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College of the Sequoias Paramedic Program Application Information​

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This information will be used for Cohort One beginning Tuesday, June 18, 2024

*Admission requirements and procedures are subject to change at any time.

Paramedic Program Admission Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

• 2.5 or higher GPA on combined paramedic prerequisites:

• EMT 251 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Course Equivalent.

• Current NREMT or Local EMS Authority EMT Certification 

• Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Healthcare Provider CPR Card.

• A minimum grade of “C" in all prerequisite courses is required. Be advised that a “C" in all prerequisites courses does not meet the 2.5 minimum GPA requirements. 

• No more than two repetitions of any EMT course is allowed. "W" counts as a repeat.

• Completion of Paramedic Program Application submitted by deadline.

• Completion of the Paramedic Program written entrance exam by the application deadline.

• Background, Drug Screening, Physical Exams, and Immunizations required by the start of the program.

• Strongly recommend six months of full-time verified work experience as an EMT on an emergency response vehicle, such as a fire engine or private ambulance.
  

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS TIMELINE

NEXT APPLICATION OPENS MARCH 2025 FOR THE SUMMER 2025 PARAMEDIC PROGRAM 

Entrance Examination Dates:

• ​2025 Entrance Exam Dates to be Annouced 
  

Applicant Review & Follow up (as needed): 04/22/2024-04/26/2024

Applicant Notification: 04/30/2024 (no later than)

Cohort One (1) Orientation: 05/15/2024

Program Start Date: 06/18/2024 0830 College of the Sequoias Hanford Campus 925 13th Ave, Hanford, CA 93230

STUDENT PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

In order to successfully complete this program, an applicant/student must be able to meet these baseline physical requirements (or their equivalent).

1. Exhibit physical ability sufficient to assist patients to meet health care needs in a variety of settings, including moving from room-to-room, to maneuver in small spaces, and to negotiate stairwells when necessary.

Examples:

• Physical mobility and strength sufficient to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. through doorways and close-fitting areas alone or with assistance

• Stand, walk up to 75% of 12 to 24-hour shifts
  

• Stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment and provide advanced life Support/paramedic care

• Lift a minimum of 20 pounds of weight

• Transfer/position up to 300 pounds with assistance while lifting, positioning, and transferring patients

• Perform CPR satisfactorily and respond quickly in an emergency situation 

2. Demonstrate gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective emergency care.

Examples:

• Demonstrate physical dexterity and coordination in delivery of care, treatment, and medications

• Hold skin taut with one hand while inserting needle in skin or vein with other hand and perform other Procedures requiring the use of 2 hands

• Pick up, grasp, and effectively manipulate small objects such as dials, syringes, switches

• Calibrate and use equipment

• Maintain sterile technique when performing sterile procedures 

3. Display auditory, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to safely assess and care for patients.

Examples:

• Hear monitors, alarms, emergency signals, lung/heart sounds, bowel sounds, and cries for help, telephone, intercom interactions, and public address systems (codes)

• Perceive and receive verbal communications from clients, families, and health team members

• Read written words and information on paper and computer screens, small print, gauges, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment

• Discriminate colors: changes in color, size and continuity of body parts

• Discriminate alterations in normal body activities such as breathing patterns and level of consciousness

• Observe hazards in environment (water spills, safety rails, restraints) and harmful situations

• Perform physical assessment: palpate pulses, feel for heat or cold, tap body surfaces​
  

APPLICATION SCORING RUBRIC:

 The College of the Sequoias Paramedic program is currently seeking a Letter of Review, which is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, but is a status granted by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

Application rubric is being piloted as a research study to determine most effective criteria for success in the paramedic program and to validate which criteria contribute to passing the national examination. ​