Paramedic Program

Paramedic Program

The Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Heath Educational Programs  (CAAHEP). Graduates of the Paramedic program are eligible to apply for the state examination and the national board examination.

The Paramedic:

This is the higher level of the EMS career ladder. Paramedics are licensed EMTs who are then trained in advanced life support measures including venipuncture, intravenous therapy, endotracheal intubation, medication administration, arrhythmia interpretation, cardioversion, and defibrillation. The Paramedic course is a three-semester program that is offered once a year beginning with the fall semester and concluding after the first summer term. The application deadline is July 1st.

The Paramedic course uses a variety of teaching methods to facilitate learning. Student participation is essential in successfully meeting the course goals and in learning the material. The Gulf Coast State College Paramedic program curriculum is devised with our QEP vision model. We believe that teaching Critical Academic Literacy (CAL) strategies will improve student learning. Students will obtain knowledge as they develop their analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills. Our CAL strategies are taught explicitly through direct classroom instruction and reinforced through consistent practice.  This method prepares our students for State and National Registry exams. 

Academic Year	National Registry Written Pass Rate	Florida State Exam Pass Rate	Retention	Positive Placement
2022	82%	82%	82%	100%

 

The Gulf Coast State College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, (727) 210-2350 (www.caahep.org)

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions: 8301 Lake View Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088, Phone: (214) 703-8445, Fax: (214) 703-8992 (www.coaemsp.org)

This program is also approved by the State of Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. 

Paramedic Class Schedule:

Class Schedule

Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters

Lecture:

Tuesdays or Wednesdays – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Lecture/Lab:

Thursdays or Fridays – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

An additional 552 clinical hours are required and will be scheduled by students outside of regular class meeting times. Additional mandatory class days may be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Paramedic class location:

Gulf Coast State College – North Bay Campus
637 Hwy 2300
Southport, FL 32409

Requirements for conditional acceptance to the paramedic program:

1. Complete the Gulf Coast State College application.
2. Complete the Paramedic Program application.
3. Must be 18 years of age or older.
4. Schedule an in-person interview with the EMS Program Coordinator.
5. Attend the mandatory Paramedic Orientation (required paperwork and forms will be provided at this time).
6. Must have a minimum of six (6) months of active EMT experience.
7. Must meet all minimum education requirements.
8. Complete a satisfactory criminal background check performed at the GCSC Criminal Justice Selection Center (student’s expense).
9. Complete a satisfactory 10-panel urine drug screen scheduled by the Public Safety Division (student’s expense).
10. Hold a current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification, maintained throughout enrollment.
    Accepted: American Heart Association BLS for Providers or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers only.
11. Submit a Physical Examination form with satisfactory results signed by a physician, including complete immunization records (Hep B, MMR, T-Dap, etc.).
12. Provide a current (within one year) TB skin test, TB blood test, or chest x-ray report.
13. Complete the Mandatory Allied Health Orientation courses (registration and payment completed online through Continuing Education).
14. Hold an active State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License.
15. Provide a current Florida Driver License.
16. Program uniform, learning materials, and equipment information will be included in the conditional acceptance packet.

Additional Student Requirements:

Student selection into the Paramedic Program is granted under Conditional Acceptance. Students must hold a current Florida EMT license or be eligible for the Florida Licensure Examination by virtue of current National Registry certification or current EMT certification from another state.

Within 45 days of entering the first semester, students holding EMT certification from another state must score a minimum of 80% on the Florida EMT Board Examination. Florida-certified EMTs must also have completed the state board examination with a minimum score of 80%.

Students failing to achieve this may challenge the GCSC EMT program final examination and must score a minimum of 80%. Applicants must have maintained a minimum grade of “B” in their EMT training program. Students failing to achieve this average may also challenge the GCSC EMT program final examination and must score a minimum of 80%.

Applicants must have a minimum grade of “C” in required coursework and submit copies of a current valid driver’s license, current valid Florida EMT license and acceptable CPR certification. CPR certification and Florida EMT license must be maintained throughout enrollment.

Students meeting all application criteria will be contacted to schedule an interview with the Program Coordinator.