Paramedic Program

Program Information

Earn a Paramedics Degree or Certificate

Foothill College begins a new Paramedic Program each fall. We offer both an AS, associate in science degree, and CA, certificate of achievement.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information and select a program map listed below for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to enter the workforce as competent entry-level Paramedics. Participants have demonstrated successful performance in the cognitive (knowledge), psycomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Graduates are qualified to apply for State and National paramedic licensure.

Apply for the Program

Applications for our Fall cohort will be available November 6. The deadline for submissions is May 1st.

Paramedic Program Application

Paramedic Program Schedule

This course is designed for students who have worked as EMT's for at least 3 months at full-time capacity.

Didactic Instruction (Fall, Winter, Spring)
The first three quarters of the program are dedicated to classroom-based and hands-on learning. Students typically attend sessions three days per week, combining lectures, lab-based skill development, and scenario-based simulations. This structure builds a strong foundation in paramedicine and prepares students for clinical application.

Cadaver Lab (Spring Quarter)
During the Spring quarter, students participate in cadaver lab sessions where they have the opportunity to practice advanced and rarely used procedures on human cadavers. These include endotracheal intubation, intraosseous (IO) access, needle decompression, and needle cricothyrotomy—critical skills that require precise anatomical understanding and technique.

Clinical Rotations (Fourth Quarter)
In the fourth quarter, students begin their clinical experiences in both specialty and emergency department (ED) settings. Specialty rotations include high-acuity environments such as the operating room (OR), intensive care unit (ICU), obstetrics (OB), and pediatrics. These rotations allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in diverse clinical settings under professional supervision.

Field Internship (Fifth and Sixth Quarters)
The final phase of the program consists of a comprehensive field internship. Students complete between 480 and 720 hours of supervised patient care on active 911 ambulances, working alongside experienced paramedics. The length of the internship varies depending on student progress, case volume, and clinical competency development.

We make every attempt to maintain this schedule, but in the event of unforseen circumstances, the Program Director reserves the right to make changes.

We are located at the Foothill College Sunnyvale Center, 1070 Innovation Way, Sunnyvale CA 94089.

About the Paramedic Program

The paramedic program is a rigorous 15 to 18 month. sequence of instruction, with entry in the Fall quarter only. The course work is intense with very detailed and difficult information covered over a brief period of time. It is highly recommended that students arrange their finances, work schedules and personal commitments with careful consideration. We suggest that students work no more than 2-3 days per week while enrolled in the program. In addition to other prerequisites, the program requires students have worked as EMTs for at least 3 months at full-time capacity.

The course is demanding, time consuming and requires a great deal of sacrifice. The ability to multitask, work well in chaos, deal with stress, communicate well, perform tasks quickly, and work well with others is paramount to success.

During the first, second and third quarters, students meet for lectures and labs. The second quarter will also include a cadaver lab.

During the fourth quarter, students will attend ED rotations. In the fifth and sixth quarters, students will attend their Field Internship for their final phase of the program. The Field Internship requires between between 480 and 720 hours of patient care, which accounts for the variable length of time in finishing the program.

Program Mission

Foothill College EMS Programs offer educational excellence to diverse students seeking transfer, career preparation and enhancement, and basic skills mastery. We are committed to innovation, ongoing improvement, accessibility and serving our community.

Program Goals

The goal of the Foothill College Paramedic Program is: To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Paramedic Technical Standards from D.O.T./ADA Compliance

Note: Applicants must read the Paramedic Technical Standards from D.O.T./ADA Compliance before submitting an application.

Program Accreditation

CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2022.

Committee on Accreditation
of Educational Programs for the
Emergency Medical Services Professions

8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
coaemsp.org

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

NREMT logo

Pass Rates

2023

NREMT/State Written Exam: 100%
Retention: 70.4%
Positive Placement: 78.9%

2022

NREMT/State Written Exam: 100%
Retention: 63.3% (2 for medical, 1 for academic reasons and 8 accepted positions at fire agencies)
*Positive Placement: 89.5%

2021

NREMT/State Written Exam: 100%
Retention: 72.2%
*Positive Placement 96.2%

*Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as 'Employed full or part time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military.' Positive placement is measured at completion of the program.

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