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Aims paramedic students practicing in the classroom

ParamedicCertificates

Launch Your EMS Career by Earning EMT and Paramedic Certificates at Aims

Aims offers several EMS certificates that allow you to advance your career in an affordable way or to build toward earning an associate degree. 

These certificates include:

  • Emergency medical responder
  • Emergency medical technician (EMT)
  • Advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT)
  • Paramedic

Additional certificates prepare you to apply to the paramedic certificate training program (the paramedic preparation certificate) or begin the Aims paramedic associate degree program (the pre-paramedic certificate).

Whether you want to earn a stand-alone EMS certificate and begin work afterward or pursue a paramedic associate degree, earning a certificate is an excellent way to advance your EMS career.

For a limited time, the Care Forward Colorado program may cover your tuition for certain certificate programs. 

EMT - Paramedic Preparation Certificate

If you are an EMT or AEMT, the paramedic preparation certificate prepares you to apply for the Aims paramedic certificate program. Study EMT fundamentals, medical and trauma emergencies, IV/IO therapy, and basic anatomy and physiology.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Introduces the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student to prehospital emergency care. The topics included in this course are Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, well-being of the EMT, communications, documentation, anatomy, airway management, and patient assessment. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

3
required

Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to effectively provide emergency care and transportation to a patient experiencing a medical emergency. This course focuses on the integration of the physical exam, medical history, and pathophysiology when assessing and treating the medical patient. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1023, EMS 1024, and EMS 1070
4
required

Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate emergency care and transportation of a patient who has suffered a traumatic injury. The concepts of kinematics and the biomechanics of trauma, along with pathophysiology and injury patterns will provide the student with the ability to assess and manage the trauma patient. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.  Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1022, EMS 1024, and EMS 1070
2
required

Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills required to modify the assessment, treatment, and transportation of special patient populations and patients in special circumstances. This course also provides an overview of incident command, mass casualty incidents, vehicle extrication, air medical support, hazardous materials, and terrorism. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.  Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1022, EMS 1023, and EMS 1070
2
required

Focuses on cognitive and skill practice for the Colorado scope of practice for the IV / IO endorsement as outlined in the Intravenous / Intraosseous Therapy and Medication Administration course curriculum. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

2
required

Focuses on basic knowledge of body structures and function, and provides a foundation for understanding deviations from normal and disease conditions. This course is designed for individuals interested in health care and is directly applicable to the Practical Nursing Program, Paramedic Program and the Medical Office Technology program. It is recommended that ENG 1021 and MAT 1340 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.

4
required

Provides the EMT student with the clinical experience required for initial certification and some renewal processes. Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1021, EMS 1022, EMS 1023, and EMS 1024
1
Total Credits for Certificate 18

Paramedic Certificate

If you are an EMT or AEMT, the paramedic certificate program prepares you to become a paramedic who provides advanced emergency medical care to EMS patients. Study paramedic fundamentals and special considerations, advanced pharmacology and cardiology, and medical and trauma emergencies.

Row Groupings Certificate Program: Credits
required

Introduces the paramedic student to the advanced practice of prehospital care. This course covers professional behavior, medical ethics, legal issues, patient assessment, therapeutic communication, clinical decision making, and basic and advanced airway management. This course discusses EMS's role in the healthcare continuum, professional communication, patient care documentation, IV fluid therapy and resuscitation, and the application of evidence based medicine. A brief overview of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology is included. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2026
3
required

Teaches the skills necessary for the paramedic to apply professional behavior, medical ethics, legal issues, patient assessment, therapeutic communication, clinical decision making, and airway management. Serves as the companion course to Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2025
2
required

Introduces the paramedic student to concepts in assessing and meeting the emergency care needs of the neonate, pediatric, geriatric and special needs patient. This course focuses on epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of these patient groups. Common medical and traumatic presentations are addressed. Relevant psychosocial and ethno cultural concepts and legal and ethical implications are integrated throughout. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2028
3
required

Teaches the skills necessary for the paramedic to effectively assess and treat neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, and special needs patients utilizing skills and simulation scenarios. Serves as the companion course to Paramedic Special Considerations. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2027
2
required

Introduces the paramedic student to advanced emergency pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This course will include laws affecting the use and distribution of medications, medication dosing, clinical calculations, routes of administration and discussion of common medication classifications to include indications, contraindications and side effects. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2030
3
required

Teaches the skills necessary for the paramedic to safely and effectively administer emergency medications. Serves as the companion course to Paramedic Pharmacology. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2029
2
required

Introduces the paramedic student to cardiovascular emergencies and the care of patients presenting with cardiovascular emergencies. Topics will include assessment of the cardiovascular system, ECG acquisition and interpretation both single lead and 12 lead, pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and treatments indicated for a given disease. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2032
5
required

Teaches the skills necessary for the paramedic to effectively assess and treat patients presenting with cardiovascular emergencies utilizing skills and simulation scenarios. Serves as the companion course to Paramedic Cardiology. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2031
1
required

Expands on the paramedic student's knowledge of medical emergencies with the Integration of assessment findings in formulating a field impression and implementing a treatment plan. This course will cover principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology related to common medical emergencies including: neurological, abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders, immunological, infectious diseases, endocrine disorders, psychiatric disorders, toxicological, respiratory, hematological, genitourinary, gynecological, non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders, and diseases of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2034
4
required

Teaches the skills necessary for the paramedic to effectively assess and treat patients with a variety of medical emergencies utilizing skills and simulation scenarios. Serves as the companion course to Paramedic Medical Emergencies. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2033
1
required

Expands on the paramedic student's knowledge of trauma emergencies with the integration of assessment findings in formulating a field impression and implementing a treatment plan for an acutely injured patient. The course will provide an in depth evaluation of trauma to include: categorization of trauma patients, incidence of trauma, trauma systems, types of injury, trauma assessment, documentation in trauma, trauma scoring scales, trauma center designations, and transfer of patients. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2036
4
required

Teaches the skills necessary for the paramedic to effectively assess and treat patients with a variety of traumatic emergencies utilizing skills and simulation scenarios. Serves as the companion lab course for Paramedic Trauma Emergencies. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Corequisites
EMS 2035
1
required

Reviews concepts and techniques used in the prehospital setting. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is not repeatable for credit.

2
Credits Required  Students must take 6 credits in each of the following courses (for a total of 18 credits):
required

Students will participate in clinical rotations at local hospitals where they will apply the Advanced Life Support skills taught in the related didactic courses. Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

0 to 12
required

Serves as the preceptor/internship program for paramedic students. Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

0 to 12
required

Serves as the continuation of EMS 280, preceptor program for paramedic students. Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course. Restricted to Paramedic Certificate and Paramedic AAS majors only. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

0 to 12
Total Credits for Certificate 51

EMT - Pre-Paramedic Certificate

If you are an EMT or AEMT, the pre-paramedic certificate will prepare you to apply for the Aims paramedic associate degree program. Study the courses required to apply for the paramedic program, including general education requirements, EMT fundamentals, medical and trauma emergencies, IV/IO therapy, and basic anatomy and physiology.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Introduces the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student to prehospital emergency care. The topics included in this course are Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, well-being of the EMT, communications, documentation, anatomy, airway management, and patient assessment. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

3
required

Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to effectively provide emergency care and transportation to a patient experiencing a medical emergency. This course focuses on the integration of the physical exam, medical history, and pathophysiology when assessing and treating the medical patient. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1023, EMS 1024, and EMS 1070
4
required

Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate emergency care and transportation of a patient who has suffered a traumatic injury. The concepts of kinematics and the biomechanics of trauma, along with pathophysiology and injury patterns will provide the student with the ability to assess and manage the trauma patient. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.  Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1022, EMS 1024, and EMS 1070
2
required

Provides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills required to modify the assessment, treatment, and transportation of special patient populations and patients in special circumstances. This course also provides an overview of incident command, mass casualty incidents, vehicle extrication, air medical support, hazardous materials, and terrorism. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

EMS 1021 with a grade of "C" or better.  Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1022, EMS 1023, and EMS 1070
2
required

Focuses on cognitive and skill practice for the Colorado scope of practice for the IV / IO endorsement as outlined in the Intravenous / Intraosseous Therapy and Medication Administration course curriculum. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

2
required

Provides the EMT student with the clinical experience required for initial certification and some renewal processes. Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please contact the EMS program coordinator for more information at . Course is not repeatable for credit.mailto:ems@aims.eduems@aims.edu

Course Prerequisites

Students are required to have current CPR certification, applicable immunizations, and a background check to enroll in this course.

Course Corequisites
EMS 1021, EMS 1022, EMS 1023, and EMS 1024
1
required

Focuses on basic knowledge of body structures and function, and provides a foundation for understanding deviations from normal and disease conditions. This course is designed for individuals interested in health care and is directly applicable to the Practical Nursing Program, Paramedic Program and the Medical Office Technology program. It is recommended that ENG 1021 and MAT 1340 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.

4
Total Certificate Requirement Credits 18
Row Groupings General Education Requirements: Credits
required

Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Blank Space
required

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Blank Space
required

Covers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.

or any higher level Math course
3
required

Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and statistical literacy. Topics include methods of data collection, presentation and summarization, introduction to probability concepts and distributions, and statistical inference of one and two populations. This course uses real world data to illustrate applications of a practical nature. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Blank Space
required

Emphasizes the structure and function of state, county, and municipal governments including their relations with each other and with national government. Includes a study of Colorado government and politics. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Explores differences based on race, ethnicity, social class, gender, age, ability status, and sexual identity. Critically examines the dynamics of intergroup relations and how social construction of these differences can lead to patterns of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality nationally and globally. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Required General Education Credits 15-16
Total Credits for Certificate 33-34

EMT - Emergency Medical Responder Certificate

Emergency medical responders are entry-level EMS providers. The emergency medical responder certificate combines classroom training and an internship to teach you basic emergency lifesaving interventions while awaiting an additional EMS response.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides the student with core knowledge and skills to function in the capacity of a first responder arriving at the scene of an emergency, providing supportive care until advanced EMS help arrives. Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course. Course is not repetable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

Students are required to have a professional level CPR certification to enroll in this course.

3
required

Provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please call or email the Phlebotomy department for more information. See the department web page at for contact information. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/allied-health-professional_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/allied-health-professional

Course Prerequisites

Permission of instructor is required

0 to 12
Internship Credits (Students must take a 1 credit internship)
Total Certificate Requirements 4

Emergency Medical Technician

This fifteen-week EMT certificate program prepares you to become a basic EMT. Learn anatomy and physiology and how to assess and treat medical and trauma emergencies.