Paramedic (PARAM-CT)

AREA OF CONCENTRATION: Upon completion of the Paramedic program, all graduates will have demonstrated the necessary knowledge, technical skill, and professional attitude and behavior to implement safe, effective and appropriate care in their roles as a Paramedic.

 INITIAL CONTACT:  Craig Wise at (850) 913-3311
PRIMARY ADVISER:  Scott Williams (850) 769-1551 ext. 6103

INTRODUCTION: The Emergency Medical Services programs are accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS Professionals (COAEMSP) and by the Florida Department of Health. Graduates of either the Emergency Medical Technician program or Paramedic program are eligible to apply for the state examination and/or the national board examination.

The Paramedic is the higher level of the EMS career ladder. Paramedics are licensed EMTs who are then trained in advanced life support measures including venipuncture, intravenous therapy, endotracheal intubation, medication administration, arrhythmia interpretation, cardioversion, and defibrillation.

The Paramedic course is a three-semester program. The Paramedic course is offered once a year beginning with the Fall semester and concluding after the first Summer term.

Application deadline is June 1st every year.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

1. New students should apply for General Admission to Gulf Coast State College
2. New students must pay $20 college application fee online, at the Bookstore, or at the Business Office
   
3. Submit official high school transcripts or GED with scores to the Admissions Office
4. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended for evaluation by the Admissions Office
5. Applicants must be eighteen years of age or older
6. Submit completed Paramedic application to the Health Sciences Division
7. Take the Florida entry-level placement tests:  College Placement Test (CPT), or the Post Education Readiness Test (PERT).  Minimum scores are in the application packet.  Students may contact the Testing Office at (850) 769-1551, ext. 2899 for dates, times, and locations of placement tests.
8. Submit signed Narcotic/Mental Statement found in the application packet
9. Submit a copy of your current valid Florida EMT License
10. Submit a copy of your current valid Florida driver’s license
    

Requirements for Paramedic after Conditional Acceptance:

1. A satisfactory fingerprint and criminal background check at student's expense must be done through Gulf Coast State College; cost is $80
2. Submit a copy of current valid CPR card and maintain certification throughout the entire program.  Acceptable cards are American Heart Assoc. Healthcare Provider, American Red Cross Professional Rescuer, or American Safety and Health Institute CPR-Pro.
3. Submit completed physical examination with satisfactory results signed by a physician
4. Submit completed Immunizations form signed by a physician
5. Uniform and specific equipment will be discussed the first week of class

Additional Requirements for Paramedic Applicants

1. Applicants must hold a current Florida EMT license or be eligible for the Florida licensure examination by virtue of current National Registry certification or current EMT certification from another state. Within 45 days of entering the first semester of the Paramedic program, students holding EMT certification from another state must score a minimum of 80 percent on the Florida EMT board examination.
2. Florida certified EMTs must have completed the state board examination with a minimum score of 80 percent. Students failing to achieve an 80 percent on the state board examination may challenge the GCSC EMT program final examination and score a minimum of 80 percent.
3. Applicants must have maintained a minimum grade of "B" in the EMT training program. Students failing to achieve this average may challenge the GCSC EMT Program final examination and score a minimum of 80 percent.
4. Proof of current CPR certification either American Heart Association Healthcare Provider,  American Red Cross Professional Rescuer, or American Safety and Health Institute CPR-Pro.
5. Three Letters of Recommendation
6. Interview with Program Coordinator and/or Clinical Coordinator
7. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all coursework

Student Selection Process:  The requirements listed above are minimum requirements; however, satisfaction of minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. Admission to the program is a selective process. Paramedic program applicants with 6 months or more of emergency medical experience are given preference for selection. The Admissions Committee will review applicants' folders and notify selected individuals who are conditionally accepted.

Curriculum: The EMT program may be completed by Certificate. The Paramedic program may be completed by either Certificate or Associate in Science degree in Emergency Medical Services.

The Paramedic program is a selective admission, limited enrollment program. Admission to Gulf Coast State College does not imply acceptance into the Paramedic program.