Paramedic and EMT Program Information

As a paramedic or EMT, you will learn to evaluate a patient’s condition and administer life-saving care.

Our programs will enable you to start or advance your career path in a hospital or emergency medical services.  Graduates from Central Arizona College’s program enjoy careers with fire departments, ambulance companies, government agencies, and hospitals.

Please attend one of our monthly information sessions.  The sessions are held online using Zoom. At the Zoom sessions, you can learn about our program and get more information on the application process.

Our next information session will be held on March 28th at 4 pm.

Click on this link https://zoom.us/j/98823963613

Please read the information below to learn more about our programs.

Paramedic (11 months)

Our rigorous 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 500+ hours of vehicular and hospital clinical experience.

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 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 American Heart Association 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). At the discretion of the EMS Director, the student can also submit proof of attendance in 8 hours of training that meets OSHA First responder operations level training, 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii).
• A negative 10-panel drug screening and criminal background check.
• 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.
• Please see the program MAP for more information about the academic part of the program.
• Completion of BIO160 is preferred.

Emergency Medical Technician – EMS125 (160 hours)

This program is your gateway into the field of Emergency Medical Services. In the program, students will learn fundamental knowledge of emergency medical procedures and techniques.  The program consists of over 100+ hours of lectures, 40+ hours of hands-on lab, and 16+ hours of clinical time.   The training meets or exceeds the Arizona Department of Health (ADHS) for the entry-level EMT

Prerequisites:

• Completion of NUR200 – Medical Terminology for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (1 Credit).
• Proof of reading comprehension at a 10th-grade level required by ADHS as evidenced by:
  • Completion of ENG101,
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or greater,
  • ACT score of 22 or greater in reading,
  • or a score of 80% or more on the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI exam.
• EMS100 or American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider card.
• The student must be 18 years of age at the time of program completion to sit for the NREMT exam (students 17 years of age are encouraged to contact the EMS director prior to registration.

You will need to bring copies of the following documents to your first class and give them to your instructor.

• Immunizations Requirements (click here): MMR, Varicella, TB (2-step), Tdap, HEP B, Flu Vaccine (current season).
• CPR (American Heart Association BLS) click here
• Proof of Health Insurance
• EMS Packet-

• • • Driver’s license (front and back)
    • High School diploma or high school transcript with graduation date
    • Signed EMT Registration Ticket
    • Copy of Birth certificate