Paramedic Diploma

Go to Program Webpage

Total Credits: 56

Major Number: 5878
CIP Code: 51.0904

Program Description

This program is for EMTs looking to advance their education to the paramedic level. Upon completion of the program, students may find career opportunities with ambulance services, police departments, fire departments, rescue departments, hospitals, and clinics. The program not only meets, but also exceeds the criteria for education of Paramedics as recommended by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The St. Paul/Minneapolis metropolitan area is home to a large number of ambulance services and hospitals who utilize a wide array of differing protocols and equipment that students need to be conversant in. Additionally, these agencies participate in many innovative research initiatives for which there is a need to prepare students for understanding and participation. These factors create a need to exceed minimum standards to produce top notch graduates who are prepared to work in diverse environments. The Century College Paramedic Program has been accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) since 1987. Students are eligible to complete the National Registry exam for Paramedics upon successful completion of the program.

Program Prerequisites

Application Requirements for Paramedic Diploma:

1. A completed Century College application
2. An official high school transcript verifying graduation or an official GED certificate
3. Accuplacer Course Placement into MATH 0070  or above, OR completion of MATH 0090  or MATH 0060  with a grade of C or higher, OR completion of MATH 1000  with a grade of C or higher, OR successful completion of a MATH 1000 substitution such as an Adult Basic Education (ABE) course, OR continuing education equivalent as offer by Century College faculty.
4. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, one of the following: ENGL 1020  with a grade of C or higher or ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher, COMM 1021 , COMM 1031 , COMM 1041 , or COMM 1051  with a grade of C or higher.  Said course requirement needs to be completed by the end of third semester.
5. Verification of current state EMT certification.
6. Current AHA BLS Provider certification.
7. Completion of one of the following:

• Successful completion of both EMS 1025  and EMS 1026  (usually taken in the same semester), or equivalent from an accredited institution (subject to program approval), with a grade of C or higher in each course;  OR
• EMTs 100 patient contacts verified by employer; OR
• Employer letter of support requesting an exception to the 100 patient contacts rule. The letter must support the candidate’s capacity in the aptitude and affective domains; or
• If the applicant is an emergency department technician (EDT), registered nurse (RN), or has military medical experience (MOS 68W or equivalent), a minimum of 100 patient contacts while certified as an EMT are required.

Special Instructions

The purchase of an iPad II or higher, or comparable tablet (9.5 x 7.5), by the student is required for the Paramedic Program to support the use of electronic textbooks, medical applications, and clinical materials. Questions may be directed to Kim Schmitzer at 651-779-5798.

Admission into this program requires special application and is highly competitive. The college may not be able to accept all applicants that meet the minimum admission standards.

Students must successfully pass the MN Human Services Department and Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) background studies with no restrictions to be approved to participate in required clinical experience.