The Paramedicine diploma program prepares students to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is a link from the scene into the health care system. The Paramedicine diploma program prepares students for employment in paramedic positions in today’s health services field. The Paramedic diploma program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills from the EMT/EMT-I 1985/AEMT levels to a paramedic level. Successful completion of the program allows the graduate to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic certification examination and apply for Georgia licensure with the State Office of Emergency Medical Service and Trauma (SOEMST) as a paramedic.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Paramedicine diploma are prepared to provide pre-hospital care as paramedics. Graduates may find employment with medical service providers, ambulance services, hospitals, and industry. The program provides the opportunity to upgrade present knowledge and skills from the EMT I/AEMT level to the paramedic level.
Accreditation/Approval
The Ogeechee Technical College Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP Executive Office). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status; it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation Standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT’s Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation. To contact CoAEMSP Executive Office: 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111‐312 Rowlett, TX 75088, 214‐703‐8445, FAX 214‐703‐8992, www.coaemsp.org.
Licensure/Certification
Successful completion of the program allows the graduate to take the National Registry Paramedic certification examination. After successful completion of the National Registry Paramedic examination, graduates may apply for Georgia state licensure through the state Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma (SOEMST).
Admissions Criteria
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Submit proof of current certification as an EMT I/85 with successful completion of Georgia SOEMST EMTI to AEMT update course, EMT I/99, or AEMT;
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
55 |
60 |
34 |
NA |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
224 |
236 |
229 |
NA |
| Compass |
70 |
32 |
26 |
NA |
| SAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| SAT |
270 |
280 |
310 |
NA |
| ACT |
14 |
13 |
14 |
NA |
| ASSET |
37 |
38 |
32 |
NA |
| PSAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
145 |
NA |
| TABE |
461 |
NA |
442 |
NA |
Paramedicine Diploma Curriculum
The curriculum of the Paramedic diploma program is designed for semester system. A student may enter the program during fall or spring semester. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 58 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 1350 contact hours and generally takes 4 semesters to complete.
Program Courses
Basic Skills Courses (9 Credits)
Occupational Courses (49 Credits)
NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.
Program Costs
Tuition/Fees: $6,170
Books/Supplies: $900
Uniform Costs: Approximately $250*
Liability Insurance: $40 per fiscal year
Certification Exam: $320
Physical Exam $150
TB Test: $40
Hepatitis B Series: $265
Drug Screening: $30
Criminal Background Check: $39-$80
(Costs are estimates and are subject to change)
Clinical Education
Number of Clinical Sites: 4
General Location of the Clinical Sites: Bulloch, Evans, and Screven Counties
Special Requirements of the Clinical Sites
- CPR Certification
- Prior to beginning clinical courses, students must submit a medical exam stating that the student is in good health. This must include documentation of TB skin testing and all required immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Students who refuse the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that clinical sites may refuse to accept them. Forms will be provided by the instructor;
- Criminal Background Check
- Urine Drug Screen
Clinical Education Courses
The EMS Professions clinical experiences are combined with the courses. Students are provided opportunities for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in pre-hospital settings. The clinical experience allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills.
Program faculty will outline the minimum number of hours that will be spent in a supervised work setting. Students may not receive pay from the clinical site for clinical hours. Students are evaluated by the clinical site preceptor and the Clinical Coordinator.
Clinical Assignments
Clinical times may vary. Some clinical times may be scheduled to include shift work. Clinical sites are selected by the program coordinator. Students are responsible for having reliable transportation to the site.