Paramedic FAQs

1,265 contact hours (11 months)

The class is scheduled on a “shift-friendly” basis. Due to the fact that most EMT-Basic jobs are scheduled to be 24 hours on-duty and 48 hours off-duty, this class is scheduled accordingly. The decision as to what shift the class will be scheduled is based on the majority of students enrolled. All class days are scheduled from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The class times include laboratory hours, but clinical and field internship are scheduled outside of normal class hours.

It is a series of 10-12 hour shifts spent in the emergency department, intensive care unit, operating room, and obstetric units of local hospitals. During these shifts, you will perform assessments and skills learned in class and laboratory on patients in these areas. This portion of the training is under the direct supervision of a program preceptor (total 120 hours).

It is a series of 8-12 hour shifts in which you ride in an ambulance and function in the capacity of a paramedic under the direct supervision of a program preceptor (460 hours minimum).

It is possible. Certification requires Paramedic program completers to apply to the National Registry of EMTs for certification and the State of Florida Department of Health Division of Medical Quality Assurance for certification. For specific questions regarding individual charges and convictions and how that may affect your ability to become certified, please contact the NREMT and the State of Florida Bureau of EMS. 

Driving is a very important aspect of the paramedic’s job, and prospective employers will view a poor driving record unfavorably.

Approximately $6,000, not including textbooks. The first semester is the most expensive ($2,600 plus textbooks), with the other two semesters averaging $1,700 each. 

Contact the Financial Aid Office at 784-7254.

The South Florida State College Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756; PHONE: 727-210-2350; caahep.org

To contact CoAEMSP: 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088; PHONE: 214-703-8445; FAX: 214-703-8992; coaemsp.org

No. Currently, SFSC does not offer advanced placement classes in the EMT, Paramedic, or Firefighter programs.

No. Program completion requires all students to complete all required competencies within the program at SFSC.