Facilities
Lab Tour
Program Director Chris Boyer shows off three fully equipped lab spaces designed to give paramedic science students the ultimate hands-on experience.
Emergency Management & Homeland Security and Paramedic Science
Dual Degree Option
About this program
You’re a natural leader. Calm under pressure. And the first to rise to action during times of need. If a career in emergency response is your future, you’ve come to the right place. At Penn College, you can earn a dual degree in Emergency Management & Homeland Security (B.S.) and Paramedic Science (A.A.S.) in as few as four years. Learn alongside knowledgeable and passionate faculty. Put theories to the test in technology-driven labs. And get vital hands-on experience through extensive field work and clinical rotations. Whether you imagine yourself serving as a paramedic or taking the lead in emergency management, this one-of-a-kind program will set you on a path to success.
Acceptance in the paramedic science major is based upon additional requirements beyond College admission and 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.
Careers
- Promotion in the paramedic field
- Emergency manager
- Emergency preparedness coordinator
- Private sector consultant
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.
- Introduction to Emergency Management Operations (BEM101)
- Introduction to Sociology (SOC111)
- The History and Evolution of Emergency Management (BEM103)
- Emergencies, Disasters, and Catastrophes (BEM202)
- State and Local Government (PSC141)
- Crisis Communication (BEM221)
- Disaster Preparation and Planning (BEM210)
- Disaster Recovery (BEM230)
- Spatial Analysis in Emergency Management (BEM250)
- American Government - National (PSC131)
- Criminal Justice (HSJ263)
- Emergency Management Internship (BEM450)
- Social/Psychological Foundations of Emergency Management (BEM265)
- Principles of Public Administration (PSC251)
- Terrorism, Civil War and Genocide (PSC402)
- Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice (PMP143)
- Research Methods (SOC313)
- Credits Proven By Certification (EMT) (PMP104)
- Emergency Management Capstone (BEM495)
- Introductory Clinical Practicum (PMP139)
- International Relations (PSC261)
- Medical Emergencies for the Paramedic (PMP244)
- Cardiology and Pulmonology for the Paramedic (PMP248)
- Paramedic Skills and Simulations Lab I (PMP233)
- Intermediate Clinical Practicum (PMP249)
- Special Patient Populations for the Paramedic (PMP261)
- Trauma and Advanced Operations for the Paramedic (PMP262)
- Paramedic Skills and Simulation Lab II (PMP263)
- Advanced Clinical Practicum (PMP259)
- Paramedic Field Internship (PMP270)
- Technological Elements of Emergency Management (BEM311)
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.
Industry Relations
The paramedic and emergency management dual degree option makes perfect sense. Emergency management gives paramedics the depth of knowledge required to function in any capacity during a disaster. While the paramedic program applies the knowledge gained in emergency management to diverse clinical settings.
James Slotterback, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
UPMC Susquehanna
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. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
Sep 26
Open House
Sunday, September 268:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Oct 8
Open House
Friday, October 88:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Oct 23
Open House
Saturday, October 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Nov 6
Open House
Saturday, November 68:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Nov 19
Open House
Friday, November 198:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
More tour dates are on the way.
But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
Need a different date?
Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400
Upcoming Events
Explore Penn College
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Dual Degree
Ready to apply? Here's what to do.
On the application, select Emergency Management & Homeland Security as your intended major. Check "Yes" when asked if you wish to declare a dual degree, then select Paramedic Science as a second intended major.
Contact the admissions office at admissions@pct.edu or 800.367.9222 with questions.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Emergency Management Club
Our Emergency Management Club promotes, fosters, and advocates for the professional development within the field of emergency management through trainings, conferences, and professional development opportunities within the emergency management community.
News
07.27.2021
Intensive activities spotlight college’s career-building majors
“Because tomorrow begins today,” Penn College campuses welcomed scores of high school students for six more Pre ...
07.24.2021
Magazine chronicles kayak outing’s ‘transformational impact’
An article in the July/August issue of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater features a field trip taken by Rob Cooley’s ...
05.10.2021
Penn College announces new degree for future paramedics
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s paramedic program is accepting applications for a new Bachelor of Science degree in health ...
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.
Field Experience
Your knowledge in practice
Through supervised field experiences and internships you'll apply what you learned in the classroom in the real world.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
Mock crisis authentically adds to interdisciplinary preparedness
Penn College students joined area law enforcement, emergency management and healthcare professionals in a recent simulation at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center and a variety of other locations.
Paramedic students join Penn State EMS at home football games
Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s paramedic program have joined Penn State Emergency Medical Services to provide coverage at the university’s seven 2018 home football games in Beaver Stadium.
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.
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, 25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763; 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.
Penn College publishes a 3 and 5 year window average results of the outcomes for: National Registry Written and Practical Exams, Attrition & Retention, and Positive Placement consistent and verifiable by its CAAHEP/CoAEMSP Annual Report. See results.
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 Selective Admission Criteria and Process webpage.
In addition to tuition, fees, textbooks, and other standard student costs, paramedic students will be responsible for additional costs to include (but not limited to): travel to clinical/field rotations, a complete medical examination and required vaccinations, student malpractice insurance, health insurance, hospital and field uniforms, criminal record clearance, drug testing, and certification exams.
Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each aspect of their paramedic courses. Failure to do so will result in termination from the 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
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.
The major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/transferringcredits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
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, and work/life experience.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures.
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: Paramedic Science
Program Review Executive Summary: Emergency Management Technology
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. Some clinical sites may have additional health and immunization requirements that are not part of the current program requirements, for example, COVID-19 vaccination.
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.