Program Description

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and the Paramedic Program at BSC are limited enrollment programs that prepare students to become entry-level Emergency Medical Services providers. BSC affiliates with healthcare facilities throughout North Dakota to provide concurrent training with classroom, laboratory, and clinical/field education. 

The Bismarck State College Paramedic Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 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
9355 113th St. N, Suite 7709  •  Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350  •  www.caahep.org

Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312  •  Rowlett, TX 75088
214-702-8445  •  FAX 213-701-8992  •  www.coaemsp.org 

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMT study encompasses 16 weeks of classroom, lab, and clinical/field education offered in the fall and spring semesters. Coursework includes basic anatomy and physiology, airway management, medical and trauma emergency management, and EMS operations in conjunction with hands-on, skill-based training.

Paramedic Program

Paramedic study begins in the fall and encompasses three semesters of classroom, lab, and hospital clinical/field education. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, cardiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, airway management, and medical /trauma emergency management in conjunction with hands-on, skill-based training.

Preparation

EMTs and Paramedics often work with police officers, firefighters, nurses and doctors. They may be out in any weather and have irregular hours. Work is physically strenuous and can be stressful. Potential students must be emotionally stable, able to lift and carry heavy loads, and have good dexterity, eyesight, and accurate color vision.

Program Requirements

EMT students who successfully pass the specified or required courses receive a Certificate of Completion.

Paramedic students who complete the coursework requirements receive an Associate in Applied Science degree and/or Program Certificate.

All students completing the EMT or Paramedic program must take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians cognitive and psychomotor exams to become certified as an EMT or Paramedic.

Detailed program requirements for the Emergency Medical Technician Certificate of Completion, Paramedic Technology Associate in Applied Science degree, and Program Certificate are located on the degree plan.

This program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Labor; therefore, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service over non-covered persons. (20 CFR 1010)

Career Opportunities

Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics. The need for volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas will also continue.

Growth in the middle-aged and older population will lead to an increase in age-related health emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes. This increase, in turn, will create greater demand for EMT and paramedic services. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require more EMTs and paramedics to transfer patients with specific conditions to these facilities for treatment.

Sarah Haugen Scholarship

Available to eligible Paramedic students only and is completed in the fall for spring semester. Contact the BSC Foundation.