POWELL, WYOMING – An additional pathway to earn a paramedic certificate has been added at Northwest College, allowing EMS professionals to complete the program in 14 to 15 months. The primary goal of the program is to provide the working advanced emergency medical technicians with career mobility and an avenue to provide safe, competent care as an entry-level paramedic.

Students begin the four-semester Paramedic Skills Certificate (S.C.) with a single course in the summer, followed by one course during the fall and one during the ensuing spring semesters. The program is completed with one more course the following summer, preparing them to sit for the National Registry Examination and achieve NREMT certification. Classes must be passed with a B- or higher to progress.

The program includes clinical experiences, skill instruction, and didactic learning opportunities, enabling successful graduates to offer advanced life support to all ages and populations. A current unencumbered EMT-A license, successful entrance exam score, and panel interview are prerequisites.

All four classes are also part of the preexisting Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedicine program, and students have the flexibility to switch from one program to another based on personal need. For those students who have already earned a college degree and meet the prerequisites, the Paramedic S.C. allows them to pursue further education without needing to enroll in another degree-seeking program.