Paramedic 2025-2026

The Paramedic education program covers all emergency medical concepts and techniques currently considered to be within the responsibilities of the Paramedic providing emergency care in a pre-hospital setting as set forth by the Unit of Emergency Medical Services of the State of Missouri. This program meets or exceeds course requirements established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Missouri Unit of Emergency Medical Services. The education program will also cover topics related to future trends and care methodologies in emergency medicine.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Perform Trauma and Medical patient assessments
2. Demonstrate proficiency in Paramedic practical skills within the scope of practice
3. Understand basic vehicle operation, MCI operations, and aircraft utilization
4. Understand basic human anatomy and body system physiology
5. Provide adequate patient care based on assessment findings & questioning
6. Adequately write patient care report forms

QUALIFICATIONS

Are you interested in a career in emergency medical services?  To learn more about an exciting career assessing injuries, delivering emergency medical care, and extricating individuals from entrapment, use the following O*Net Online link.  It includes an explanation of the technical skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to perform this vital public service.  Additionally, you will find information about job openings, wages and employment, and related occupations.

PRE-REQUISITES

• Have a valid email address and regular access to a computer
• Completed Application (including essay, reference letters and non-refundable registration fee)
• Be 18 years of age.
• Be of good mental and physical health and able to lift and carry 100 to 150 lbs.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or have a legal right to work in the U.S.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Current health insurance
• Current CPR Certification
• Current Missouri EMT Basic license
• Entrance exam
• Background check with drug screen (submitted after acceptance into program)
• Entrance Exam – Comprehensive score >70%
  • Material covered: math, reading comprehension, EMS knowledge, and writing skills
• Current Medical Liability Insurance (submitted after acceptance into program)
• 7 Panel Urine Drug Screen- Negative within 6 months from the start of class, may be subject to additional screenings during course
• Immunizations/Health Screenings (submitted after acceptance into program):
  • Mantoux Tuberculin (Tb) Skin Testing
    • If > 2 yrs since last Tb test, need 2 Tb tests at least one week apart
    • Must be annually tested once every 12 months after initial 2 step testing
  • Hepatitis B / Heptavax Series in progress or verification of completion (series of 3- must have at least #2 prior to having patient contact)
  • MMR – Positive titer with date of test OR documentation of 2 immunizations (one after 1980)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) 2 vaccines one month apart OR positive titer
  • Flu Vaccination (If unable to receive vaccine due to documented allergic reaction, must submit “Immunization Allergic Reaction Form”)
  • COVID vaccine.
  • Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) or (Tdap) Documented within 10 years

COURSE LENGTH

Regular course – 53 weeks

• Specialized training sessions may be held on selected weekends or other times (to be announced).

The Paramedic courses also include approximately 650 hours of Clinical Rotation experience outside of class. Clinical hours need to be completed within 12 weeks of the last didactic class day.

CMU Retro Credits

MU EMS Education and Central Methodist University have entered into a retro credit agreement for paramedic students.  After a graduated student obtains his/her NREMT paramedic certification and obtains a valid state paramedic license, he/she may apply to Central Methodist University to obtain a minimum of 30 retro college credits.