Paramedic and EMT Program Information

As a paramedic or EMT, you will learn to evaluate a patient’s condition and administer life-saving care.

Our programs will enable you to start or advance your career path in a hospital or emergency medical services.  Graduates from Central Arizona College’s program enjoy careers with fire departments, ambulance companies, government agencies, and hospitals.

Please attend one of our monthly information sessions.  The sessions are held online using Zoom. At the Zoom sessions, you can learn about our program and get more information on the application process.

Information sessions

5/15 (Wednesday) Program Information Session

6/20 (Tuesday) Program Information Session

7/18 (Thursday) Program Information Session

Sessions start at 4 pm and last approximately 1 hour unless noted differently

Please read the information below to learn more about our programs

Paramedic (12 months)

Our rigorous program utilizes state-of-the-art technology for a perfect mix of classroom, simulation laboratory, clinical, and field experiences.  Your program will consist of over 500+ classroom hours with an additional 500+ hours of vehicular and hospital clinical experience.

The Central Arizona College Paramedic Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (www.caahep.org). The program received its first accreditation in January 2015 and completed its re-accreditation site visit in September 2018.  Central Arizona College maintains national accreditation by adhering to standards established by CAAHEP and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (www.coaemsp.org).

Prerequisites for the Paramedic Program

• Have a current EMT (Basic) Certification in the state of Arizona
• At least (1) year of experience as an EMT (Basic).  Please contact the Program Director for an acceptable experience
• Current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card
• DPS (Arizona Department of Public Safety) fingerprint clearance card or equivalent as determined by the EMS Program Director/Coordinator II
• Proof of Immunization to include MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) titer or vaccine; TB Skin test within the last 6 months; Tdap (Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis titer or vaccine); Varicella titer or vaccine, Influenza vaccine, and Hepatitis B series.
• 24-Hour Hazardous Materials First Responder certification (FSC129 is offered at Central Arizona College if needed). At the discretion of the EMS Director, the student can also submit proof of attendance in 8 hours of training that meets OSHA First Responder Operations level training, 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii).
• A negative 10-panel drug screening and criminal background check.
• Students are required to maintain health insurance during the program.  Any injury or illness received during the program will be the responsibility of the student.
• Drivers Licence
• Please see the program MAP for more information about the academic part of the program.
• Completion of BIO160 is preferred.
• Costs final 2023-2024 Paramedic Program (Pdf)

The Paramedic program has a competitive application process.  Please fill out the application at https://form.jotform.com/marcpuleo/application-paramedic-program

Once the application is completed we will contact you to schedule an interview and entrance exam.

Emergency Medical Technician – EMS125 (160 hours)

This program is your gateway into the field of Emergency Medical Services. In the program, students will learn fundamental knowledge of emergency medical procedures and techniques.  The program consists of over 100+ hours of lectures, 40+ hours of hands-on lab, and 16+ hours of clinical time.   The training meets or exceeds the Arizona Department of Health (ADHS) for the entry-level EMT.

All components of the program (NUR200, EMS125, and EMS125A) must be completed to be eligible to take the National Registry of EMT exam.

Prerequisites:

• Completion of NUR200 – Medical Terminology for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (1 Credit).  To sign up for our 2024 EMT course please sign up  NUR200 first.  This program is an 8-week, 1-credit hybrid program and you will only be required to come on campus twice during the course. Contact registration for help.  If our information is under the contact information tab.
  • Transfer credit may be granted if you have a medical terminology course from another accredited institution.  Please contact the EMS director if you have any questions.
• Proof of reading comprehension at a 10th-grade level required by ADHS as evidenced by:
  • Completion of ENG101 (from a state-credentialed college),
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or greater,
  • ACT score of 22 or greater in reading,
  • or a score of 80% or more on the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI exam. To take the HESI please contact our learning center using this link 
• American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card.
• The student must be 18 years of age at the time of program completion to sit for the NREMT exam (students 17 years of age are encouraged to contact the EMS director before registration.
•  Click on the link to view the estimated Cost of the 2023-2024 EMT Program (Pdf)
• Click here for TICKET-EMT-REGISTRATION

You will need to bring copies of the following documents to your first class and give them to your instructor.

• Immunizations Requirements (for the Pdf. click here): EMT-ImmunizationsCPR-Insurance-Requirements
  • MMR, Varicella, TB (2-step), Tdap, HEP B, Flu Vaccine (current season).
• BLS Provider CPR card
  • To sign up for a course at Central Arizona College use this link CPR at CAC.
  • If you cannot find a CPR course at CAC that fits your schedule try this link: CPR (American Heart Association BLS) and then choose “Find a Class” In the upper left.
• Proof of Health Insurance
• EMS Packet-

• • • Driver’s license (front and back)
    • Proof of reading comprehension
    • Signed EMT Registration Ticket
    • Copy of Birth certificate

If you have questions or need assistance with registration please go to the contacts tab above