Facilities
Anatomy & Physiology Labs
Discover the wonders of the human body. Take a look at what’s under the skin in our anatomy and physiology labs. Learn beyond the textbook through hands-on activities using a collection of anatomical models.
Prehospital Medicine
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
About this program
Tomorrow needs more trained healthcare professionals. Are you ready to answer the call? With a bachelor’s in Prehospital Medicine, you will be. This specialized program pairs a strong foundation in health science with hands-on paramedic training. The unique combination of science courses, clinical placements, and fieldwork experiences will prepare you for diverse career paths. Take your paramedic certification exam upon graduation. Enjoy career mobility within EMS systems. Pursue administrative or teaching positions in paramedicine. Or pursue graduate education.
Acceptance in this major is based upon additional requirements beyond College admission. This major has special EMT certification requirements.
Cohort size may vary based on clinical site availability and alignment with accreditation requirements. Students who are not selected into their desired program may be eligible for selection into another NHS program depending on seat availability. For additional information, please contact the appropriate program director.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
On November 4, 2021, an emergency regulation was issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requiring the COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers. Individuals considering applying to this program should be aware that the COVID-19 vaccination will be required to participate in clinical experiences for Spring 2022 and beyond. For the most up-to-date information about our clinical partners’ vaccination requirements, please contact the program office.
Careers
- Paramedic
- Advancement within EMS systems
- Administrative & teaching positions in paramedicine
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Basics of Medical Terminology (MTR104)
- Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice (PMP143)
- Introductory Clinical Practicum (PMP139)
- Medical Emergencies for the Paramedic (PMP244)
- Cardiology & Pulmonology for the Paramedic (PMP248)
- Paramedic Skills & Simulations Lab I (PMP233)
- Intermediate Clinical Practicum (PMP249)
- Special Patient Populations for the Paramedic (PMP261)
- Trauma & Advanced Operations for the Paramedic (PMP262)
- Paramedic Skills & Simulation Lab II (PMP263)
- Advanced Clinical Practicum (PMP259)
- Paramedic Field Internship (PMP270)
- Application of Research in Pre-Hospital Medicine (PMP279)
- Healthcare Delivery Systems (HTH325)
- Introduction to Global Health (HTH415)
- Senior Capstone (HTH497)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
- Principles of Biology I (BIO108)
- General Chemistry I (CHM111)
- Principles of Biology II (BIO109)
- General Chemistry II (CHM121)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO115)
- Organic Chemistry I (CHM210)
- Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (CHM211)
- General Psychology (PSY111) or
- Introduction to Sociology (SOC111)
- College Physics I (PHS115)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO125)
- Prehospital Medicine Directed Elective (PDE)
- Core Historical Perspective (HIP)
- Core Arts Perspective (ARP)
- Microbiology (BIO201)
- Biochemistry (CHM370)
- Genetics (BIO310)
- Immunology & Infectious Disease (BIO320)
Already have professional credentials or current licensure in a healthcare field?
Check out the credential/licensure chart to see if your credential or licensure qualifies for college credit.
Facilities
Advanced Learning Labs
Put your lessons to the test in our simulation labs outfitted with specialized training tools including apartment, ambulance, and vehicle rescue simulators, high-fidelity simulation equipment, and a variety of advanced life support devices.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Jun 24
Open House
Saturday, June 24 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM
Jul 29
Open House
Saturday, July 29 8:30 - 2 :30 PM
Field Experience
Your knowledge in practice
A series of supervised field experiences are key for career preparation. Apply your know-how in the real world and learn about the industry first-hand.
Scholarships
Pathways Scholarship
Thanks to the new Pathways Scholarship, graduates of the EMT Workforce Development training program who earned their EMT certification are eligible for $1,500 annually towards their Paramedic Practice certificate, associate’s degree in Paramedic Science, of bachelor's degree in Health Science: Prehospital Medicine Concentration. This assistance, coupled with transfer credits from your Workforce Development training will put you even closer to your career goals.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Student Government Association (SGA)
Let your voice be heard! Attend the next meeting to learn what’s new or consider running for a senate seat.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
News
09.13.2022
Penn College launches bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences
Pennsylvania College of Technology is accepting students for admission into its new Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences, set to launch in Fall 2023. The new major is designed to provide a pathway for entry into careers in biomedical and laboratory science or for entry into graduate studies in various health care professions. Pennsylvania College of Technology students Lauryn T.
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
Students take action with mock crisis drill
Students from Penn College’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences and School of Business, Arts & Sciences joined area law enforcement, emergency management and health care professionals in a recent simulation at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center and a variety of other locations.
Accreditation
The Paramedic Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org. To contact CoAEMSP: 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312 Rowlett, TX 75088; 214-703-8445 or FAX 214-703-8992; www.coaemsp.org.
In compliance with CAAHEP Standards V.A.4, the Pennsylvania College of Technology paramedic program posts the following outcome data detailing pass rates on the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry exams, positive placement rates, and in-program attrition/retention. All information is verifiable and consistent with the programs CAAHEP/CoAEMSP annual report. View Accreditation & Outcomes Information.
More Information
The Paramedic Program at the Pennsylvania College of Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355-113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org . To contact CoAEMSP: 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312 Rowlett, TX 75088; 214-703-8445 or FAX 214-703-8992; www.coaemsp.org . The major is also accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
In compliance with CAAHEP Standards V.A.4 the Pennsylvania College of Technology paramedic program posts the following outcome data detailing pass rates on the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry exams, positive placement rates, and in-program attrition/retention. All information is verifiable and consistent with the programs CAAHEP/CoAEMSP annual report. View Accreditation & Outcomes Information.
The goal of the Penn College paramedic program is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
Anyone desiring entrance into this major must first gain admission to Penn College. Acceptance into this selective admission major is based upon additional requirements beyond College admission. Details are available on the Paramedic Selective Admission Criteria and Process webpage.
NOTE: Students seeking entrance into the M. S. in Physician Assistant Studies upon graduation from the Prehospital Medicine degree must refer to the special admissions criteria for complete details regarding the selective admission criteria and application process for this major at https://www.pct.edu/catalog/selective-admission-criteria-process/physician-assistant-studies.
Students must earn a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each of their paramedic (PMP) courses. Failure to do so will result in students being dismissed from the Prehospital Medicine major. The following grading system is applied to all PMP courses in this major. There is no rounding of grades:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89.99
C = 75-79.99
F = 74.99 and below
All in-program paramedic students must hold certification in Pennsylvania as an EMT in order to begin clinical and field rotations as a paramedic student. This certification must be maintained throughout the student's time in the paramedic program. Failing to obtain, or maintain, EMT certification in Pennsylvania will result in the student's removal from the clinical environment and subsequent dismissal from the paramedic program.
NOTE: Students seeking entrance into the M. S. in Physician Assistant Studies upon graduation from the Prehospital Medicine degree will need to earn a "B" or higher in many BIO, CHM, and PHS courses. Please refer to the special admissions criteria for complete details at https://www.pct.edu/catalog/selective-admission-criteria-process/physician-assistant-studies.
Child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies involved in fieldwork and/or capstones. Agencies can bar students from their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Penn College students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to gain clinical or fieldwork or intern education experiences results in inability to meet program objectives or outcomes. The Pennsylvania Department of Health advises that a drug abuse or criminal record can result in ineligibility to take the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification exam, thereby limiting employment opportunities as a paramedic. For additional clarification, students can speak with the Program Director or the Dean of Health Sciences.
Penn College complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Pursuant to this Act, all forms of marijuana, including medical marijuana, are classified as prohibited controlled substances. Additionally, alcohol, illegal drugs, and legal drugs obtained without a prescription or which may impair a student's ability to perform his/her educational responsibilities are strictly prohibited. Students are subject to drug screening at various phases of the program. Please note that a positive drug screening for marijuana will be deemed a positive test and will result in a student being dismissed from the program, even if the student has been lawfully certified to use medical marijuana and/or possesses a valid medical marijuana identification card issued in accordance with applicable state law.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
International health credentials/licensure, sciences courses, and most math courses will not be accepted to satisfy requirements of this major. Please see additional information for international students applying to Nursing & Health Sciences majors.
Penn College does not offer advanced placement for this program. This includes individuals who hold other healthcare degrees or who have completed paramedic courses at another institution.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires all paramedic students to hold Pennsylvania EMT certification prior to beginning clinical rotations as a paramedic student. Pre-program students who are not certified may obtain EMT certification through the non-credit EMT program offered through Workforce Development at Penn College.
A field uniform is required for ambulance rotations and a clinical uniform is required for hospital rotations. Adherence to a dress code is required for safety reasons in addition to compliance with field and clinical affiliate sites requirements. Manufacturers and vendor information can be obtained from the program office upon admission into the major. See the complete list.
Some items are available for purchase through The College Store.
Program Review Executive Summary AY2015-2016
Students must meet Essential Functions for the Paramedic established by the Paramedic Program, as well as health and safety requirements including, but not limited to, immunizations (MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, annual influenza vaccination, PPD), medical examination, 10 panel drug screen, CPR certification, and background clearances as established by clinical affiliation agreements.
Paramedic Program Goal
The Pennsylvania College of Technology paramedic program’s goal is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
The paramedic program at Pennsylvania College of Technology meets the educational requirements for certification within the state of Pennsylvania. We are aware that our program also meets the educational requirements for certification in the following states/U.S. territories: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina (Associate Degree only), North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington state, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. We have not determined if graduates of our program will be eligible for certification in Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands; therefore, students intending to seek employment in these states/territories are asked to contact the program office so that we can help you determine whether our program meets the requirements of the state/territory where you intend to work.
- Sam Aungst, Fire Chief, Williamsport Bureau of Fire
- Mr. Gene M Baker, Jr., Manager of Pre-Hospital Services, Evangelical Community Hospital
- Ms. Mariah E Barner, '18, Paramedic, Mount Nittany Medical Center
- Tony Bixby, Director, Prehospital Services, UPMC Williamsport
- Mr. Timothy D Case, '05, Clinical Education Specialist, American Medical Response
- Dr. Gregory R Frailey, FACOEP, Medical Director for Prehospital Services & Associate Medical Director for Emergency Services, UPMC Susquehanna
- Ms. Wendy S Hastings, EMS Program Manager, Lycoming County Department of Safety
- Mr. Casey S Lowmiller, '08, EMS Operations Manager, Jersey Shore Area EMS
- Mr. Joshua V Messing, '05, Deputy Chief, Centre Lifelink EMS
- Ms. Carla Miller, '14, '17, Emergency Management Specialist, Lycoming County Department of Public Safety
- Brendan Mondell, Business Manager, Uptown Music Collective
- Mr. Kevin T Niedzwiecki, Geisinger Health System
- Mr. Jim Slotterback, NREMT-P, '12, Paramedic Specialist, Susquehanna Health
- Emilee Snook, Student representative
- Mr. Kyle Stavinski, '15, National Registry Paramedic, Susquehanna Regional Emergency Medical Services
- Mr. Charles G Stutzman, NREMT-P, '01, Administrative and Connection Pastor, Light & Life Chapel
- Mr. Mark A Trueman, Deputy Chief/Manager of Pre-Hospital Operations, UPMC Susquehanna/Susquehanna Regional EMS
- Mr. Stephen R Wirth, Esquire, '78, Attorney, Page, Wolfberg & Wirth