Mar 19, 2026  
College Catalog 2026 - 2027 
  
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College Catalog 2026 - 2027

Paramedic Certificate

The Paramedic is a health care professional who cares for those injured or suddenly taken ill in the pre-hospital setting. BHCC’s Paramedic Studies Program is a sixteen month program that includes classroom, in hospital clinical rotations and a field internship. The program prepares the student to be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic Certification examinations.

Paramedic Studies Program

Located at the Bunker Hill Community College’s Chelsea Campus, the 16 month Paramedic Studies Program provides instruction in advanced emergency medical skills.

The program, which follows the National Standard EMT Paramedic Curriculum, meets and/or exceeds the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services.

BHCC’s experienced instructors utilize state-of-the art equipment, including a self-contained ambulance simulator and manikins. BHCC is committed to preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes associated with entry-level paramedic positions. The program has been approved by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS), and is accredited by the Committee on the Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services (CoAEMSP), Program #600796, a subsidiary of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), a non-profit, non-governmental agency, who reviews and accredits over 2000 educational programs in nineteen (19) health science occupations. CAAHEP issues accreditation to Paramedic education programs, based on the review and upon its recommendation from the CoAEMSP.

Admission

The Paramedic Certificate and Associate Degree in Paramedic Studies is a selective admissions program.

Please contact Jesse Briggs, MPAS,NRP,I/C,PA-C, Department Chair, Department of Emergency Medical Studies, Chelsea Campus, Room 313, Chelsea, MA 02150, (617) - 336-5131, jb240217@bhcc.edu regarding application and entrance requirements. All potential candidates for admission to the program must apply through the college. The Paramedic Studies Certificate program is sixteen months and awards forty-three credits. An Associate Degree in Paramedic Studies is available upon completion of an additional five courses.

Candidates for the Paramedic program must have achieved their EMT certification prior to application, maintain EMT certification throughout the program, submit all required health records/utilizations prior to the start of the program, attend an information session and submit to a CORI/SORI check.

General Advising Notes

Minimum Grades: A grade of B- (80%) or higher must be earned and maintained for the term of the program. Candidates for the Paramedic program must have achieved their EMT certification prior to application, maintain EMT certification throughout the program, submit all required health records/utilizations prior to the start of the program, attend an information session and submit to a CORI/SORI check. Please note Drug testing may be required for clinical or field placement practicum placement.

GI Bill®

Bunker Hill Community College is an approved institution for veterans’ education benefits. For specific information on how the GI Bill® works, and to apply for benefits please visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® Site at gibill.va.gov.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Admission Requirements

  • Diploma High School diploma or GED
  • Session Attend mandatory information session
  • License Submit a copy of valid driver’s license or obtain prior to the start of classes
  • EMT Submit copy of valid EMT card or obtain prior to the start of classes.
  • CPR Possess a current American Heart Association, Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Card

Semester 1

Total Credits: 14

Semester 1 Advising Note

  • Strongly recommend BIO-108  be completed by the end of the first semester.

Semester 2

Total Credits: 10

Semester 3

Total Credits: 11

Semester 4

Total Credits: 8

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

  • After successful completion of the program, the student will receive a Certificate of Completion enabling him or her to apply for and take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Cognitive Exam.
  • Participants who successfully pass the NREMT certification examination may go onto practice with fire departments, private ambulance services, third service ambulance services, hospital emergency departments, and various clinical settings where advanced emergency care is required.
  • Provide individuals with a career preparation associated with Entry-Level and Advanced Practitioner Paramedic care competencies with consideration of the needs and expectations of the program’s communities of interest.
  • Provide a curriculum that leads to eligibility for the national credentialing process, entry into the licensure process, and employment in paramedicine.
  • Promote the development of those intellectual skills that foster critical thinking and problem solving that are necessary for life-long learning.
  • Provide the development of life-long professional attitudes and values.
  • Understand and manage self, to function effectively in social and professional environments and to make reasonable judgments on understanding the diversity of the world community.
  • Locate, understand, evaluate, synthesize, information and data in a technological and data driven society.

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics will grow nine percent between 2008 and 2018, which is about as fast as the average percentage for all occupations (www.BLS.gov). As our population ages and individuals face increased medical concerns, the likelihood of medical emergencies will increase; thus increasing the need for EMTs and paramedics. In addition emergency rooms are frequently overcrowded, which increases the amount of time that the EMTs and paramedics must spend with each patient. This is also likely to increase the number of potential positions. Job prospects are expected to be good since paid employees are needed to replace volunteers who have a high turnover rate.

Explore Career Options

Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information Checks

As a prerequisite for a clinical placement this program requires that all students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information regarding the College’s CORI/SORI check process, please contact the College CORI/SORI Offcer at 617-228-2193 or visit https://www.bhcc.edu/internships/coriandsorichecks/