Clone of Workforce Development Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Certificate

If you dream of making a difference as a paramedic, your path starts at Penn College.

When seconds count, experience matters, and hands-on learning makes the difference. Here, you’ll prepare for your National Registry of EMTs Paramedic examination in one of the oldest accredited paramedic training sites in the nation.

Jumpstart your future

Start with the fundamentals and expand your knowledge alongside expert instructional staff in hands-on instructional simulation labs. 

12-Month Program

Prepare for National Paramedic Exam

Train in State-of-the-Art Labs

Hands-On Labs

Medical training participants perform emergency care on a mannequin, with one participant using a bag-valve mask.

Ready for the Real World

Learn in fully equipped labs as you prepare for your future as a paramedic with a variety of equipment including:

  • Ambulance simulator
  • Vehicle rescue simulator
  • High-fidelity simulation equipment
  • Variety of current advanced life support (ALS) equipment, including iSimulate monitors, Lifepak 15s and video laryngoscopes
  • Apartment learning lab for in-home simulated emergency care practice
  • Dedicated simulation space for an emergency sequence with car accident, transport via an ambulance, and transfer of care to an ER setting

Interested? Let's talk.

Unsure if this program is right for you? Set up a 10-minute call with our team to talk through program details. 

Your information

2027 Important Dates

Person wearing gloves examines a small electronic component in a technical training lab, with a vehicle frame in the background.

January 2027 Full-time Course

MilestoneDates
Application DeadlineOctober 26, 2026
Program TimelineJanuary 4, 2027 through December 14, 2027
NRP ExamDecember 15, 2027
GraduationDecember 17, 2027

Entry & Completion Requirement

  • 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 application. 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.

Regulatory Requirements Paramedic Essential Functions

Financial Aid & Information

Explore Financial Aid

Financial aid is available, and we’re here to help.

Learn more

Contact Us

Learn more via email wdhealthsciences@pct.edu or call 570.327.4775.

Download the brochure

Program Cost

Paramedic student standing in front of an ambulance with a patient stretcher.

Course Cost: $18,500 textbooks & uniforms not included

Additional Estimated Program Costs:

  • Textbooks: $900 estimated - E-text/used versions of required textbooks may be available at a lower price 
  • Clinical Clearances: 59.95 estimated 
  • Clinical Student Physical/TB Testing Requirements: $300 estimated 
  • Laptop Computer: $1,250 estimated (if not already owned) 
  • Web enabled tablet: $125 estimated  
  • Student EMS Uniform: $350 estimated (cost varies based on student preference) 
  • NREMT Paramedic certification exam fee: $175

Curriculum & Textbooks

  • EMS 301- Introduction to Paramedic Practice & Patient Assessment
  • EMS 104- Medical Terminology
  • LPN 115- Anatomy & Physiology I

Students are responsible for purchasing the following, required, Level I textbook materials, after November 1st, and before November 30, 2026:

  1. Sanders, M. J. (2024). Sanders’ Paramedic Textbook (6th ed.) Jones & Bartlett Learning; Memmler's The Human Body in Health (14th ed.) Special Bundle Package
  2. Cohen, B. J., & Jones, S. A. (2021). Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning (Online Textbook)

  • EMS 302- Cardiology & Medicine
  • LPN 125- Anatomy & Physiology II

Required Textbook:

  1. ACLS Provider Manual (Order by April 1, 2027)

  • EMS 303- Operations & Trauma

Required Textbook:

  1. PALS Provider Manual (Order by August 15, 2027)

Register Now

Your name
Your Contact Information
Your address

Accreditation & Outcomes:

2018–25 Paramedic (A.A.S. & Certificate) Accreditation & Outcomes