Program Overview
The Technical Certificate in Emergency Medical Sciences - Paramedic program requires 36 hours of professional coursework. Students are accepted into the Paramedic program each fall semester. Our paramedic program follows a three-week cycle: Week 1 is typically for skills, and Weeks 2 and 3 are for classroom lectures. This cycle repeats throughout the semester. Week 4 is skills, and Weeks 5 and 6 are classroom lectures, continuing the rotation.
During skills weeks, we offer lab sessions Monday through Thursday (0830-1700). Students must attend 2 out of the 4 available sessions each week.
During classroom weeks, we offer the same classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (0830-1700). Students can choose one of the two days to attend each week.
Students may schedule their clinical time within program guidelines including weekdays, weekends and nights. There is a $20 paramedic program fee per credit hour.
ACTS Course Numbers
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. Go to http://acts.adhe.edu/ for more information.
Degree Requirements
-This degree requires successful completion of 36 credit hours.
-A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade-point average is required for graduation.
-Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the college is required for graduation.
-Current Arkansas Licensure as an EMT is a prerequisite to enter this program
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 19,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Pay
The median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $38,930 in May 2023.
The median annual wage for paramedics was $53,180 in May 2023.
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm
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