reasons), they have all been impressed with the time commitment the full-time instructors put into the students. I've been told many schools offer to go the extra mile for students, but comparatively they go above and beyond. I put a lot of value in the words of people who been to more than one medic school. While they might have not finished for various reasons (disease, being hired onto a FD during school, failed internship), their comments about the school's support, teaching style, and intelligence is still valid.


Actually, as has been said, a general chem and bio class will do exactly squat for someone in the paramedic class; having taken both I'm speaking from experience and that of my classmates and many others.

I acknowledge that you said it was in your experience. To offer a different view, in my experience it helped tremendously to immediately grasp many of the biological concepts and instead spend my type studying some of the harder concepts. Chemistry came in handy during pharmacology and toxicology when discussing equilibrium shifts and following the chemical reactions on the board. In fact, I'd say it was invaluable.
 
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I think another issue with UCLA having an AS degree paramedic program is that I'm not entirely sure if UCs are empowered to grant associate degrees. To the best of my knowledge, there are no associate level degrees granted by UC Irvine, even counting university extension courses/programs. However, UCLA might be able to give credit through their university extension office.
 
Oh dear looks like I started quite the ker-fuffle

My friend went to Bakersfield CC which he said was a cookbook whacker mill, heck my bad :P
 
I acknowledge that you said it was in your experience. To offer a different view, in my experience it helped tremendously to immediately grasp many of the biological concepts and instead spend my type studying some of the harder concepts. Chemistry came in handy during pharmacology and toxicology when discussing equilibrium shifts and following the chemical reactions on the board. In fact, I'd say it was invaluable.
Sorry, but you should have kept reading; might have helped you to not misunderstand what I said. Allow me to clarify.

If all you take is a general chem and bio class to prepare for/gain entrance to a paramedic class then yes, I agree they will be worthwhile since some of the info is applicable. But, there are much better classes to take that offer that same information, cover it in much greater detail, and provide more info as well. For me, after taking a year of A&P the chem and bio classes didn't matter because the applicable material had been covered again and then expanded on. It doesn't matter what class you get the information from as long as you get it, but some offer much more than others. Clear?
 
Sorry, but you should have kept reading; might have helped you to not misunderstand what I said. Allow me to clarify.

If all you take is a general chem and bio class to prepare for/gain entrance to a paramedic class then yes, I agree they will be worthwhile since some of the info is applicable. But, there are much better classes to take that offer that same information, cover it in much greater detail, and provide more info as well. For me, after taking a year of A&P the chem and bio classes didn't matter because the applicable material had been covered again and then expanded on. It doesn't matter what class you get the information from as long as you get it, but some offer much more than others. Clear?

I see what you're saying.
I did read what you originally wrote though. Despite it, your phrase that chem and bio meant "squat" made me feel it warranted addressing.
 
You know the funniest thing I heard it was where LACoFD send thier people, hmmmmmmm I must have been mis-informed :P
 
It's one of two schools LACoFD sends their FF's (they skip the aforementioned application process). The two schools are like opposites. Of course, many who are forced to attend will do the bare minimum ("80% is an A" mentality).

Also, since the school can't very well flunk most of the FF's being sent there and remain in business (sad truth), standards can't be raised that much. But much effort is made to get the FF's to at least meet those minimum standards.
 
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