Application Process
The CBC Paramedic Program accepts applications during the summer of even numbered years for the following winter quarter start of the odd numbered years. For example, the next application period will be the summer of 2014 for the Paramedic Program that begins in January of 2015. You may return to this page for updates and notification when the next application will be available.
Admission Criteria
Requirements for application to this program include: one-year employment as an active EMT, a high school diploma, and the intent to use the training full-time in an emergency care field. Residents of Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, and Grant counties and those with active employment by an ambulance service or emergency care unit are given priority, if the agency demonstrates a need for additional paramedics.
Individuals applying for admission to the CBC Paramedic program must meet ALL of the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the beginning of the course
- Evidence of a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA or better or equivalency qualification
- Current EMT-Basic/Intermediate with a minimum of one year experience at time of starting the paramedic training
- Completion or waiver of Pre-paramedic Short-Term Certificate
- Completion of prerequisites BIOL& 241/241L and BIOL& 242/242L or equivalent, with a 2.0 GPA or better. (If transferring equivalent courses, be sure to contact the CBC transcriptionist to ensure the courses meet all of CBC requirements.)
- Completion of ASSET/COMPASS testing with scores eligible for entry into ENGL& 101 and MATH 95 or above
- Students must be an active member of one of the following emergency medical service entities in the state of Washington or Oregon: fire department, ambulance service, aid vehicle service, or police department
- Documented attendance of the mandatory paramedic information session, maturity of judgment, sound moral character, and health status which provide reasonable assurance that the student will meet the physical and mental demands of the paramedic occupation
- An admissions committee shall attest to the applicant's attitude, professionalism, motivation, dependability, desire to follow orders, reliability, and ability to communicate verbally
Final selection of students by the admissions committee shall be based on the following factors:
- Interview
- Past performance. (i.e.: Short-Term Certificate/Waiver)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Capability of student to be placed within a position upon graduation
Acceptance
Shortly after the application and interview process, prospective students will be notified by mail of their acceptance or denial to the program. Accepted students should be aware that they will be required to fund additional items above and beyond the standard tuition. These items include, but are not limited to, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification courses, uniforms, books, National Registry Exam fees, miscellaneous personal items, as well as medical supplies and equipment. Total fees for completion of the Paramedic program are estimated at approximately $6,000 - $8,500 depending on residency. (These costs do not include costs of fuel and other consumables to get to and from internship activities.)