63-66 Hrs
The Paramedic Sciences Program is designed to prepare the student to render emergency care to the sick and injured. Graduates may be eligible to obtain employment in local industries, EMS agencies, hospitals, clinics, or fire departments. Those wishing to work in the EMS field as a career are encouraged to obtain a certificate or A.A.S. degree in paramedic science. This is a physically demanding job with dexterity skills. You may obtain the full description of the physical requirements document from the EMS Administration in the Center for Health Professions.
This program includes both didactic as well as practical hands-on skills and a clinical rotation at a local hospital and EMS service. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible for further assessment by taking the National Registry of EMT, Paramedic001 exam. Completing this program will allow for licensing in the state of Arkansas.
The paramedic certificate will allow students who successfully complete the program to sit for the National Registry of EMT’s Paramedic examination.
Graduates obtain employment primarily at EMS services, however some work in the hospital setting as well. Other job opportunities include dispatching, industry work, private transfer business, flight medic and some clinics.
The job market is excellent for the paramedic. Most of the graduates have obtained employment within a six-month time after graduation. EMS agencies in Northwest Arkansas continue to hire paramedics from out of state because we cannot graduate enough students to keep up with the ever- increasing demand. Physical skills required for a paramedic include the same skills necessary to become an EMT according to the federal government standards. You may obtain a copy from the EMS Administration in the Center for Health Professions.
Financial aid can be requested from our financial aid department.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will have obtained a certificate in Paramedic Science and be eligible to sit for the State Board and National Registry Paramedic Examination. Students may opt to continue their education and obtain an Associate of Applied Science by completing the necessary course work.
Students will be assessed didactically as well as clinically and in the lab. Students must meet NWACC admission criteria and the criteria for admission to the Paramedic program before applying.
The Arkansas Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Medical Services states that students must be 18 years of age and be certified as an EMT to meet their requirements to take the Paramedic certification examinations. The Paramedic program begins the summer semester of each school year. A student must be currently licensed in Arkansas as an EMT and meet prerequisite course requirements to apply for the Paramedic program.
The Paramedic Certificate program requires 11 credit hours of prerequisites and 37 credit hours of Paramedic courses for a total of 48 credit hours. A grade of “C” or above in all required courses is necessary to complete the program. Students must pass all capstone exams to proceed through the program.
Deadline for the completed Paramedic Program application to be received by the Health Professions Administration is the first Monday of March.