The AAS in Paramedicine degree offers comprehensive career training tailored for entry-level personnel, from EMTs to fire science students. Students complete a rigorous Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course in the initial year of study, culminating in eligibility to sit for both state and National Registry EMT exams. This foundational training equips students with essential skills and knowledge vital for emergency medical response in the fire or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field. 

In year two, students delve deeper into advanced EMS techniques, honing their expertise in patient care, crisis management, and emergency response strategies. Successful completion of the curriculum not only prepares graduates for the challenges of pre-hospital and fire science fields but also qualifies them to sit for the National Registry exam to become certified paramedics. Students benefit from hands-on training, simulation exercises, and immersive learning experiences throughout their journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in demanding emergency medical situations. Whether responding to medical emergencies or mitigating fire-related risks, graduates emerge as highly-trained professionals ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Ideal for fire and EMT apprentices, fire science majors, or individuals seeking to enhance their skills for industry jobs, the Advanced EMS Education degree provides a pathway for ambitious individuals to advance their careers and meet the evolving demands of the field. With a strong emphasis on practical application and professional development, this program empowers graduates to thrive in the fast-paced and critical realm of emergency medical services.

This program will provide the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for an entry-level paramedic and allow eligibility to sit for national and state testing for emergency medical technician and paramedic. The program meets or exceeds the required skills and knowledge as set forth by the National EMS Education Standards and the Oregon Health Authority DHS-EMS division.

The program is accredited by the Committee 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) and the Oregon Health Authority DHS-EMS.

Entry Requirements

The EMT and paramedic sequence portions of the program are the only limited-entry components. Students are required to submit an application to the College and a separate application to the EMS program. The application to the EMS program is for the EMT and paramedic licensure courses only. Students must complete all prerequisites listed in the EMT and paramedic application prior to submission of the application. EMS151 Emergency Medical Technician Part A and EMS152 Emergency Medical Technician Part B must be completed in sequence in the same academic year. For more information contact the program director, julie.ryan@socc.edu. Due to continually changing laws and regulations, students may be required to add, modify or delete courses and/or hours for the curriculum to meet current standards. See advisor for current requirements.

For more information contact the program director at Julie.ryan@socc.edu. Due to continually changing laws and regulations, students may be required to add, modify or delete courses and/or hours for the curriculum to meet current standards. See advisor for current requirements.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 101 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded. The completion of the following certificates will be required in order to qualify for graduation: ACLS, PHTLS, PALS or equivalent (these are taught as part of the coursework for this degree).

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations of an entry-level paramedic.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in all of the skills necessary to fulfill the role of an entry-level paramedic.
• Comprehend, apply and evaluate information relative to the role of an entry-level paramedic in the cognitive domain, psycomotor domain and affective domain.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree. 

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses. 

Program Guide

¹

Lab courses must be taken with co-requisite lecture. Courses can be retaken with instructor approval. 

²

MTH95 or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH65

³

COMM111Z, COMM218Z, COMM219 will satisfy this requirement.

⁴

PE185 sport/activity courses WILL NOT meet this requirement.

⁵

EMT153 series (EMT153, EMT153L, and EMT153F) may be used as a substitute for EMT151 and EMT152 series.