College of the Sequoias Paramedic Program Application Information
*Admission requirements and procedures are subject to change at any time.
Paramedic Program Admission Requirements:
EMT 251 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Course Equivalent.
Current NREMT or Local EMS Authority EMT Certification.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Healthcare Provider CPR Card.
A minimum grade of “C" in EMT 251 is required.
No more than two repetitions of any EMT course is allowed. "W" counts as a repeat.
Completion of Paramedic Program Application submitted by deadline.
Completion of the Paramedic Program written entrance exam by the application deadline.
Background, Drug Screening, Physical Exams, and Immunizations required by the start of the program.
Strongly recommend six months of full-time verified work experience as an EMT on an emergency response vehicle, such as a fire engine or private ambulance.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS TIMELINE
NEXT APPLICATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2025 FOR THE SUMMER 2025 PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
Entrance Examination Dates:
- 2025 Entrance Exam Dates to be Annouced
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
Applicant Review & Follow up (as needed): April 2025
Applicant Notification: Apri, 30, 2025
Cohort Two (2) Orientation: TBD
Program Start Date: June, 16, 2025
COS Paramedic Program Cohort Two (2) | |
| |
Summer Session 2 2025 | Schedule | Units | Hours |
PM 230 Paramedic Preparation | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 7 | 126 |
| 0830-1630 | | |
Fall Semester 2025
| | | |
PM 201 Paramedic Theory | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 16 | 367.5 |
| 0830-1630 |
| |
PM 402 Paramedic Open Skills Lab | Monday, Friday |
| |
Spring 2026 | | | |
PM 202 Paramedic Clinical Experience | Monday, Friday | 4 | 175 |
PM 203 Paramedic Field Internship | Monday, Friday | 10 | 490 |
PM 402 Paramedic Open Skills Lab | |
| |
Total
| | 37 | 1158.5
|
Paramedic Course Fees* | |
*Fees Subject to change | |
Tuition and Fees (CA resident, subject to change) | $1898.00 |
Textbooks | $867.00 |
Advanced Certifications (ACLS, PALS, PHTLS) | $250.00 |
Health Screen & Immunizations (estimate) | $200.00 |
Background Check/Drug Screen (estimate) | $200.00 |
Online Record Keeping Systems | $200.00 |
Uniforms | $500.00 |
Material Fee (Lab Kit) | $50.00 |
Malpractice Insurance (Varies by provider) Sub Total (estimate)
| $75.00 $4,120.00 |
*Internship Fee (in addition to Paramedic Course Fee above) Field Internship Fee (If Applicable)
| $1500 - $4,000
|
| (cost varies by provider) Post program expenses NREMT Exam CA State/CCEMSA Certification Fees | $160 $350 |
STUDENT PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
In order to successfully complete this program, an applicant/student must be able to meet these baseline physical requirements (or their equivalent).
1. Exhibit physical ability sufficient to assist patients to meet health care needs in a variety of settings, including moving from room-to-room, to maneuver in small spaces, and to negotiate stairwells when necessary.
Examples:
Physical mobility and strength sufficient to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. through doorways and close-fitting areas alone or with assistance
Stand, walk up to 75% of 12 to 24-hour shifts
Stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment and provide advanced life Support/paramedic care
Lift a minimum of 20 pounds of weight
Transfer/position up to 300 pounds with assistance while lifting, positioning, and transferring patients
Perform CPR satisfactorily and respond quickly in an emergency situation
2. Demonstrate gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective emergency care.
Examples:
Demonstrate physical dexterity and coordination in delivery of care, treatment, and medications
Hold skin taut with one hand while inserting needle in skin or vein with other hand and perform other Procedures requiring the use of 2 hands
Pick up, grasp, and effectively manipulate small objects such as dials, syringes, switches
Calibrate and use equipment
Maintain sterile technique when performing sterile procedures
3. Display auditory, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to safely assess and care for patients.
Examples:
Hear monitors, alarms, emergency signals, lung/heart sounds, bowel sounds, and cries for help, telephone, intercom interactions, and public address systems (codes)
Perceive and receive verbal communications from clients, families, and health team members
Read written words and information on paper and computer screens, small print, gauges, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment
Discriminate colors: changes in color, size and continuity of body parts
Discriminate alterations in normal body activities such as breathing patterns and level of consciousness
Observe hazards in environment (water spills, safety rails, restraints) and harmful situations
Perform physical assessment: palpate pulses, feel for heat or cold, tap body surfaces
APPLICATION SCORING RUBRIC
Section | Max Points Available |
Section 1: Education BA/BA/MA/MS/PhD = 5 points
10 – 20 College Units = 1 point
| 6 |
Section 2: Pre-Requisite Course Work (Required for Entry) AHA BLS Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
| N/A
|
Section 3: Recommended Courses
Human Anatomy “C” or better = 4 points
Human Physiology “C” or better = 4 points
Microbiology “C” or better = 4 point
| 12 |
Section 4: EMS Field Experience Full-Time 6 Months – 1 Year = 5 Points
Full-Time 1 Year – 2 Years = 10 Points
Full-Time 2+ Years = 15 Points
Part-Time 1 Year – 2 Years = 5 Points
Part-Time 2+ Years = 10 Points
| 15 |
Section 5: Foreign Language  Certification of Language Proficiency Form.pdf
| 2 |
Section 6: Required Documentation
- One (1) unofficial transcript from all colleges and COS (if applicable)
- NREMT/EMT Current Certification
- AHA BLS Healthcare Provider CPR Current Certification
- Field Experience Verification (if applicable)
- DD214 (if applicable)
- Certification of Language Proficiency (if applicable)
- Copy of Driver License/ID Card
| N/A
|
Paramedic Entrance Exam
Score of 80.0% - 84.9% = 5 Points
Score of 85.0% - 90.9% = 10 Points
Score greater than 91% = 15 Points
| 15
|
Total | 50 |
The College of the Sequoias Paramedic program holds a Letter of Review, which is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, but is a status granted by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.
To contact CoAEMSP: 214-703-8445 www.coaemsp.org
Application rubric is being piloted as a research study to determine most effective criteria for success in the paramedic program and to validate which criteria contribute to passing the national examination.
