Our short-term degrees and certificates launch you into a career. Some certificates can be completed in just one semester.

Careers in emergency services require courage, endurance, integrity, and the ability to make good and quick decisions in emergencies. Our EMS degree and certificates prepare a student to go right into the workforce.

EMS provides care for persons who are in need of treatment right away. EMS professionals use their skills to stabilize patients and transport them for additional care. Although many college credits within this degree are accepted for transfer by four year colleges, the career focused courses are not designed to transfer.

Care Forward Colorado

The most important entry requirement is college level reading.  Other course requirements may include a background check, proof of immunizations and drug screen.

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety programs.

  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • Static Strength — Job requires ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Active Listening — Job requires giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking — Job requires using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Treat medical emergencies.

As an EMS Professional you will:

  • Implement basic and advanced life support techniques.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statisticsoverall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 20,000 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.

Growth in the middle-aged and older population will lead to an increase in age-related health emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes. This increase, in turn, will create greater demand for EMT and paramedic services. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require more EMTs and paramedics to transfer patients with specific conditions to these facilities for treatment.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)  Emergency Medical Technician/Driver (EMT/DRIVER); EMT Intermediate (Emergency Medical Technician, Intermediate); EMT, Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic); EMT/Dispatcher (Emergency Medical Technician/Dispatcher); First Responder; Flight Paramedic; Multi Care Technician (Multi Care Tech); Paramedic

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for emergency medical technicians was $35,470 in May 2021. The median annual wage for paramedics was $46,770 in May 2021.

Davon Keyes standing in front of an ambulance
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Devon Keyes
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