Workforce Development Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Certificate

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school graduate, GED, or equivalent. Recommended high school subjects include three years of science and four years of English, social studies, and math (including algebra).
• Certified as an EMT or AEMT in the state of Pennsylvania (reciprocity from other states must be handled early).
• Complete the Paramedic Entrance Assessment within the previous 18 months.
• Pre-acceptance meeting with Paramedic Program staff.
• Documentation of a minimum of 10 patient contacts and 60 hours of EMS experience.
• Complete required health screenings. Placement is conditional until health requirements are met.
• Negative drug screening.
• Successfully maintain a 75% overall course grade.

• Obtain Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, and Childline background checks with satisfactory results.

  DOH Requirement for FBI Background Checks: all individuals who obtain an initial EMS certification, or reinstate an expired one, on or after January 1, 2026, must submit an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history background check no more than 90 days old at the time of the scheduled program orientation. The applicant is responsible for all related expenses.
• FBI clearances are required during orientation on December 2, 2026, and must be dated no earlier than September 4, 2026.
• Meet classroom and clinical attendance requirements.

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