The Bakersfield College Paramedic Training Program is a non-degree granting, non-college credit, clock hour vocational curriculum program. Bakersfield College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for EMS. The program follows the DOT (Department of Transportation) Curriculum Standards.
The Bakersfield College Paramedic Program is a clock-hours vocational program. The curriculum consists of 1090 instructional hours that are divided into 3 sections. The classroom or didactic portion consists of 450 hours using lectures, workshops, and demonstrations. The classes will typically meet 3 days a week from 8 to 5. The clinical phase is 160 hours minimum and students are scheduled at different hospital sites on rotating shifts. The field internship will take place at an approved location and the student will perform paramedic duties while supervised by a licensed paramedic.
The estimated cost for the paramedic course training is $5,000.00. This covers tuition and all program materials, excluding books, uniforms, and other fees (such as parking permits) which are to be purchased separately. There is a separate cost of $40.00 for the EMT-Paramedic Qualifying Entrance Exam. If a student desires a parking permit, there is also an additional charge.
Enrollment Prerequisites
- must have a valid driver’s license
- have a high school diploma or the equivalent
- must be 18 years of age
- pass a physical examination
- must pass a background check
- must have current immunization records
- must pass drug screening - and stay drug free
- must be EMT certified prior to entering paramedic program
- may not have received a dishonorable military discharge
- must have successfully completed specific math, English, anatomy and physiology courses
- must hold a current CPR card
Application Information
The first step in the application process is to obtain the form from the Allied Health Division office on campus or from the Allied Health website. Next, prospective students must schedule a time to take the EMT-P qualifying exam. To schedule the test, call (661) 395-4284. At the time of the test, the following paperwork must be turned in: completed application, a $40 fee (subject to change), copies of your EMT 1 license, driver’s license, and your CPR card.
Entrance into the EMS training program is based on the score of the entrance examination. The top 24 to 25 scores will be selected for the program. Official acceptance into the program will require payment of the full tuition amount, three letters of recommendation, and field internship sponsor letter. Students must also submit a physical examination including an alcohol and drug test and a background check, which is paid for by the student.
Contact Information
For more information about the program, contact Cindy Collier at (661)395-4282 or by email at ccollier@bc.cc.ca.us.
Allied Health/Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(661) 395-4284
FAX: (661) 395-4295
