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.
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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.
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.
What’s the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
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 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.
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.
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.
"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
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.
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.
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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 may work with their adviser to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously. Proof of the appropriate credential will be required to be eligible for graduation with either bachelor degree.
Jeffrey L. Hutchins, an adjunct faculty member who has served various roles as a paramedic and firefighter since graduating from ...
Dr. Gregory R. Frailey, the medical director for Pennsylvania College of Technology’s paramedic and physician assistant programs ...
Career Day brought hundreds of ninth-12th graders to campus on Thursday to explore more than 30 activities offered by employees ...
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
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.
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.
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, 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 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 Paramedic Program Outcomes (CAAHEP/CoAEMSP)
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. Read more.
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 Special Admissions 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
D = 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.
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.
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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.
