What is a paramedic?

A paramedic is a person who provides advanced life support to persons at the site of an illness or injury or en route to a hospital facility. Some paramedics are employed by health care facilities. They function under the direct supervision of an Emergency Department Physician or Registered Nurse and are certified by the state as an EMS provider.

The U.S. Department of Labor's job description for a paramedic is here.

What is the difference between an EMT-Basic and a Paramedic?

EMT-Basics receive approximately 150 hours of education. Although they can use automatic external defibrillators, they do not have any advanced pharmacological training. Most treatment is protocol based.

EMT-Paramedics receive more than 1500 hours of education and are expected to utilize concepts of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and patient assessment to develop a field impression and create a treatment plan. Critical thinking skills are demanded.

Is there an age requirement for EMT-Basic or Paramedic?

Yes. To be certified in Utah as an EMT-Basic, you must be 18 years of age at the time of certification.

Do I have to be an EMT-Basic first?

Yes. Per Utah regulation, EMT-Basic must be accomplished before taking paramedic. EMT-Basic can be taken at WSU or any state-approved location. For non-WSU courses, credit can be transferred by providing a Utah certification card and transfer fee of $60.00.

Do I need to have a year of EMS experience?

Per Utah regulation, a year of EMS experience (working with paramedics) is required. Students can get this experience by working with a Fire or EMS agency. WSU provides an option for students to obtain the equivalent of one year’s EMS experience by taking the PARAMD 1005/1006, EMT-B Field Experience courses. Students must have completed a college advising appointment and specified prerequisites in order to take PARAMD 1005/1006.

What are the employment opportunities?

EMT Basics find employment in out-of-hospital care areas such as fire, police, ambulance, ski patrol and security positions as well as hospital emergency departments. Paramedics are employed in fire, police, EMS agencies and health care facilities.

What are starting salaries of graduates?

In Utah, starting salaries are $12,000 to $24,000 for EMT-Bs and $26,000 to $40,000 for paramedics.

Why choose paramedic education at WSU?

WSU’s Department of Emergency Care & Rescue (EC&R) has been nationally accredited for more than 25 years, making it the first accredited program in Utah and one of the first in the nation. More than 95 percent of WSU’s paramedics are employed upon graduation. Our graduates are sought after to apply for positions throughout the nation. WSU does not require prior EMS agency experience in order to be considered for the paramedic program

What degrees/certificates are available?

The EC&R department offers programs to obtain an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) paramedic, an institutional certificate for paramedic and a certificate for EMT-Basic.

What will I learn in the program?

In the EMT-Basic program you will learn basic life support, patient assessment and treatment modalities following the U.S. Department of Transportation and Utah State Department of Health standards for certification. Students that successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry EMT-Basic test.

In the paramedic program you will learn advanced life support concepts and techniques following the U.S. Department of Transportation and Utah State Department of Health standards for certification. Students that successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic test.

Why do I need to come in for college advising?

Paramedics are rapidly becoming health care professionals. Academic advisement helps you make decisions that are best for your immediate and long-term career goals. Advisement also can save you time and money by plotting the most effective curriculum map based on your goals. Contact Admissions Advisor Doug Watson (801-626-6128; healthprofessions@weber.edu) for an appointment.

Do I have to register at Weber State University?

Yes. In order to take any classes at WSU and have transcripts evaluated, you must be registered.

Is there an application deadline?

What is the cost?

In 2004, the typical cost for paramedic education was approximately $5,500. This amount can vary based on the type and number of prerequisite courses you need. See WSU's Costs & Deadlines site for a breakdown of university tuition and fees, along with links to financial aid and scholarship information to help find money to pay for your education.

In addition to standard WSU tuition and fees, students in paramedic program can expect  some or all of the following additional expenses:

• University and college application fees (approx. $50)
• Textbooks (approx. $400)
• Uniforms (approx. $75)
• Criminal background check (approx. $40)
• Drug testing (approx. $30)
• State application and NREMT-P test fees (approx. $250)
• Clinical and Field Internship forms mailing costs ($100)
• Clinical and field travel/meals dependent on location.