Paramedic

The Paramedic Program is a three-semester program which is cohort based. The program consists of a minimum of 1090 hours of instruction, which is divided into three distinct sessions: Didactic/classroom instruction (minimum of 450 hours), Clinical Rotation (minimum of 160 hours), and Field Internship (minimum of 480 hours). Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the National Registry EMT-Paramedic examination, which is required for paramedic licensure in the State of California. The Associate in Science Degree in Paramedic is available for students who meet the graduation requirements and complete the 39-unit curriculum listed below with a minimum grade of a “C” (or P) in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

The goal is to provide training for 30 students per cohort, one cohort per calendar year. It is projected that 90%of students that complete the program will successfully pass the national registry examination. If successful, this will allow for a higher potential for full time employment, both in the private sector and in the public sector.

There is a large growth predicted in the industry as well as the need to fill an EMS workforce shortage that currently exists in the Central Valley.

The inclusion of this degree, certificate, and program allows the students a variety of pathways for student success. The Fire Technology program provides a large number of pathways for students to prepare for employment or promotion, but the inclusion of a Paramedic certificate significantly enhances their ability to be marketable and competitive for available jobs. For students not wishing to become firefighters, the program gives them the opportunity to gain private sector employment for ambulance providers, or to gain the higher level pay which is commensurate with the added responsibilities of Paramedicine. The area directors are also working on developing pathways that would allow students that have prepared for taking the Paramedic courses to be able to transition into Nursing and other Allied Health professions.

General education courses will fill out the AS degree program.  The Paramedic Certificate Program is a three semester program which is cohort based. The program consists of a minimum of 1090 hours of instruction, which is divided into three distinct sessions: Didactic/classroom instruction (minimum of 450 hours), Clinical Rotation (minimum of 160 hours), and Field Internship (minimum of 480 hours).Upon completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the National Registry EMT-Paramedic examination, which is required for Paramedic licensure in the State of California.

For an Associate in Science degree in Paramedicine:  Pre-Professional, students must complete the39-unit curriculum listed below with a minimum grade of a “C” (or P) in each course in the degree. These courses are in addition to the basic graduation requirements and a 2.0 GPA or higher must be earned.