If you’re a certified EMT, our limited admission associate degree program offers advanced prep for the National Registry Exam.
What is Emergency Medical Services -Paramedic?
The role of EMTs and Paramedics has grown into more than just “lights, siren, and action”. In addition to providing emergency care on the streets, EMTs and Paramedics work public events, in industrial settings, and in hospitals. Some Paramedics even help patients with in-home self-care to prevent future hospital admissions.
If you’re interested in becoming an emergency care provider, our EMS programs may be right for you. We offer Emergency Medical Technician, as well as certificate and Associate of Applied Science options for Paramedic. All educational pathways prepare graduates for the respective National Registry certification exams.
This program meets the standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Training and KCTCS Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS). This program has limited admissions, and you must be a certified EMT to apply.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, OCTC has you covered. OCTC will help you reach your goals at a price that won't break the bank.
Admission Requirements
- You must be EMT certified prior to entering paramedic program coursework.
- If you have passed the EMT-P National Registry Examination or a state licensure or certification examination for Paramedic and are currently practicing as a paramedic and hold a paramedic license/certification, you may be awarded thirty-nine (39) semester credit hours upon the completion of fifteen (15) college credit hours from the degree-granting institution and acceptance into the paramedic program.
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Currently Owensboro Community and Technical College does not offer advanced placement credit for the Paramedic (EMS prefix) courses. Transfer credit will be accepted for named pre-requisite classes per existing KCTCS guidelines. Licensed Paramedics may receive credit for the Paramedic (EMS prefix) courses, when eligible, in pursuit of the AAS degree for this program. This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Accreditation
The OCTC EMS-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
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
(214) 703-8445
www.coaemsp.org
CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2022.
- The most recent success rate for the National Registry of EMT Paramedic Cognitive exam was 93%.
- The most recent positive placement rate for graduates was 88%.
- Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as "Employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military." Positive placement is measured at completion of the program.
- The most recent retention rate was 94%.
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Length of Program
The program offers Certificate and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) pathway options. Either option includes prerequisites to program entry: Emergency Medical Technician certification, Medical Terminology (AHS 115), and Anatomy & Physiology (either BIO 135 alone or both BIO 137 and BIO 139).
Students possessing the prerequisites may complete the paramedic courses, earn the Certificate, and be eligible for National Registry testing in as little as 16 months. The program runs on a cohort model and a new cohort launches each Fall semester.
Students who elect to pursue the AAS will complete the paramedic courses, earn the Certificate, and be National Registry eligible in the same timeframe. General education credits toward a degree can be earned prior to, concurrently with, or after completion of the paramedic courses.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
