Program Information

As a paramedic, you will learn to evaluate a patient’s condition and administer life-saving care.  Our 11-month extensive program will enable you to start your career path in hospital or emergency medical services.  Graduates from Central Arizona College’s program enjoy careers with fire departments, ambulance companies, government agencies, and hospitals.

Our program utilizes state-of-the-art technology for a perfect mix of classroom, simulation laboratory, clinical, and field experiences.  Your program will consist of over 500 classroom hours with an additional 320 hours of vehicular experience and 186 hours of hospital clinical experience.  You will attend a four (4) hour cadaver lab where you will learn from experienced faculty members.

The Central Arizona College Paramedic Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (www.caahep.org). The program received its first accreditation in January of 2015 and completed its re-accreditation site visit in September of 2018.  Central Arizona College maintains national accreditation by adhering to standards established by CAAHEP and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (www.coaemsp.org). ‘

The Prerequisites for the Paramedic Program are:

• Have a current EMT (Basic) Certification in the state of Arizona
• At least (1) year of experience as an EMT (Basic).  Please contact the Program Director/Coordinator II for an acceptable experience
• Current CPR certification – Basic Life Support/Healthcare Provider
• DPS (Arizona Department of Public Safety) fingerprint clearance card or equivalent as determined by the EMS Program Director/Coordinator II
• Proof of Immunization to include MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) titer or vaccine; TB Skin test within the last 6 months; Tdap (Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis titer or vaccine); Varicella titer or vaccine, Influenza vaccine and Hepatitis B series.
• 24-Hour Hazardous Materials First Responder certification (FSC129 is offered at Central Arizona College if needed).
• Negative 10-panel drug screening
• Students are required to maintain health insurance during the program.  Any injury or illness received during the program will be the responsibility of the student.