The SRJC Paramedic Academy
Welcome to our information page! Please through the information below that describes who we are, how we prepare paramedics for a rewarding career in field medicine, and how you can prepare for entry into our program. Additional information about the program can be found by following the following links.
Who are we?
How does our program work?
How do I prepare for the Academy?
How do I apply to the Academy?
How much does the Academy cost?
What classes will I take while enrolled in the Academy?
Is the Academy accredited?
Where is the Academy located?
What are the steps to begin practicing as a Paramedic in California?

Who are we?

The SRJC Paramedic Academy is a nationally accredited, state approved intensive program that prepares the student to not only successfully complete the national certification board exam necessary for California paramedic licensure, but to function as a fully capable field care clinician providing competent, compassionate care to the sick and injured. Taught by local and national experts in the field, the Academy has an excellent reputation for preparing students for the rigors and rewards of prehospital care.

How does our program work?

To fulfill this tremendous responsibility, our program is organized to provide the knowledge needed in human physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations of patients of all ages. In addition to class lectures, you will spend a lot of time working with your peers in both small and large group learning activities. An online learning management system organizes the myriad of resources available to the paramedic student.

A significant time is spent acquiring, refining and perfecting the technical skills necessary to carry out critical care plans with competence and confidence.  High fidelity simulations using advanced manikins, actors and real ambulances are used to help develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills that are very important to the paramedic practice.

You will spend a significant amount of time in the hospital and in the field internship, both provided by the program. Highly experienced and trained preceptors will mentor, coach and evaluate your performance and provide you valuable feedback.

How do I prepare for the Academy?

You must possess the following minimum qualifications in order to be accepted into the Paramedic Academy:

- Current EMT certification

- Current CPR certification, health care provider level

- Complete an anatomy & physiology course (Anatomy 58, Anatomy 40 or equivalent) within the last 5 years

- Complete a basic arrhythmia recognition course (EMC 114 or equivalent) within the last 3 years

Though not mandatory, it is recommended that you gain some patient care experience as an EMT or equivalent prior to application. In addition, completing a college level English and Algebra would be helpful in your studies.

How do I apply to the Academy?

Applying to, and being accepted into the Academy is a multistep process.

Step 1: Complete an application.
Complete and turn in a paramedic academy application (Insert download link here) by April 5, 2013. You may return the completed application in person, via U.S. postal mail, (or as a scanned pdf file and emailed?).

Step 2: If approved, be enrolled in EMC 109 – (insert name of course and add link)
We will review your application for completeness. If complete, you will be enrolled into EMC 109, which takes place in May.

Step 3: Successfully complete EMC 109.
EMC 109 is a one day class in which you will be evaluated on your EMT knowledge and skills, your ability to evaluate a simulated patient, and your ability to analyze and interpret oral scenarios. You must complete the course with a C or better to continue through the process.
If you have already completed EMC109 and received a grade of C or better, you will need to petition into the class. Petitions may be picked up at the Public Safety Training Center.

Step 4: The rest.
If you meet the prerequisite coursework requirements and complete EMC 109 with a C or better, you will be placed into a common group. Students admitted to the program will be randomly selected from the common group and notified if selected. Alternates for the program will be selected by the same method. Additional information about this process may be found by consulting with the program director (e-mail link) or department administrative assistant at (707) 836-2907.
If you are chosen in the lottery to attend the next paramedic academy, you will be sent a confirmation letter and instructions to complete a background check and physical exam, along with a series of vaccinations necessary for the academy. The first tuition installment will be due just before class begins in early July.

How much does the Academy cost?

Program Fees:

California Residents: Approximately $2,860

Out of State Residents: $11,326

Costs include tuition and most course fees. These fees are subject to change. Costs for uniforms, parking, national certification testing, California licensure and other requirements are additional. As a general rule, you can anticipate spending approximately $5000 for the certificate program.
As a California community college, you may be eligible for tuition assistance. Scholarships are available. Tuition guidance is available at the college (link http://www.santarosa.edu).

What classes will I take while enrolled in the Academy?

Beginning generally in early August, the course consists of three components: didactic/laboratory, clinical (in-hospital) and field internship. All components are required for graduation. Completion of this program meets the minimum requirements for the student to sit for the national board examination conducted by the National Registry of EMTs (link http://www.nremt.org ).

The Paramedic Academy generally begins in early August and takes 12-14 months to complete The Academy is designed as a full-time program.

August – December:

EMC 130 Modules A - B - C; EMC 131 A (1st clinical course) Total 23.50 units.
Students participate in lectures, discussion, skills laboratories, and simulated practice. Eight hour classes are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and some Saturdays. Clinical experiences are scheduled outside of class days. This phase is a minimum of 544 hours.

January – late April:

EMC130 Module D; EMC 131B (2nd clinical course, 12 lead). Total 8 units.
Students complete the classroom portion and final examination. They rotate through participating hospital and other clinical facilities. The student spends a minimum of 216 hours in areas including, but not limited to the Emergency Department, Intensive/Coronary Care Units, Operating Room, Burn Unit, Trauma Center, Labor & Delivery, Newborn Nursery, Respiratory Therapy, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, the County Morgue, and Emergency Psychiatric Intake Unit. The student should expect to work varied shifts and hours based on clinician and facility availability.

May – August (approximate)

Semester V: EMC132 (Field Internship). Total 10 units.
In the final phase of the program, the student is assigned to a minimum of 500 hours with an approved provider agency under the direct supervision of a licensed paramedic preceptor. During this phase of the training, the student synthesizes all knowledge and skills to ensure competency as a safe beginning paramedic. There will be ongoing critical evaluation of on-the-job performance by both preceptor and faculty. The schedule usually conforms to the normal shift of the assigned preceptor and may include 8, 10, 12, 24 or 48 hour shifts.
Internships are guaranteed, but placement is dependent upon availability. There may be a delay in beginning this phase. Students are advised that many agencies charge an internship fee. Students will have an option to choose internship sites that best serve their need.

Is the Academy accredited?

The Paramedic Academy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions(CoAEMSP). CoAEMSP may be reached at www.coaemsp.org or 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312 Rowlett, Tx 75088, or (214) 703-8445.

From the CAAHEP Web site:
Accreditation is the result of a process that assesses the quality of a program, measuring it against agreed upon standards, It assures that the program meets the standards. The standards have generally been developed by professionals within the discipline and are intended to reflect what a person needs to know and be able to do to function successfully within that profession. Accreditation within health-related disciplines also serves a very important public interest. Along with certification and licensure, accreditation is a tool intended to help assure a well prepared and qualified workforce providing health care services.

Where is the Academy located?

The Paramedic Academy is conducted at the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Windsor, California. The Training Center, opened in 2002, includes a Emergency Medical Care lab that simulates a hospital emergency room as well as a scenario village for staging practical exercises. The PSTC office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Clinical and field internship sites are located throughout Northern California and the San Francisco Bay region.

What are the steps to begin practicing as a Paramedic in California?

Successful completion of the Paramedic Academy does not guarantee licensure or employment. You must receive national certification in order to begin the paramedic licensure process in California.  You will be required to complete a criminal background check when you apply for licensure through the state EMS Authority (link www.emsa.ca.gov). Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code,, licensure may be denied for certain criminal violations. Students with any sort of criminal background history are strongly advised to contact the local Emergency Medical Services Agency to discuss the impact on their professional career.
Once you are licensed, you will need to be accredited in the county where you practice, through the local EMS Agency (LEMSA). Accreditation often requires additional testing in local operating protocols and other training; check the LEMSA for specific requirements. Many LEMSAs require you to hold certifications in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), trauma life support (ITLS or PHTLS). You will receive these certifications while enrolled in the Academy.