What Are the Best Schools for Aspiring Paramedics?

<h2 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInATopParamedicSchool">What Should I Look for in a Top Paramedic School?</h2> <p>Training programs ranging from certificate to bachelor's degree programs may be provided by a variety of postsecondary schools or hospitals. You will likely want a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) that will prepare you for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination. You should also seek out those programs that offer hands-on experience outside of a classroom environment. If you're considering eventual advanced training, you might want to consider a research university with medical teaching hospital affiliates. Here are some possible options. </p> <h2 id="section---ThreeGreatSchoolsWithParamedicPrograms">Three Great Schools with Paramedic Programs</h2> <h3 id="section---UniversityOfIowaInIowaCity">University of Iowa in Iowa City</h3> <p>In 2019, UI tied for 89th in <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i>'s ranking of national universities. Through the UI Hospitals and Clinics and their EMS Learning Resources Center, UI offers a full-time paramedic program accredited by CAAHEP. Your training follows the U.S. DOT Paramedic National Standard Curriculum. Classroom training is followed by hospital clinical time and paramedic field time with an ambulance service. The EMS Learning Resources Center offers the following programs: </p> <ul><li>EMT Training Program </li><li>Paramedic Training Program </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfUtahInSaltLakeCity">University of Utah in Salt Lake City</h3> <p>The University of Utah ranked 119th among <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i>'s 2019 national universities (<i>www.usnews.com</i>). The Department of Health Promotion and Education hosts the Center for Emergency Programs. The undergraduate health promotion and education major, offered jointly with local fire departments, offers an EMS emphasis. The Center also offers entry-level EMT classes to prepare students for national registry certification examinations. These degrees are offered: </p> <ul><li>Emergency Medical Technician Training Program </li><li>Advanced EMT Training Program </li><li>Tactical Rescue Training Program </li><li>Remote Rescue and Wilderness Medicine Certification Courses </li><li>Disaster Response Training Program </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Education, EMS Emphasis </li></ul><h3 id="section---VirginiaCommonwealthUniversityInRichmond">Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond</h3> <p>VCU tied for 157th in <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report's</i> 2019 evaluation of national universities. The VCU Medical Center offers critical care education through the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education. These include EMT, professional paramedic and continuing education courses. A 3-month intensive critical care emergency medical transport program and an 8-month EMT-Basic course leading to eligibility for state certification are offered. Following completion of paramedic courses, you'll qualify for an entry level position and an NREMT examination opportunity. </p> <h2 id="section---TenMoreSchoolsWithParamedicPrograms"> Ten More Schools With Paramedic Programs</h2> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>College/University </th><th>Institution Type </th><th>Location</th><th>Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition*</th></tr> <tr><td> Century College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> White Bear Lake, MN</td><td>$5,500</td></tr> <tr><td> Galveston College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Galveston, TX</td><td>$3,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Arkansas State University-Mountain Home </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Mountain Home, AR</td><td>$3,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Rend Lake College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Ina, IL</td><td>$4,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Mineral Area College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Park Hills, MO</td><td>$5,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Kent State University at Trumbull </td><td> Public, primarily associate's, 4 year </td><td> Warren, OH</td><td>$6,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Bismarck State College </td><td> Public, primarily associate's, 4 year </td><td> Bismarck, ND</td><td>$4,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Lane Community College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Eugene, OR</td><td>$5,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Monroe Community College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Rochester, NY</td><td>$5,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Northland Pioneer College </td><td> Public, 2 year </td><td> Holbrook, AZ</td><td>$2,000</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>