Program Overview
Beyond EMT and AEMT (Advanced EMT) is Paramedic. Paramedic requires substantially more training than EMT and represents the advanced life support (ALS) side of EMS. Paramedic is approximately 18-24 months in duration and equips students with the skills necessary to provide advanced life-saving care in the out-of-hospital setting. Entrance into the Paramedic program is contingent upon successful completion of all following prerequisites, application, and an oral interview.
Applicants to both the Certificate and/or AAS program must meet the following criteria of the Paramedic program entrance requirements:
- Attendance of one Paramedic Information Session
- Experience as a certified EMT for at least one year
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Adult, Child, Infant card
- COMPASS test results (MATH 95/97 and ENGL& 101 or greater)
- Application to the CBC Paramedic program and completion of acceptance interview
- Accepted applicants will be mailed a letter confirming quarter registration
- Submit a national criminal history background check by the College-approved vendor
- Current immunization records, list is provided with acceptance letter
- Completion of the following classes or equivalencies with a minimum 2.0 GPA:
- BIOL& 241 (Human A&P 1)
- BIOL& 242 (Human A&P 2)
Paramedic Accreditation
The Paramedic program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The goal of the Paramedic program is to prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level Paramedic positions in agencies providing pre-hospital emergency services. The program currently follows the New National EMS Education Standards, as prescribed by the Washington State Department of Health.
Accreditation is a critical component of paramedic education. Starting in 2013, anyone who has not completed their initial paramedic education with an accredited program will not be eligible to certify with the National Registry of EMTs, per WAC 246-976-141. Applicants for paramedic certification in Washington state must provide proof of paramedic education with an accredited program. This statute has been in place since 1996.
Upon completion of the Paramedic program at CBC, you will graduate with a Certificate. You may also choose to continue your studies to gain an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Paramedic here at CBC. Beyond the AAS, you have additional options of a Bachelor's degree in Paramedic from Central Washington University or a Bachelor's of Emergency Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Both of these degree options are 100 percent online and endorsed by the CBC Paramedic program.
Continuing Education Opportunities
The EMS department also provides various continuing education opportunities for certified paramedics in the Southeastern Washington region and Oregon. A National Registry 48-hour Paramedic Refresher course is offered annually during the fall, per the requirements for National Registry Paramedic Certification. The department also offers ALS OTEP for certified paramedics working in Benton and Franklin counties, to include ACLS, PALS, and a specialized Advanced Airway course. Contact the Paramedic program coordinator for more information about these offerings.
Application Process
The CBC Paramedic Program accepts applications during the summer of the even numbered years for the program that begins the following winter quarter of the odd numbered years. For example, the next application period will be the summer of 2014 for the program that starts in January of 2015. You may return to this page for updates and notification of when the next application will be available.