Lifesaving Skills for Medical Professionals
Paramedic Course
Overview:
The program follows the National EMS Education Standards and meets all Ohio Department of Public Safety – Division of EMS (ODPS-EMS) Paramedic curriculum requirements. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Registry Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor examinations and apply for Ohio Paramedic certification.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
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Conduct advanced ALS patient assessments, formulate differential diagnoses, and initiate treatment for trauma, medical, cardiac, respiratory, neurologic, obstetric, and pediatric emergencies.
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Demonstrate competency in advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation, supraglottic airways, waveform capnography, and ventilator management.
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Administer medications safely and effectively, perform pharmacologic calculations, establish and manage IV/IO access, and carry out interventions permitted under Ohio Paramedic scope of practice.
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Interpret ECGs, manage cardiac dysrhythmias, perform cardioversion and transcutaneous pacing, and lead cardiac arrest resuscitation in accordance with current AHA guidelines.
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Apply EMS operations principles, rescue awareness, incident management, and mass-casualty triage within complex and high-stress environments.
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Demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, ethical behavior, and effective team communication during advanced patient care scenarios.
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Meet all educational, clinical, and field requirements for eligibility to test for National Registry Paramedic certification.
Course Structure
This program meets or exceeds all ODPS-EMS, CAAHEP, and CoAEMSP requirements for Paramedic initial certification and includes:
Didactic Instruction
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Advanced anatomy and pathophysiology
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Cardiology and ECG interpretation
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Pharmacology and medication administration
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Trauma and medical emergencies
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Neurologic, obstetric, and pediatric care
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EMS operations, rescue principles, and legal/ethical responsibilities
Hands-On Training
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Advanced ALS skills labs
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Airway management and ventilatory support
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IV/IO access and medication administration
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Cardiac monitoring and intervention
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Trauma and advanced patient management
High-Fidelity Simulation:
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Scenario-based ALS training emphasizing critical thinking, communication, leadership, and team-based decision-making
Clinical & Field Experience
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Supervised hospital clinical rotations including emergency department, ICU/CCU, pediatrics, obstetrics, operating room/airway, behavioral health, and specialty units
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Supervised field internship with certified Paramedic preceptors in active EMS systems
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Skills verification and psychomotor competency evaluations
This combined instructional approach ensures students gain the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective competencies necessary for safe and effective entry-level Paramedic practice.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
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Hold current Ohio EMT certification in good standing.
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Successfully complete the Anatomy and Physiology prerequisite with a minimum score of 80 percent.
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Possess a valid driver’s license and meet all clinical agency onboarding requirements.
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Complete required health clearances, including immunizations, TB screening, and drug and background checks.
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Hold current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
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Submit all required paperwork, clinical documentation, and fees prior to the program start date.
Certification Eligibility
Upon successful completion of all didactic instruction, clinical rotations, field internship hours, skills testing, and final examinations, students will be eligible to:
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Sit for the NREMT Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor examinations
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Apply for Ohio Paramedic certification through the Ohio Department of Public Safety – Division of EMS
Career Pathways
Graduates are prepared for advanced Paramedic roles in:
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Municipal fire and EMS agencies
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Private and hospital-based EMS services
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Hospital emergency departments and critical care transport teams
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Tactical, industrial, and specialty rescue programs
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Flight and critical care transport services (with additional experience)
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Paramedic certification also supports long-term career advancement into nursing, physician assistant programs, emergency medicine, and other allied health professions.
Ohio Accreditation #: 216
Accreditation
The Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
UH Conneaut
CoAEMSP: 600567
Ohio: 306
UH Geauga
CoAEMSP: 600765
Ohio: 206
UH Portage (just state)
Ohio: 216
UH Parma
CoAEMSP: 600529
Ohio: 323
The program meets all requirements of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4765) and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC 4765-17-04) for Paramedic education.
Veterans Benefits
This program is approved for VA education benefits, including the GI Bill®. Students utilizing military education benefits should contact University Hospitals EMS Institute administration for required documentation and processing.
Cost:
Program Tuition: $6,500
(Includes textbooks, online learning platforms, clinical fees, uniforms, and required supplies)
$35 application fee due at registration
Contact / Registration
Holly Vertock
Email: holly.vertock@uhhospitals.org
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Holly by email or phone.
Commitment to Excellence & Transparency
Accreditation and compliance are at the core of the University Hospitals Paramedic Program, ensuring every aspect of training meets the highest national and state standards for EMS education.
This commitment not only supports student success but also reflects the program’s dedication to transparency and continuous improvement.
To see how these standards translate into real outcomes, explore our program statistics for key insights into student performance, certification success, and overall program effectiveness.
Grow Your Skills with University Hospitals
Find the Right Class for You!
From first-time certifications to renewals, we offer a full lineup of courses to support your goals. Our programs include Initial EMS Certifications and a variety of American Heart Association (AHA) courses tailored for healthcare providers and those entering the field. With convenient scheduling and expert instruction, it’s easy to find a class that fits your needs.
You can also learn more by exploring our class catalogs for both Medical Professionals and Community Members. To view upcoming courses and enroll, scan the QR code or click the links below.
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