Paramedic
Paramedics function as part of a collaborative response, working under medical direction with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers of other levels. Paramedics focus on advanced life support (ALS), diagnostic and treatment tools such as interpretation of heart rhythms, emergency pharmacology, and advanced airway management. These skills and techniques help extend the reach of the healthcare system.
Program Description
The Polk State Paramedic Program is a 1200 contact hour program consisting of various components including didactic lectures, skills and simulation labs, and clinical practice. Throughout the course of the program, students gain the necessary skills to demonstrate competency and professionalism as the highest trained personnel within pre-hospital medicine. The paramedic class schedule varies week-to-week to accommodate those who work a 24-on, 48-off shift schedule. Furthermore, clinical internship schedules often require participation during nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
The Paramedic Certificate is a limited admission program, which consists of an application process. Upon acceptance, program begins in either August or January each year.
Additional Program Requirements
Information regarding these requirements will be provided during the mandatory orientation:
- Ten-panel drug screen
- Criminal background check (by Florida statutes any felony convictions involving drug crimes and/or misuse of public assistance makes the candidate ineligible for state certification)
- Full physical examination including essential functions
- Immunization records and communicable disease screening
- Current professional level CPR certification (i.e. AHA Healthcare Provider / ASHI CPR Pro / ARC Professional CPR)
Advanced placement for paramedic is not utilized by the Polk State College Emergency Medical Services Program.
Program Cost
Approximate cost is about $6,500 including tuition, lab fees, textbooks, and uniforms.
Potential Earnings
Potential entry-level salary for paramedics varies from $34,000 – $45,000 depending on the agency of employment.
Certification Examination
Program graduates are eligible to attempt the National Registry EMT-P Examination.
Click here to see the Paramedic Certificate curriculum.
Gainful Employment
This is a gainful employment program. Visit the Gainful Employment page for gainful employment programs’ placement and on-time completion rates, median loan amounts, Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) codes, and estimated program costs.
Gainful employment programs include only training programs of at least one academic year that lead to a certificate (credit programs requiring 16 or more credit hours and clock hour programs requiring 600 or more contact hours). These programs prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
