Imperial Valley College, in California, offers both a certificate and associate degree program for EMT Paramedics. Imperial Valley College was first under the name of Central Junior College, beginning in May of 1922. The college underwent some changes and as a result the name was officially changed to Imperial Valley College in late 1951. Located in Imperial CA, the college is in Imperial County, near the Mexican border.
Program Information
The program is structured for the EMT I (basic) and EMT II who wish to advance to the level of paramedic or seek a career in emergency medical services. The programs begin during the spring semester, with didactic 1 and 2 running from February through June. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Didactic 3 runs from June through July. Clinicals consist of 12-hour shifts that are scheduled accordingly. The field courses are 24-hour shifts.
The certificate program is 41.5 units, which include didactic 1, 2, and 3, clinical, and field 1 and 2. for a total of 1,413 hours. The associate degree program is 47.5 units, for a total of 1,521 hours and includes all of the classes for the certificate and additional courses in anatomy, physiology, human relations, and management concepts.
Program Prerequisites
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Biology, Anatomy and Physiology
- Reading placement test
- Math placement test
- Complete application packet
- Current CPR certification (by the American Heart Assoc.)
- EMT Transcripts (for advanced EMS levels)
- Current EMT I or EMT II certification (for advanced EMS levels)
- Minimum 1 years’ experience as EMT I or II (for advanced EMS levels)
- Completion of IVC’s EMT I Proficiency exam
Acceptance into a training for paramedic program must be approved by the EMS Training Director/Coordinator and Medical Director
Additional Information
The cost of the program includes IVC registration fees, CPR fees, ALS fees, books, clinical and field uniforms, health fees, malpractice insurance, fingerprinting fee, and fees for the National registry exam. The estimated total for the course is $2,883, which does not include mileage or living expenses.
An Application can be found in a PDF format on line. Imperial Valley College Paramedic Program also strongly suggests courses in Medical Terminology, English Composition, Algebra, and Medication Mathematics prior to enrolling.
Contact Information
For more information about the EMS program at Imperial College, the EMS office can be contacted at (760) 355-6483. Questions can also be submitted by email to sara.wheat@imperial.edu.