Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your certificate by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets certificate requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time.
While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Paramedic Certificate, you are responsible for fulfilling all certificate requirements.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet general entrance requirements for Pierce College as well as specific pre-paramedic course requirements outlined in the Pre-Paramedic Certificate pathway. Prerequisite courses typically take one to two quarters depending on the number of credits taken per quarter. Some paramedic prerequisite courses may have prerequisites. Submitting an application to the paramedic program or satisfying the requirements of the academic prerequisites or the pre-paramedic certificate does not guarantee admission to the paramedic program. It is highly recommended students meet with an advisor prior to enrolling in any prerequisite courses.
The paramedic application period opens annually on August 1st and closes on September 30th . Students who plan on applying to the upcoming paramedic cohort should email the paramedic program for a copy of the student handbook or for additional information on the testing process. Prospective students should check the paramedic program website for up-to-date information or email at paramedic@pierce.ctc.edu with questions.
To apply to the program, the prospective student must have one year experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the prehospital setting, and an unencumbered, active National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or State EMT certification. The candidate will need to provide one letter of recommendation at the time of application from a supervisor or Medical Services Officer (MSO) to include approximate number of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls ran. Active-Duty Military with an MOS 68W or equivalent should contact the paramedic program at paramedic@pierce.ctc.edu for prehospital equivalency evaluation.
Academic prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application provided professional prerequisites are satisfied. All academic prerequisites must be completed prior to program start with a 2.0 or higher. For additional information on the paramedic program prerequisites, please see the “Pre-Paramedic Certificate Pathway”.
Prospective students are required to pass a written exam, psychomotor exam and panel interview with a score of 80% overall. Up to 24 students will be selected annually and invited to join the upcoming paramedic cohort and 6 students will be placed on a waitlist. The waitlist expires annually following the first day of the new cohort.
Students who are selected for the upcoming cohort are required to attend an orientation session on campus and provide a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider CPR certificate that is valid for the duration of the paramedic program.
Certification Eligibility Requirements
To work as a paramedic in the state of Washington you must be certified through the Washington State Department of Health. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-976 Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems outlines the requirements for paramedic certification.
In addition to successfully completing the paramedic program you will need to successfully complete the National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Cognitive Examination. Pierce College has not determined if our paramedic education program meets requirements for licensure outside of the state of Washington. Visit our NC-SARA Licensure Disclosure page for more information.
Action Item: Apply to Paramedic Program
Students will apply to the Paramedic program separate from applying to Pierce College. Once accepted you will be coded as a Paramedic student and your courses will be completed in four quarters as part of a cohort. After acceptance into the program you will attend a mandatory orientation day where you will receive your course outlines and program expectations. All program cost and expectations will be given at that time.
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