Frequently Asked Questions
1,200 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.
Does the class time include lab, clinical, and field internship?
The class times include laboratory hours, but clinical and field internship are scheduled outside of normal class hours.
What is hospital clinical experience?
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 (468 hours minimum).
Can I have a criminal record and be certified as a paramedic in the State of Florida?
It is possible to have a criminal history and be certified as a paramedic in the State of Florida. All paramedic students who complete the program must apply with the State of Florida’s Bureau of EMS to take the Florida Certification Exam. The phone number is 850-245-4440.
Can I have a bad driving record and work as a paramedic?
Driving is a very important aspect of the paramedic’s job, and prospective employers will view a poor driving record unfavorably.
What are the physical requirements of the Paramedic program?
Students should have the manual dexterity to be able to perform minute tasks with both hands and be able to lift and carry 100 pounds. You will be required to complete a physical examination signed by a physician, attesting that you are physically capable of performing the tasks of a paramedic. For further information regarding the “Functional Job Analysis” for paramedics, visit the “National Standard Curriculum/Functional Job Analysis.“
What is the cost for the class?
Approximately $1,400 per semester, including books and uniform. The total cost is approximately $5,000.
Contact the Financial Aid Office at 784-7254.
Is the paramedic program nationally accredited?
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
