The Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program provides technical and practical knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the California Administrative Code to gain licensure as a paramedic by the California State Emergency Medical Services Authority. Students must be 18 years of age to enter the program.
The EMT-paramedic functions as an extension of the emergency department physician. The paramedic is responsible for the assessment, treatment and stabilization of the sick or injured patient utilizing advanced life support equipment and techniques at the scene of the incident and en-route to the medical facility. Specific responsibilities include: patient interviewing, physical examination, critical decision making, cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous therapy, drug therapy, intervention in emotional crises and advanced airway management.
Employment of EMT-Paramedics by the year 2005 is expected to be above the average growth for all occupations primarily because of the rapidly expanding aging population. Recent surveys show that there is more demand for EMT-Paramedics, who are usually placed as soon as they complete required licensure because of their advanced training and experience.
For students interested in an Associate degree, an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic major is available. More information about the program can be found on the Public Safety Department website.
Certification Note:
Some public safety positions have legal requirements and background qualifications. Certain criminal violations may disqualify a candidate for certification.