Certificate of Achievement-Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Emphasis

Great Basin College offers a one-year Certificate of Achievement- Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Emphasis. The GBC paramedic program allows for working professionals to continue their education utilizing distant learning. Skills are completed on a GBC campus with several clinical and practicum experiences options many within the students community. The paramedic program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMPS) and by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Mission of the AAS & Certificate of Achievement Paramedic Program

To provide an accessible, student -centered, post -secondary paramedic education that prepares graduates for paramedic practice and ensures that patients within our communities receive a higher level of EMS care by paramedics trained with the highest standards.

Admission Information

Questions about the certificate or AAS degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic program or the application process can be directed to the School of Health Sciences & Behavioral Health at 775-327-2317.

To schedule an advisement meeting with the EMS Program Director, please click on this link and select a time that works best for you:

Admission to the certificate or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Special application and admission requirements exist for EMS. Prospective students should:

Apply for admission by completing the Application for Admission packet available online. Applications are available in January and must be submitted by May 31 at 5 p.m. for the Fall semester.

Return completed forms to:

School of Health Sciences & Behavioral Health
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, NV 89801

Minimum Expectations Goal of the Paramedic Program

To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

The paramedic student receives anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and medication administration instruction as well as training in advanced medical skills. Extensive related course work and clinical and field experience is required. Paramedic education prepares the graduate to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) examination and become certified as a paramedic.

Enrollment in the program is limited and students are only admitted in the fall semester. Selection is made using a point system. Points are awarded for each general education course taken and passed. General education courses are not required for admittance into the program but students with completed courses will have a higher point range for admittance. Students must have a passing grade of C, in all courses, to receive additional points. Specific paramedic courses that are part of the program may not be taken prior to admission.

Students who do not have an ACT or SAT score and who have not started English and mathematics requirements, must complete the English/mathematics Accuplacer Placement Test. There is no charge for this test, and it must be taken prior to enrolling in prerequisite courses. The Accuplacer Placement Test is available at the Academic Success Center. For more information and testing times, call 775-327-2247.

Year of admission to the AAS or Certificate of Achievement- Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic program determines catalog year and course requirements.

Prerequisites to be completed prior to or during the semester in which application is made to the Paramedic program include:

• Current EMT or AEMT certification with Nevada
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR Card
• Proof of current Medical Insurance
• Required Immunizations
  • MMR (2 doses)
  • Varicella (2 Doses)
  • Current Flu Vaccine (or exemption)
  • 2 Step TB within the last 12 months
  • Hepatitis B Series (3 in series, at least 2 prior to the start of class)
  • Tetanus Immunization with last 10 years
  • Covid-19 Immunization(s) or approved exemption (subject to approval)

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students are expected to:

Demonstrate integration of cognitive knowledge and skills proficiency as an entry level Nationally Registered Paramedic.

Demonstrate entry-level Nationally Registered Paramedic educational preparation by applying problem-solving, clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills required for assessment based management in a variety of prehospital settings.

Apply therapeutic and professional communication skills when working with patients, patients’ significant others, colleagues, and other health care providers and members of the community.

Apply broad intellectual aptitude and awareness with regard to pure science, management, psychology, sociology, human services, personal wellness and cultural diversity to support and enhance the role as a public safety and health care professional.

Recognize the importance of research and scientific inquiry to promote continuous, quality improvement in prehospital health care delivery.

Recognize and acknowledge that the emerging roles and responsibilities of the Paramedic include public education, health promotion, and participation in injury and illness prevention programs.

Recognize and demonstrate the importance of adapting pre-hospital care to a diverse patient population of age, gender, culture, religion, alternate life style, and background within a community.

Assume the role of leadership as an advanced life support provider and role model for other EMS providers.

For More Information

School of Health Sciences & Behavioral Health
775-327-2317

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Why Great Basin College

Great Basin College offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming students from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.