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FAQs

FAQs

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All prospective students must meet the EMS Division minimum requirements to become eligible to register for the Paramedic program.

  1.  18 years of age or older
  2. Have a valid high school diploma or GED
  3. Must be a Gulf Coast Stated College Student
  4. Must possess a valid Florida driver's license
  5. Completion of the Paramedic Entrance Exam
  6. Current CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers certification. AHA or ARC in person only
  7. Completion of online continuing health education classes
  8. Pass a physical examination with proof of current immunizations, and must use the EMS program's physical documention. 
  9. Successful completion of fingerprint and background check. This can only be completed at the GCSC Bookstore/Selection Center at the North Bay Campus.
  10. Completion of the approved drug screen. This must be completed through AccuSource only, no outside drug screens are accepted.
  11. Current State of Florida EMT certification required
  12. Education requirements must be met
  13. Completion of the Paramedic Entrance Exam
  14. Must have maintained a minimum grade of "B" in an EMT training  program
  15. Must have at least 6 months work experience as an EMT and have completed probationary status

A. The Paramedic Progam lasts one academic school year.

The program begins in the Fall of every year and continues through the end of the following Summer semester. 

A. 

Lecture Session 1:

Tuesday OR Wednesday

0900 - 1300

Lecture Session 2 with Lab:

Thursday OR Friday

0900 - 1630

 * Additional class days will be outside of the normal schedule including weekends. Students will be notified in advance of these class days.

A. There are clinical hours associated with the Paramedic Program, students will  be responsible for scheduling these days.

 A. You must complete the paramedic application.
A. Yes, you must be a Gulf Coast State College Student to attend the Paramedic Program. You must apply to Gulf Coast State College and take the PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test) entry level placement test. Contact the testing office at (850) 769-1551 extension 3336.  

A. In-state tuition is currently $98.75 per credit hour.  Costs may vary as prices for equipment, student fees, and tuition are subject to change without notice. 

The current estimated tuition is appoximately $5,798.24. 

A. Out-of-state tuition is currently $359.71 per credit hour. Costs may vary as prices for equipment, student fees, and tuition are subject to change without notice. 

The current estimated tuition is appoximately $15,106.74.

A. You will be registered by the EMS Program when the mandatory orientation is attended, and all requirements are fullfilled. 

A. Paramedic Program classes are held at the Gulf Coast State College North Bay Campus - Abbott Building:

637 Highway 2300, Southport, FL 32409

A. Math 96 or achieve a "C" or better in MAT1033, MAC1105, or higher course.

A. Writing/English 103 or achieve a "C" or better in ENC1101, or higher course.

A. Reading 106 or achieve a "C" or better in ENC1101, or higher course.

If you have a college degree with english, reading or math, you will not need the PERT exam.

A. Once your application for the Paramedic Program has been received, you will receive an email with further information regarding orientation dates and requirements. If you have any questions regarding your submitted application, you may reach out via email to Victoria Byrd at vbyrd1@gulfcoast.edu. 

A. If you need more information about the Paramedic curriculum, you can call or schedule an interview with the EMS Director, Ms. Liliana Zamora. Please contact her at (850) 769-1551 ext. 5632 or email at lzamora@gulfcoast.edu.

A. No.  The GCSC Fire College does not share the students' background results.  As stated in the Paramedic application, "Criminal background checks performed through other agencies will not be accepted."

A. It is the Gulf Coast State College policy that prior or previous credits from any other accredited college or technical school will not be accepted for transfer into the Paramedic Program.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) students who are granted conditional acceptance into the EMT/Paramedic program must receive a satisfactory criminal background check prior to final acceptance. The background check will be scheduled and performed by the GCSC. Information and instructions on how to complete the background check will be sent by the program coordinator. Criminal background checks performed through other agencies will not be accepted.  Various clinical sites require level two background checks. Clinical agencies may require an additional background check prior to clinical access.  It is possible to graduate from a program at GCSC but be denied the opportunity for licensure because of an unfavorable background check.

An applicant must consider how his / her personal history may affect the ability to meet clinical requirements, sit for any licensure exams, and gain employment.  Students must be free of offenses that would disqualify one from employment in a health care related agency. Most State of Florida healthcare boards make decisions about licensure on an individual basis.  Visit the Florida Department of Health website (www.doh.state.fl.us/) for more licensure information.  We offer this information so that you can make an informed decision regarding your future.  If you have an Executive Order from the Governor’s office clearing you of any criminal charges and granting your restoration of civil rights, please bring the paperwork with you to your background appointment.

Please note that national certification is not a license to work in any state; you must also obtain a state license. Please understand that if your state, or any state, denies acceptance of your NREMT certification and denies the issuance of a state license, under the NREMT rules we must also remove your NREMT certification. If you are denied state licensure by any state you must inform the NREMT within 30 days of that denial.

Please read the following information carefully

Any student who has been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any offense under the provision of 456.0635 may be disqualified from admission to any EMS program.  In addition to these specific convictions, there are other crimes which may disqualify applicants from entering the EMS programs and/or clinical rotations. The statute can be found online at:

https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2020/456.0635

 

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.