Gulf Coast State College | Paramedic Certificate

Take the Next Step in your ems career

Why should I apply to the Paramedic Certificate program?

Now that you’ve been working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you realize that you need to take your career to the next level. This 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.

how long is the paramedic certificate program?

The Paramedic course is a one year program consisting of 42 credit hours over three consecutive semesters The program is offered once a year beginning with the fall semester and concluding after the first summer term. All classes are held at the North Bay Campus in Southport on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. CST. An Associate of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services is also available. This option expands the Paramedic Program to 73 credit hours including general education courses. The application deadline is June 1st.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed this program and other important information, please visit www.gulfcoast.edu/ge/parm

How much does a paramedic earn?

Most EMTs and paramedics work full time. Their work is physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 24 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to create demand for EMTs and paramedics. The median pay for paramedics is $31,980 per year or $15.38 per hour.

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Who is eligible for paramedic certificate program?

To be considered for the Paramedic Program, applicants should have a State of Florida EMT certification. The applicant must also have passed the EMT coursework on the first attempt achieving a "B" grade in EMS1119, EMS1401, EMS1335, and EMS1555 or equivalent coursework.

Any student passing with a "C" grade in any EMS course should have one (1) year of full-time or two (2) years of part-time work experience at an ALS transport service prior to applying. The applicant must also provide a positive letter of recommendation from an immediate supervisor.

Applicants must have a CPR certification. Your CPR certification must be maintained throughout the program. Acceptable cards are the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, American Red Cross Professional Rescuer, or American Safety and Health Institute CPR-Pro.

WHY CHOOSE GULF COAST STATE COLLEGe to earn your paramedic certificate?

Gulf Coast State College EMS programs have clinical training agreements with area and panhandle hospitals and ambulance firms, including Bay Medical Center and Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City, Bay County Emergency Services.

Our faculty and instructors are highly qualified field experts working in both the clinical and Fire Rescue areas. Many of the instructors who work in the local emergency services fields who are dedicated to making an investment in your training as a student and future professional working associate.

How do I apply to the Paramedic program?

To apply to the Paramedic Certificate Program, you’ll need to complete the general admission application to Gulf Coast State College and fulfill all admissions requirements. Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process. Also, you must download and complete the application to the Paramedic Program.

The Program Coordinator will review applications in June for the Fall semester. If selected you receive a conditional letter of acceptance letter into the Paramedic program. After you receive your letter of conditional acceptance, the following date sensitive items will be required:

Satisfactory criminal background check including fingerprinting at the student's expense. Fingerprinting must be completed through Division of Public Safety selection center. Fingerprints taken for other programs and/or agencies are not transferable.
10-panel urine drug screen order at the student's expense. The drug screen will be scheduled by the Public Safety Division Office.
Current Physical Examination (less than a year old), with satisfactory results signed by a physician on the GCSC physical examination form.
Current Immunizations with satisfactory results signed by a physician on the GCSC immunizations form and current TB Skin Test, TB blood test or current chest x-ray (less than a year old).

The application process is competitive. Contact the Program Coordinator to find out how to increase your chances for admission to the program.

How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

Program Requirements

Courses		CH
+*#HSC1531, Medical Terminology		2
+*#RET1934, Advanced Cardiac Life Support		1
+*#EMS2010, Essentials of Human Structure and Function		3
+*#EMS2231, Paramedic I		5
+*#EMS2232, Paramedic II		5
+*#EMS2233, Paramedic III		1
+*#EMS2340C, Basic Vehicle Rescue and Extrication		1
+*#EMS2425, Paramedic Internship		4
+*#EMS2435, Paramedic I Lab		5
+*#EMS2436, Paramedic II Lab		5
+*#EMS2439, Advanced Clinical Internship		5
+*#EMS2526, Twelve-Lead Electrocardiogram (EKG) Interpretation		1
+*#EMS2553, Pediatric Advanced Life Support		1
+*#EMS2558, Stroke Management		1
+*#EMS2931, Emergency Response to Terrorism		1
+*#EMS2934, Advanced Medical Life Support		1
TOTAL DEGREE HOURS		42

• General Education Core.

+ Prerequisites and/or corequisites required. See course descriptions.

# Applies only to A.S. degree and certificate programs.

= PSAV course.

* Minimum grade of "C" required.

Paramedic certificate Program Accreditation

The Gulf Coast State College Paramedic Program 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
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763 727-210-2350

To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
AX 214-703-8992

www.coaemsp.org"

Learn More

For more information about the Paramedic Certificate Program, please contact Ms. Loretha Miller at the Division of Public Safety. She may be contacted by phone at (850) 769-1551 ext. 5615 or by email at lmiller@gulfcoast.edu.

Paramedic Certificate