ARC - Paramedic-EMT Program

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System provides medical care to community members who are sick or injured. The goal of the ARC program is to prepare individuals to render pre-hospital advanced life support within an organized EMS system. Paramedics respond to emergencies in the pre-hospital setting and render basic and advanced medical treatment before and during transport. In addition to the certification program, students have the option of taking courses, which will lead to the Associate in Science degree. 

The full-time program begins each spring semester and requires students to meet on campus three days a week (approximately 8 hours per day). The full-time program is a full 12-month program. 

The Paramedic program also offers paramedic academies that have unique and varied schedules. Please check the American River College schedule for the most up-to-date listing of our paramedic offerings.
Startup program costs are approximately $2,500.00. The student is responsible for purchasing uniforms, laboratory fees, malpractice insurance, necessary equipment, and transportation to off-campus laboratory locations. All costs/fees are subject to change.

The American River College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) 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 1361 Park Street Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 210- 2350 www.caahep.org

1. Graduation from an accredited high school in the United States, or successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) exam , or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) prior to time of application:

a) Students with a high school diploma from a school outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved independent agency. Such cases will be evaluated on an individual basis.
b) Students who possess an Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degree or higher from an accredited college are exempt from the educational requirement stated above.
c) Students who have attended college outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by a NACES approved independent agency, demonstrating AA/AS degree or higher. Such cases will be
evaluated on an individual basis.

2. Current certification as an EMT-Basic and approximately one year verified recent and/or and appropriate EMS experience (approximately 280 patient contacts). Questions related to EMS experience must be directed to Dr. Grant Goold, Program Coordinator, at ((916) 484-8843. The program admissions committee will assess experience and/or equivalency.

3. A cumulative college GPA of 2.0 and a grade of "C" or better in the following prerequisites: a) BIOL 102 or BIOL 430 and BIOL 431, or other college human anatomy and physiology course with a lab which includes all human systems; and b) PMED 105 or NURSE 320

4. First-time applicants are encouraged to meet with an ARC counselor to obtain a Curriculum Planning Summary Sheet and documentation of all eligibility requirements. Call (916) 484-8572 for an appointment.

BIOL 102 or BIOL 430 and BIOL 431, PMED 105 or NURSE 320, PMED 110, 120, and 130

The Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-Basic) program, PMED 100, provides the student with an outline of EMS system, introduces assessment skills, as well as provides pathophysiology of common neurological, respiratory, and cardiac related emergencies. The EMT-Basic program is a one-semester basic training course for emergency medical technicians performing as ambulance attendants. It covers techniques of emergency medical care presently considered within the responsibilities of the emergency medical technician, and emphasizes the development of student skills in recognition of symptoms of illnesses and injuries and proper procedures of emergency care.

A program completion certificate is awarded to students who pass the course with a 80 percent or better average. Successful completion of the EMT-Basic course provides eligibility to sit for the County of Sacramento Division of Public Health Emergency Medical Services certification examination. A student must  be 18 years old in order to qualify for county certification. Note: Beginning January 2006, the County of Sacramento certification examination will no longer be offered, but will be replaced by the National Registry EMT-Basic examination. Please contact the County of Sacramento at (916) 875-9753 for further information.

Successful EMT-Basic students may find employment with fire agencies, private ambulance companies, California Department of Forestry, ER techs, and other related, appropriate jobs. Many successful EMT-Basic students have also gone onto paramedic school, medical school, nursing school, physician's assistant school, and other associated allied health professions. For more information concerning related careers, click here for more information about Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

Once enrolled, students will require to purchase malpractice insurance and obtain a background check. Fees are not refundable and may be subject to change.

Prerequisite: HEED 310 and HEED 323 with a grade of "C" or better or current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (Professional Rescuer or BLS Healthcare Provider card).