Saddleback College is located just off Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, California. It is the official provider for Paramedic Education for Orange County, offering students the necessary courses for certification at the highest level of paramedic. The paramedic program is located in the Health Sciences building.
Program Information
The Saddleback College Paramedic Program requires a combination of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensure and a minimum of one year experience in the emergency medical field prior to entering the courses.
Classes begin three times a year, in January, April, and September. As of 2011, the cost of the program is $26 per unit and the course consists of 33.5 units for a total of approximately $871. This is only the paramedic school enrollment fee and does not include testing costs, books, or any other fees involved with the program.
Program 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 CA EMT certified prior to entering paramedic program
- may not have received a dishonorable military discharge
- must have successfully completed ENG 101 or take the college placement exam and score into ENG 101
- must hold a current CPR card
Application Process
In addition to the above requirements, matriculation results must be attached to the application. This is required if the student has not completed an English course that can be transferred.
Verified work experience and letters of at least one year as an EMT. Letters must be written on company letterhead and signed by the manager or supervisor of the department.
Letters of recommendation are not required, but are highly recommended.
Additionally, course in Cardiac Dysrhythmias, Paramedic Preparation and Medical terminology are highly recommended prior to entering the program.
Each course has a specific deadline for the application process. Applications for the program can be downloaded online and submitted to:
EMS Education/Saddleback College
2800 Marguerite Pkwy.
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Contact Information
For additional information about the program, Barbara Penland is the chair of the department and can be reached by phone at (949) 582-4385. Chelsey Gray is the program specialist and can be reached at (949)-582-4581. Randy Hardick is a member of the staff and can be reached by calling (949)582-4819.