Paramedicine
First Responders
Overview
Paramedicine is a specialty whose practitioners respond to emergencies before a patient reaches a hospital, rendering basic and advanced medical treatment before and during transport to a medical facility. The EMT-paramedic provides the highest level of pre-hospital medical care for sick and injured persons.
Cochise College provides both a certificate and an associate of applied science degree in paramedicine. Accredited by the Accreditation of Educational Programs in the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMPS) which is under the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completion, the student will be able to practice as a nationally registered paramedic providing pre-hospital emergency medicine for fire departments, ambulance services, and hospital emergency units.
Certification as an EMT or completion of EMT 174 is required. The degree is awarded only to those who have successfully completed the required Cochise College coursework and who have been certified as paramedics through the Arizona Department of Health Services. You also must complete the state-mandated hours of clinical experience, and field internship under the supervision of a qualified preceptor.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate the legal, ethical, and professional conduct of an entry-level autonomous paramedic.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an entry-level autonomous paramedic with regard to personal safety and wellness as well as to the safety of others.
- Demonstrate self-confidence as an autonomous and effective team leader in the pre-hospital, hospital, and clinical environment.
- Describe and perform various techniques for successful assessment and treatment of patients of all ages and all complaints.
- Analyze the various considerations when determining ground versus air transport of a patient to an appropriate facility.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all required terminal competencies as verified by the medical director.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
Program Curriculum
- over 500 hours of classroom time
- 500 hours of clinical time (required by ADHS-BEMS)
Degree-seeking students can expect to spend additional semesters completing 19 additional general education and elective courses associated with the paramedicine degree.
Industry Information
This program prepares you to become employed as a paramedic and to provide emergency healthcare services through emergency services providers. Paramedics earn an average of $14 to $25 an hour for an average salary of $30,000 to $50,000 a year.
Admission Requirements
All new students must complete an application for admission to Cochise College. Admission to Cochise College does not guarantee acceptance into the Paramedicine Program.
Admission into the program requires a separate application. Prior to enrollment in the paramedicine program, all students must pass a computer-based entrance examination.
2024-2025 Application Packet (PDF)
Prerequisites:
- Have or obtain an AZDPS fingerprint clearance Card
- Have or obtain an AHA BLS CPR card
- Have a current NREMT certification
- Take a drug screen (during enrollment)
- Provide up to date immunizations
- Obtain proper uniform
Degree & Certificates
The Paramedicine Associate of Applied Science degree prepares the student to become a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Paramedics render basic and advanced medical treatment before and during patient transport to a medical facility and they assess and treat a wide variety of medical emergencies. Paramedics work for fire departments, law enforcement agencies, private ambulance services, industrial companies, clinics, and hospitals.
Important Dates
Program Information
Spring: January 13, 2025
Summer: May 27, 2025
Fall: August 18, 2025
Review the degree map in the academic catalog to view the recommended program semester start dates.

Review the degree map in the academic catalog to view the recommended program semester start dates.
Degree: 4 Semesters
Certificate: 4 Semesters
This is the recommended program length for a student taking all of the recommended courses each semester.

This is the recommended program length for a student taking all of the recommended courses each semester.
Degree: 68-74 credits
Certificate: 49-55 credits
The academic catalog has a list of all of the required courses for this program.

The academic catalog has a list of all of the required courses for this program.
Please see the Tuition & Fees page for more information about all related costs. Using the Academic Program Cost section can help you find costs related to certain programs.

Please see the Tuition & Fees page for more information about all related costs. Using the Academic Program Cost section can help you find costs related to certain programs.
Spring: January 13, 2025
Summer: May 27, 2025
Fall: August 18, 2025
Review the degree map in the academic catalog to view the recommended program semester start dates.

Review the degree map in the academic catalog to view the recommended program semester start dates.

Degree: 4 Semesters
Certificate: 4 Semesters
This is the recommended program length for a student taking all of the recommended courses each semester.

This is the recommended program length for a student taking all of the recommended courses each semester.

Degree: 68-74 credits
Certificate: 49-55 credits
The academic catalog has a list of all of the required courses for this program.

The academic catalog has a list of all of the required courses for this program.

Please see the Tuition & Fees page for more information about all related costs. Using the Academic Program Cost section can help you find costs related to certain programs.

Please see the Tuition & Fees page for more information about all related costs. Using the Academic Program Cost section can help you find costs related to certain programs.

Paramedicine Instructors
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Job Trends and Career Outlook
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