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Paramedic Program

Admission Policy

Applicants for the program must follow the regular procedures for admission to Central Texas College. In addition, the applicant must complete all Department of Health Sciences standard program admission requirements which include: CPR, proof of immunizations, Drug Screen, Criminal Background check and TSI completion; see Policy, Standard and Timing for Drug Screening and Background Checks and Mandatory Immunizations. All students applying to the Paramedic Program must also meet the following additions:

  • Proof of high school graduation or GED high school equivalent certificate.
  • Copies of transcripts from prior colleges or universities attended.
  • An overall 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all college work, to include transfer courses and CTC coursework that will be applied on the EMT degree plan.
  • Proof of physical exam completed within the last six (6) months signed by an MD, DO, PA or NP.
  • Tuberculosis Documentation of negative screening results for tuberculosis (TB) is required. Students must complete one of the following TB tests no more than 30 days prior to the first clinical start date: 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON® -TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot). Thereafter a 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-Spot®TB test (T-Spot) is required annually. Those who have had a previous positive TB skin test result will be required to submit a negative chest x-ray completed no more than 30-days prior to the first clinical start date. Thereafter an annual negative chest x-ray will be required through program completion.
  • All transfer courses accepted in the Paramedic curriculum must be a “B” or above. Science courses that are older than five years old must be repeated. Final transfer decision rests with Emergency Medical Technology Admissions and Standards Committee.
  • Copy of Texas and/or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate

Neither the College nor nursing homes provide medical coverage or worker’s compensation for emergency illness or injury. Medical coverage is the student’s responsibility.

Paramedic Progression Requirements

In order to progress in the Paramedic program, the following requirements must be met:

  • Achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses.
  • Achieve a minimum 75 percent course average.
  • Successfully complete prerequisites to each EMSP course.
  • Successfully complete all co-requisites prior to or concurrently with EMSP courses.
  • Successfully complete all courses in each semester of the curriculum before progressing to the next semester courses.
  • Maintain current CPR course completion - AHA-Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or Military Training Institute: CPR and AED Elements.
  • Provide documentation of medical release to the Department of Health Sciences after mental or physical condition, illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy, etc. that would result in a change of the physical limitations status and provide written documentation of medical release to return to class/clinical. Failure to inform the program may result in immediate withdrawal from the course or program.
  • Tuberculosis Documentation of negative screening results for tuberculosis (TB) is required. Students must complete one of the following TB tests no more than 30 days prior to the first clinical start date: 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON® -TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-SPOT®TB test (T-Spot). Thereafter a 2-Step Tuberculin Skin Test; QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT or Q-Gold) or T-Spot®TB test (T-Spot) is required annually. Those who have had a previous positive TB skin test result will be required to submit a negative chest x-ray completed no more than 30-days prior to the first clinical start date. Thereafter an annual negative chest x-ray will be required through program completion.
  • Maintain a negative drug screen and criminal background check.
  • Complete all standardized assessment and Exit Competency exams with scores as required per the course syllabi.
  • Complete the paramedic program within two years of first enrollment in EMSP 1355 or its equivalent.
  • Conduct and performance in the classroom and affiliated clinical facilities is according to CTC policy, the EMS Program policies and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Failure to perform to these standards may result in disciplinary action to include, but not limited to, dismissal from the program.

Readmission Policy for EMT and Paramedic Students

  • A student may be re-admitted to an EMS course ONCE following a failure due to poor academic performance or withdrawal from an EMS course. Students will NOT be readmitted to the EMT or Paramedic program if he/she has been removed from class or clinical rotations due to unprofessional behavior, academic dishonesty or patient endangerment. This applies to the following EMSP courses: EMSP 1401, 1160, 1338, 1355, 1356, 2206, 2444, 2434, 2262, 2330, 2143, 2263, 2305 and 2164.

    - Failure of two EMSP courses will result in ineligibility for readmission.

    - If a student has been readmitted following an EMSP course failure and subsequently withdraws from an EMSP course because of extenuating circumstances, the student may be readmitted if in a passing status at time of withdrawal.

    - The procedure for readmission follows the department policy.

  • No longer than twelve (12) months may elapse between completion of an EMS course and enrollment in the subsequent course.
  • Consideration for course readmission:
    1. Written notification at least one month in advance to the EMS Program Director that the student desires to reenter the EMS program should include:

      - Student name.

      - EMSP course name(s) and the course synonym number(s) to which seeking readmission.

      - Reason(s) for lack of success/progress in the course(s).

      - Plan for success if readmitted (please be specific).

      - Semester and year seeking readmission.

      - Student signature and date.

    2. The recommendation of the EMSP Admission and Standards Committee. A student interview may be required.
    3. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
  • Re-admission decision will be determined by the EMS Admissions and Standards committee.
  • Re-admission written assessment and practical skill assessment will be conducted to determine entry point.
  • After an applicant has been accepted for readmission, the student will follow general Department of Health Sciences policies found in the Paramedic Student Handbook.
  • If the course that requires re-admission is a co-requisite with other courses in that semester, the student may be required to re-admit in all courses for that semester.
  • Students must complete the Paramedic Program within two years of first time enrollment in EMSP 1355 or its equivalent.