ARC - Paramedic-EMT Program
The Paramedic Program admits student once per year.
Applications can be obtained from the Health and Education Division office or online. Selection is based on a computerized random selection process from among the qualified applicants. Only applicants who meet the education and pre-enrollment requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Once accepted to the Paramedic Program, students, at their own expense, must provide the following prior to completion of PMED 110
- Health History & Report of Medical Examination with required inoculations
- Drug screening test
- BLS Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association
- Proof of malpractice insurance (malpractice insurance is not refundable)
- Background check (required by clinical facilities)
Paramedic Program General Information
Goal of the Paramedic 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
Requirements for Enrollment to the Paramedic Program
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.
Requirements for Certificate (36.5 - 43.5 UNITS)
BIOL 102 or BIOL 430 and BIOL 431, PMED 105 or NURSE 320, PMED 110, 120, and 130
| Prerequisites | Course Sequence for Certificate |
| BIOL 102 or BIOL 430* and BIOL 431 PMED 105 or NURSE 320 (*BIOL 430 has a chemistry prerequisite) These courses may be taken concurrently but prior to enrolling in PMED 110. |
Semester I PMED 110 Semester II PMED 120 Semester III PMED 130 |
(EMT) Emergency Medical Technical-Basic Information
PMED 100, provides the student with an outline of EMS system
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
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
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).
Contact
Hours
Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Location
Health and Education Complex
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.
First-time applicants are encouraged to meet with an ARC counselor to obtain a Curriculum Planning Summary
Sheet and documentation of all eligibility requirements.
Paramedic-EMT Program Application
The Spring 2020 Paramedic application now open.
"Making the decision to join MESA was critical for my academic success."
Meelad Amouzgar
Student / Biological Sciences / STEM / American River College
MESA is a diverse program that offers something for all STEM students. Whether you seek a supportive community, academic resources, professional development opportunities, or even a shared passion for science, MESA can deliver.
I was immersed in positivity supplied by Dr. Will and members of the MESA family, and it did not take long before MESA became my home away from home. The confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills that MESA inspired in me were central to my development into a better student, colleague, and future doctor.
I transferred to UC Davis in Fall of 2014 as a University Honors Program scholar with MESA proudly being the number one accessory on my belt. With my MESA-enhanced resume in hand, I landed my first biological research position on the first day of classes to study metabolism mitochondria. Soon after, I was inducted into several honor societies, presented my research at multiple conferences, and granted various fellowships, awards, and graduating citations that would recognize my commitment to research while also funding my senior research thesis. I also worked with the UC Davis Student Health and Wellness Center to develop a campus-wide program that would improve students' health.
The greatness of MESA and its leaders is that they teach their members to promote diversity, community, integrity, and service. Being surrounded by MESA'S supportive, welcoming, and resourceful atmosphere while in community college encouraged me to expand my experiences beyond the classroom setting and prepared me well to make the most of my time at UC Davis.
While at UC Davis, I pursued a Medical Scientist Traning Program (MSTP) to acquire an MD/Ph.D. and become a physical scientist. Upon my graduation, I will be working at UC San Fransisco as a postgraduate researcher to study cancer and inflammation within the vascular and lymphatic system. I now fully realize and appreciate the benefits of my involvement with MESA, and I am looking forward to new and exciting experiences.