Paramedic Diploma

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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. Paramedic Program Application form.
3. An official high school transcript verifying graduation or an official GED certificate.
4. It is highly recommended that you complete or be concurrently enrolled 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 must be completed by the end of third semester to be eligible to take the National Registry exam.
5. Copy of current state EMT certification.
6. Completion of one of the following:

• Successful completion of both EMS 1025  and EMS 1026  (usually taken in the same semester), or equivalent coursework available at Hennepin Technical College, Inver Hills Community College, or Anoka Technical College, etc. with a grade of C or higher; 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.

Note: If the applicant could reasonably attain the 100-patient contacts prior to the clinical phase of the program, accommodation may be made if approved by the program director.

Special Instructions

1. Complete the Century College Application (if you are a new student) and send to the Admissions Office at Century College, 3300 Century Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Please note: Applicants must be admitted into Century College to be eligible for admission to the Paramedic Program. All applicants must be in good academic and financial standing with Century College to be eligible to apply to the program.
2. Complete the Century College Paramedic Application and submit to Century College (included in this packet) Deadlines for Application and selection process - The Paramedic Program has an application deadline determined on a semester-by-semester basis. Once all required documentation is received, your application file will be considered complete. Selection is made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that this program has a limited enrollment. If the class size limit is met before your file is complete, you will be placed on a wait list and your application will be deferred until the next available start date.
3. Complete the Paramedic Readiness Determination Form found on the back of (or the page following) the Paramedic Application form.
4. Request official transcripts from high school and all college courses and vocational school work done previously. Transcripts must be sent directly from the previous institution to the Century College Transfer Student Services/DARS Office. Call 651.779.3908 with any questions.
5. Registration information and In-Person Registration forms will be sent to admitted applicants as registration approaches. Please following the special directions in the acceptance letter for registering due to the 19- credit load of courses that are carried.
6. The purchase of an iPad 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.
7. Students must successfully pass the MN Human Services Department and National background studies with no restrictions, to be eligible to participate in required clinical/field experiences. Background checks will be processed during the semester.