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 in the fall semester and concluding after the summer term. All classes are held at the North Bay Campus in Southport primarily on Mondays and Wednesdays, on occasion class maybe held on different days of the week. 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 May 31st.

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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Contact

Dr. Dan Finley, RP, BSED, MED, PhD
Interim Program Director
850-769-1551 ext. 5603
dfinley@gulfcoast.edu

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 Basic Life Support CPR (BLS) certification. Your BLS certification must be maintained throughout the program. Acceptable cards are the American Heart Association Basic Life Support , American Red Cross BLS, or American Safety and Health Institute BLS.

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. You must also complete the online Paramedic Program application..

The Program Coordinator will review application in June for the Fall semester. If selected you will receive a letter of Conditional Acceptance into the Paramedic Program. After you receive your letter of Conditional Acceptance, you will be given a deadline to complete the following required date sensitive task.

Requirements after Conditional Acceptance into the EMT Program:

Receive a satisfactory criminal background check before final acceptance is granted into the program. The background check will be scheduled and performed at the GCSC Criminal Justice Selection Center at the students’ expense.
Receive a satisfactory 10- panel urine drug screen before final acceptance is granted into the program. The drug screen will be scheduled by the Public Safety Division at the students’ expense.
Submit a copy of your current valid Basic Life Support CPR certification. Your certification must be maintained throughout your enrollment in the program. Acceptable cards are American Heart Association Basic Life Support, American Safety Health Institute Basic Life Support or American Red Cross Basic Life Support.
Submit the completed GCSC Physical Examination form with satisfactory results signed by a physician.
Submit the completed GCSC Immunization form with satisfactory results signed by a physician.
Submit proof of current (less than a year old) TB skin test, TB blood test, or current chest x-ray report.
Attend mandatory Allied Health Orientation courses. Registration and payment completed online through Continuing Education (dates will be in the conditional acceptance packet).
Program uniforms, learning materials and specific equipment information will be included in the Conditional Acceptance packet.

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
+*#EMS2231, Paramedic I	9
+*#EMS2232, Paramedic II	8
+*#EMS2233, Paramedic III	2
+*#EMS2425, Paramedic Internship	6
+*#EMS2435, Paramedic I Lab	7
+*#EMS2436, Paramedic II Lab	7
+*#EMS2553, Pediatric Advanced Life Support	1
+*#EMS2934, Advanced Medical Life Support	1
+*#RET1934, Advanced Cardiac 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. Rita 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