Paramedics
Train to become a skilled paramedic at Bakersfield College and start a career where every second—and every decision—matters.
The Paramedic Associate in Science Degree program offered by Bakersfield College is a comprehensive two-year program designed to prepare students for a career as a paramedic. The program consists of both classroom instruction and clinical experience, covering topics such as patient assessment, advanced life support techniques, and emergency medical services operations. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and become licensed paramedics. With a focus on hands-on training and real-world experience, the Paramedic Associates Degree program from Bakersfield College provides a strong foundation for students seeking to enter the field of emergency medical services.
What is a Paramedic?
A paramedic is a highly trained healthcare professional who responds to emergency medical situations and provides advanced life support to critically ill or injured patients. Paramedics work as part of an emergency medical services (EMS) team and are often the first healthcare providers on the scene of an accident or medical emergency. They are responsible for performing medical assessments, administering medications and treatments, and stabilizing patients before transporting them to a hospital or other healthcare facility. Paramedics play a crucial role in saving lives and improving outcomes for patients in emergency situations.
Is Studying Paramedics Right for Me?
The Paramedic Associates Degree program is well-suited for individuals who have a strong desire to help others, enjoy working in fast-paced environments, and have a passion for healthcare. Prospective students should also possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. The program is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a paramedic, whether they are just starting their education or are looking to advance their existing career in emergency medical services. Graduates of the program will be prepared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and become licensed paramedics, allowing them to work in a variety of settings, including ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments.
There are several key traits and skills that would make someone a good fit for studying to be a Paramedic, including:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina and strength
- Empathy and compassion
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
Overall, individuals who are compassionate, empathetic, and possess strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills will likely excel in the field of paramedicine.
Paramedic Degree Certificate
The mission of the Paramedic Program is to provide a strong educational foundation so the future paramedics may improve the health and welfare of Kern County by providing the highest quality prehospital emergency medical care. The Paramedic Program is designed to provide students with the education and experience to perform as competent, entry level Paramedics.
The mission of the Paramedic Program is to provide a strong educational foundation so the future paramedics may improve the health and welfare of Kern County by providing the highest quality prehospital emergency medical care.
Outcomes Summary
Outcomes thresholds set by CoAEMSP are 70% in each category. Outcomes reported are summary information about student/graduate achievements from our program.
| 2023 Graduates: Retention Rate | 100% |
|---|---|
| 2023 Graduates: National Registry Pass Rate Success | 87.5% |
| 2023 Graduates: Positive Employment Placement | 100% |
| 2022 Graduates: Retention Rate | 87.5% |
|---|---|
| 2022 Graduates: National Registry Pass Rate Success | 80.0% |
| 2022 Graduates: Positive Employment Placement | 97.1% |
| 2021 Graduates: Retention Rate | 72% |
|---|---|
| 2021 Graduates: National Registry Pass Rate Success | 91.7% |
| 2021 Graduates: Positive Employment Placement | 94.4% |
Approved satellite location at the Harvey L. Hall EMS Training Academy, located at 1400 Easton Drive, Suite 142, Bakersfield, CA. Outcomes summary information from the satellite location are included in the above data.
Paramedic Careers
Individuals with a Paramedic Associate in Science Degree can pursue a variety of careers in the field of emergency medical services, including:
- Paramedic: A licensed paramedic is a healthcare professional who provides advanced life support to critically ill or injured patients. They work as part of an EMS team and are often the first healthcare providers on the scene of an emergency.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): An EMT is a healthcare professional who provides basic life support to patients in emergency situations. They work as part of an EMS team and are responsible for performing medical assessments, administering medications and treatments, and transporting patients to healthcare facilities.
- Flight Paramedic: Flight paramedics are paramedics who specialize in providing medical care to patients who are being transported by helicopter or airplane.
- Critical Care Paramedic: Critical care paramedics are paramedics who specialize in providing advanced life support to critically ill or injured patients, often in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
- EMS Educator: EMS educators are paramedics who have advanced training in teaching and curriculum development. They teach EMS courses and train new paramedics and EMTs.
- Emergency Manager: Emergency managers are professionals who coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters. They work with EMS teams, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to ensure that communities are prepared to respond to emergencies.
- Public Safety Officer: Public safety officers are professionals who work in a variety of roles, including law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services. They often have cross-training in multiple areas and may work in emergency situations to provide medical care, maintain public safety, or respond to other emergencies.
Overall, the Paramedic Associates Degree can lead to a variety of careers in emergency medical services, providing opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
You may also be interested in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program.
Academic Department: Public Safety Training
Career & Learning Pathway: Public Safety Training (PST) Pathway
Courses: Emergency Medical Technology (EMTC)
Not sure where to start? Let us help.
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