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.
Paramedic Science
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About this program
When you pursue a career in emergency medical services, real-world readiness is critical. That’s why our program includes 1,000+ hours of clinical and field experience. Our state-of-the-art labs are equipped with high-fidelity simulators and all the advanced gear used by today’s professionals. Plus, you’ll be supported by dedicated full-time faculty who will stand by your side through training in the lab and during clinical rotations. With this program's intensive training and field experience, you'll be prepared to take on higher level responsibilities within the field.
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.
Careers
- ALS 911 response
- Critical care transport, including aeromedical services
- Tactical medicine with police departments
- Community paramedicine
- Primary healthcare within the federal prison system
- Industrial medicine within the oil and gas industry
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.
- Credits Proven by Certification (EMT) (PMP104)
- Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice (PMP143)
- Introductory Clinical Practicum (PMP139)
- 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)
- Application of Research in Pre-Hospital Medicine (PMP279)
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.
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.
EMT vs Paramedic
What’s the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
EMT certification is the minimum requirement to staff an ambulance, with EMTs staffing both basic life support ambulances and working with paramedics on advanced life support ambulances. EMTs are required to complete a state-approved certification class, such as the EMT course offered through Workforce Development at Penn College, with the training lasting approximately 200 hours over 16 weeks in order to be eligible for certification. EMTs are trained in a variety of basic lifesaving measures, including the administration of oxygen, performing CPR, using an AED, bleeding control, and assisting patients with some medications such as nitroglycerin and EpiPens.
Paramedics
Paramedics represent the highest certification level available for emergency medical service providers in the United States. To become a paramedic, candidates must first become an EMT, and then complete an accredited program that generally takes 18-24 months. Paramedic training programs include college course work, such as anatomy & physiology and math, to help prepare the paramedic candidate for the complex career field. Paramedics are able to perform advanced assessments and procedures such as placing breathing tubes, interpreting cardiac rhythms, starting intravenous lines, administering a variety of medications, and performing surgical airways. Paramedics utilize a wide variety of critical thinking skills and establish protocols in making decisions for patient care. Paramedics staff advanced life support ambulances, critical care helicopters, and also often work in other industries such as the prison system and on offshore oil rigs.
Featured Video
Lessons learned
Think a paramedic career might be for you? Get a glimpse of a real lesson. In this session, program director Chris Boyer talks through how paramedics can identify and manage a patient suffering from a heart attack. He also covers patient assessment, history taking, the interpretation of a 12 lead ECG, and pharmacology.
Student Experience
"The Penn College EMT and paramedic programs provided me with the hands-on experience needed to first become an EMT and ultimately a paramedic. The countless hours of skills and practice in the classroom have given me the confidence I need to treat patients in the field setting."
Sara Caswell
Academics
Hybrid Option
The paramedic hybrid learning option balances online delivery with in-person lab, clinical, and field experience. Check out our frequently asked questions for more information.
Scholarships
Pathways Scholarships
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 or associate’s degree in Paramedic Science. This assistance, coupled with transfer credits from your Workforce Development training will put you even closer to your career goals.
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.
Apr 29
Self-Scheduled Personal Tour - Paramedic
Thursday, April 2912:30 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
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.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
Applied Health Studies, Completion
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) Online
Paramedic Practice
Certificate
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Penn College Circle K
The purpose of Penn College Circle K is to inspire members to become responsible citizens and leaders through a commitment to community service. Penn College Circle K provides opportunities for members to become active on campus and within the community through service projects.
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.
Dual Degree
Take two
Bachelor Degree Pathways
Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Paramedic Science are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Studies: Paramedic Science concentration or a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management Technology. Students currently enrolled the Paramedic Science may work with their adviser to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously. Proof of the appropriate credential pr associate degree in Paramedic Science will be required to be eligible for graduation with either bachelor degree.
News
04.16.2021
PPL supports training for front-line health care workers
Future health care professionals have access to a learning tool that simulates respiratory symptoms likely to be encountered in ...
12.16.2020
Emergency management student thrives outside comfort zone
Juggling full-time college classes by day and full-time emergency medical technician work by night, Brooke M. Strubel is earning ...
12.03.2020
Penn College paramedic program to offer hybrid learning option
In January, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s paramedic program will launch a hybrid instruction option that combines in ...
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
A series of supervised field experiences are key for career preparation. This program includes a required 10-week, 400-hour internship, which often leads to employment following graduation.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
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, 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 and IV.D, 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. See results.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
- Mr. Gene M Baker, Jr., Manager of Pre-Hospital Services, Evangelical Community Hospital
- Mr. Timothy D Case, '05, Clinical Education Specialist, American Medical Response
- Mr. Nick Dwyer, Student Representative
- 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
- Dr. Kenneth B Kephart, '11, Paramedic, Mount Nittany Medical Center
- Mr. Kent Knable, Paramedic (PaDOH), EMS Chief, Centre Lifelink EMS
- Mr. Matthew LaRock, Student Representative
- Mr. Chris E Miller, Chief of Police, Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Dr. Samuel J Slimmer, Associate Staff Physician, Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Health System
- Mr. Jim Slotterback, NREMT-P, '12, Paramedic Specialist, Susquehanna Health
- 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. Andrew Tom, Paramedic Manager, Soldiers & Sailors Hospital
- 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