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 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, dysrhythmia interpretation, cardioversion, and defibrillation.

The Paramedic program consists of three consecutive semesters:  Fall, Spring, and Summer.  The Paramedic course is offered once a year beginning with the Fall semester and concluding after the first Summer term.

To be considered for the Parmedic program, the applicant should:

• Have State of Florida EMT certification
  
  
• Pass the EMT coursework on the first attempt achieving a "B" grade in EMS1119, EMS1401, EMS1335, and EMS1555, or equivalent coursework.**

**Those students passing with a "C" grade in any EMT course should have 1 year of full-time experience (2 years part-time) at an ALS transport service prior to applying, and a positive recommendation letter from an immediate supervisor.

Applications for the Paramedic program must be received by the last business day before the June 1st deadline.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

1. New students should apply for General Admission to Gulf Coast State College click here;
   Returning students who have not attended in 2 years or more must also re-apply for admission.
2. New students must pay $20 non-refundable college application fee online, at Enrollment Services Office, or at the Business Office. 
   Returning students who have not attended GCSC in 2 years or more must pay a $10 non-refundable college application fee.
3. New students must attend a free online College Orientation prior to course registration, otherwise a "hold" will be placed on student's account; for more information to go College Orientation
   
4. Submit official high school transcripts or GED with scores to Enrollment Services Office
5. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended for evaluation by the Enrollment Serviceds Office
6. Applicants must be eighteen years of age or older
7. Submit completed Paramedic application to the Health Sciences Division
8. Take the Florida entry-level placement tests:  Postsecondary Education Readiness Tests (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.
9. Submit signed Narcotic/Mental Statement found in the application packet
10. Submit a copy of your current valid Florida EMT License
11. Submit a copy of your current valid Florida driver’s license
    

Requirements for Paramedic after Conditional Acceptance:

1. A satisfactory fingerprint and background check, at student's expense, must be done through Gulf Coast State College; cost is $80 (see additional information in the application packet).
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 GCSC physical examination with satisfactory results signed by a physician
4. Submit completed GCSC Immunizations form signed by a physician
5. Attend mandatory Health Sciences Orientation classes by registration and payment through Continuing Education (dates will be in acceptance packet)
6. 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 and maintain certification throughout the program.  Acceptable cards are the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider,  American Red Cross Professional Rescuer, or American Safety and Health Institute CPR-Pro.
5. Submit 3 Letters of Recommendation before the application deadline of June 1st.
6. Meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Clinical Coordinator for an interview.  You will be contacted at a later date by the Administrative Assistant to schedule an appointment for the interview.
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.