Paramedic Program

A Paramedic program is a 14-month program that builds upon the knowledge obtained in the EMT curriculum with an emphasis on patient assessment, fluid resuscitation, cardiac monitoring and specialized medication administration and life-saving techniques. With an advanced lab space, simulators and mannequins, students learn in a case-based environment that prepares them for actual patient care by emulating real-world settings. Most of our faculty still work in pre-hospital settings and all actively maintain certification and licensure.

You must be a licensed EMT before you are able to apply for the Paramedic program.

The Glendale Community College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). Further information may be obtained by contacting CAAHEP at:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727-210-2350
Website: www.caahep.org

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: 214-703-8445
Website: www.coaemsp.org

CoAEMSP Annual Report

Paramedic Program with Outcomes 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 submitted for the calendar year 2022. The most recent success rate for the National Registry of EMT Paramedic/State Cognitive exam was 89.4%. The most recent positive placement rate for graduates was 97.9%. 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 92.2%.

Because of the substantial demand for paramedics from statewide Fire/EMS agencies, we regret to inform you that we are currently unable to accommodate non-sponsored (civilian) paramedic cohorts. We appreciate your understanding and are grateful for the overwhelming interest in GCC's paramedic program. Please stay tuned for updates on when we can resume hosting civilian paramedic cohorts, as the future date is yet to be determined. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Paramedicine program teaches advanced techniques of emergency care, stabilization, and immobilization of victims of illness and injury. Prerequisites are EMT104, ENG101 (or equivalent), and MAT090 (or equivalent), along with other admission criteria. Please call (623) 845-3973 with any questions.

Associate in Applied Science in Paramedicine (AAS)

The Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paramedicine is a nationally accredited program designed to prepare students to become Paramedics. This program is a formal education in such paramedicine topics as anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, cardiology, pulmonary, pharmacology, pediatrics, geriatrics hematology, toxicology. Prerequisites include successful completion of EMT104, along with other admission criteria. 

Training to be a paramedic (EMT-P) requires hands-on, scenario-based learning in the field, in addition to classroom lecture. Our students use mannequins, live actors, and moulage to practice emergency response techniques, patient interaction skills, and handling live trauma. Advanced students have a unique opportunity each semester to practice intubation and IV insertion on cadavers. 

According to data from the National Registry (2007-2022), 95% of GCC's paramedic graduates passed all National Registry certification testing. 

NREMT Exam Certification (2019 - 2022)

• GCC - 94% NREMT pass rate
• Nationwide - 85% NREMT pass rate

For more detailed information visit the Downloads area of this page for the GCC's Paramedic Student Graduation and Certification Testing Rates Report and the Paramedic Retention document.

Call us to learn why the GCC Paramedic program is attracting students from all over the U.S.

Fire/EMS Services Cohorts

As part of our Glendale Community College Paramedic Program Application, copies of the following prerequisite items are required with the initial application, either by GCC or the Clinical Agencies. 

myClinicalExchange (mCE) and Platinum Planner

You will be required to log clinical and vehicular hours at various Hospitals and Fire Departments, as part of your CAAHEP/CoAEMSP 650-hour patient contact requirements (200 clinical hours and 450 vehicular hours).

Documentation is required during the clinical and vehicular rotation and will be tracked using two different systems: myClinicalExchange (mCE) and Fisdap.

You will be required to meet the immunization requirements, fingerprint clearance, background checks, physical exam, and drug screening, prior to starting your clinical and vehicular rotation. You will also be required to complete regulatory modules and clinical agency documents, for each clinical agency.

Our Paramedic Administration Department at GCC will work in conjunction with the clinical agencies to supply all necessary user IDs and passwords, as well as to assist you with navigating the online tracking system. Due to the length of time it will take to complete the agency requirements, a mandatory computer lab will be scheduled for all students to attend.