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 Nicholas J. Cardellicchio, Program Director, Department of Emergency Medical Studies, Chelsea Campus, Room 313, Chelsea, MA 02150, (617) - 936-1973, njcardel@bhcc.mass.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-six 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.
Program Notes
Minimum Grades: A grade of B- (80%) or higher must be earned and maintained for the term of the program. Pre/corequisites: College Writing; ENG-111 & Human Biology/Lab, BIO-108 .
Scope of Practice
The Paramedic is a highly trained individual who provides both in hospital and out of hospital: Patient assessment, Advanced Airway Management, Vascular access, EKG Interpretation and Treatment, Emergency Pharmacology, and Management of Medical and Trauma Emergencies.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition cost is $9,062 for the Certificate and $12,017 for the Associate Degree. Students are responsible for the purchase of texts, equipment, uniforms, certification and exam fees.
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.
Program Goals and Objectives
- 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 Massachusetts 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.
The Paramedic Studies Certificate program is sixteen months and awards forty-six credits and sixty one credits for an Associate Degree in Paramedic Studies.
Nationwide Employment Opportunities
National Registry certification allows an individual reciprocity in most of the United States.
Career Opportunities
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs in 2012 was 239,100. The job growth from 2012-2022 is projected to grow by 23% (faster than the national average of 11%) Projected Employment Change of new Paramedics from 2012-2022 is expected to be 55,300.
Job Opportunities
Municipalities, Fire Departments, private ambulance companies, hospitals and clinics.
Salary Outlook
According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS), the national average salary is $42,618.00 per year (2018).
Related Job Titles
EMT-Paramedic, Paramedic.
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
| Year |
Number of Students |
Percentage Passed |
| 2018 |
As of July 2019 |
N/A |
| |
First Attempt Written |
89% |
| |
First Attempt Practical 8 |
100% |
* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.
