Paramedic Science

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Paramedic Student

About this program

Starting January 2024 the Paramedic program will be offered through Workforce Development at Penn College. Applications are now being accepting for the January 2024 cohort. Learn more à

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.

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.

400

Lab Hours

Well-Equipped Labs Including Ambulance, Apartment, & Vehicle Simulators

4:1

Student-to-Faculty Lab & Clinical Ratio

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

License/Certification Disclosure Information →

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 & 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)

​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.

  • Basics of Medical Terminology (MTR104)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology Survey (BIO103)
  • General Psychology (PSY111) or
  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC111)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Math Elective (MTH123 or Higher) (MNA)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition II (ENL121) or
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201) or
  • Speech Elective (SPC)

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.

View Chart

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

Virtual Tour

Adjunct faculty Chris Boyer shows off three fully equipped lab spaces designed to give paramedic students the ultimate hands-on experience.

Advanced Learning Labs
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.

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.  

Maker Profiles
Hybrid Option
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.

Hybrid FAQs

Pathways Scholarships
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.

Learn more

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

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.

Contact

Admissions Office

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.

UPMC Susquehanna
Evangelical Community Hospital Logo
PA Department of Health
Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Penn College Circle K

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

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

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 or a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management Technology. Students currently enrolled the Paramedic Science may work with their advisor 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.

Learn more

News
05.30.2023

Penn College paramedic majors reaccredited

Pennsylvania College of Technology's paramedic majors have been reaccredited for the next five years by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

05.11.2023

Mock disaster provides realistic rehearsal for coordinated response

Applying what they’ve learned in the classroom, Pennsylvania College of Technology emergency management and paramedic students put their skills to the test this past weekend in the programs’ first on-campus simulated disaster incident.

04.13.2023

Inaugural ‘Rotorfest’ takes flight at Penn College

With eyes on the sky and a wide range of career options, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s emergency management & homeland security major staged its inaugural Wildcat Rotorfest on April 11.

Gain global experience
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.

Learn More

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

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.

Read more

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 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

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.

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.

View general transfer information

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.

Estimate your cost of attendance using the cost estimator tool.

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