The EMS Paramedicine major is designed for students who plan to become certified pre-hospital professionals in emergency medical services. This program equips graduates with entry-level competence in advanced life support EMS, superior clinical skills, and strong leadership abilities within emergency medical services.
The paramedic certification program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) and follows the National EMS Education Standards for Paramedics. The coursework includes approximately 1,500 - 2,000 hours of academic instruction, hospital clinical experience, and field internship rotations with regional fire departments, private ambulance services, and hospital-based EMS agencies. Students will receive certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Emergency Airway Course (PEAC). Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) Paramedic Exam.
Program Structure and Delivery
The curriculum of the paramedic certification program incorporates:
- Classroom instruction, group discussions, and case-based learning
- Hands-on laboratory skills training in state-of-the-art simulation facilities
- Hospital-based clinical rotations, including emergency departments, intensive care units, labor and delivery, and pediatric care
- Field internships at EMS agencies, providing real-world experience in pre-hospital emergency care
- Educational and administrative internships, leadership training, and research in pre-hospital medicine
- Capstone internship, where students function as the lead paramedic under the supervision of a preceptor.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following minimum requirements for admission:
- Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
- Be admitted to Central Washington University
- Hold a current EMT certification for at least one year prior to enrollment
- Submit a complete application by the deadline, including required documentation and fees
- Pass the BLS written exam and EMT psychomotor assessment, conducted by CWU
- Meet clinical onboarding requirements, including immunizations, background checks, and CPR certification
Advanced Standing Pathway
For currently certified and practicing paramedics, an Advanced Standing pathway is available to earn a Bachelor of Science in EMS Paramedicine. This option is for paramedics who:
- Have completed their paramedic education at a CoAEMSP-accredited institution
- Hold state or national paramedic certification
- Reside in a state that allows online instruction with Washington State
Qualified students in the Advanced Standing program may be awarded up to 44 credits in experiential learning based on their paramedic certification and prior coursework.
Graduation Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science in EMS Paramedicine, students must:
- Complete a minimum of 105 credits within the major
- Complete all required clinical and field internship hours
- Pass a final cumulative written and skills exam
- Meet all minimum patient care competencies required for national certification
For students not seeking a full degree, a paramedic certification-only option is available.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply effective therapeutic techniques in the assessment and treatment of prehospital medical and traumatic emergencies.
- Use critical and creative thinking to solve complex clinical and operational problems in dynamic prehospital environments.
- Conduct and interpret research relevant to prehospital emergency medical services to inform evidence-based practice.
- Utilize information technology and digital tools to support clinical decision-making, documentation, and communication in EMS settings.
- Communicate effectively with diverse populations, interdisciplinary teams, and stakeholders using written, verbal, and non-verbal formats.
- Demonstrate leadership and professionalism consistent with ethical standards, cultural competence, and patient advocacy in EMS.
- Integrate knowledge of public health and EMS systems to improve community health outcomes and emergency preparedness.