Paramedic

About the Program

The Paramedic program is designed to prepare the student to become a licensed paramedic in the State of California. It meets all California requirements. The program is also accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). Licensure examinations may be taken upon completion of the two-semester program.The goal of the Butte College Paramedic Program is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.

Paramedics function as an integral part of the comprehensive Emergency Medical System (EMS). By providing care at the scene of the incident and during transport to the hospital, the paramedic must possess a variety of skills ranging from system level knowledge of the human body to operational skills in applying various technologies used in assisting patients in emergency situations. This two-year program will provide both an AS degree and the opportunity to take the national exam to receive a Paramedic license.

Employment of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics is projected to grow 24 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters and acts of violence, will continue to create demand for EMTs and Paramedics. Demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and Paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas will also continue.

Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increase in age-related health emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes. This increase, in turn, will create greater demand for EMT and Paramedic services. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require more EMTs and Paramedics to transfer patients with specific conditions to these facilities for treatment.

Typical areas of employment include fire departments, private ambulance companies, hospitals, private industry and events, law enforcement, and lifeguards.

Admission to the Program:
Requires special application for admission. Prerequisites must be completed at a Regionally Accredited institution of higher education or COAEMSP. Requirements include: High school graduate or equivalent. Current National Registry EMT certification or AEMT (Advanced EMT) certification, and current BLS CPR card equivalent to the current American Heart Association's guidelines (no online CPR). 

Students who successfully complete a Certificate of Achievement from Butte College May then take the National Registry examination. Nationally Registered Paramedics (NRParamedic) can then apply to their state of residence for paramedic licensure.

Program Requirements