CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report is for the calendar year 2023.

Mission Statement

​The primary mission of the Broward College Paramedic Program is to provide competent, culturally sensitive, skilled Paramedics who were exposed to a strong educational foundation inclusive of cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains. Our goal is to provide graduates that offer the highest quality of pre-hospital emergency medical care. Through our partnerships within the community, we are the leading EMS program in Broward County.

Program Goals

To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. Both the institutional and program goals focus on the preparation of the student for employment, the preparation of the student for higher level education, providing learning opportunities for the student and the overall success of the student.   

• Prepare knowledgeable and skilled students who possess the critical thinking and problem solving abilities to sustain the professional, moral and ethical obligations associated with being a member of the Paramedic team.
• Prepare students to successfully complete the National Registry Paramedic Examination.
• Organize and maintain an advisory committee, which consists of persons actively practicing or supporting the Paramedic profession.
• Apply the process of care for emergency management to a diverse patient population using the most current theory and technology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe and effective patient care by adherence to the National EMS Curriculum and Standards.
• Ensure students receive accurate information, guidance and advisement to obtain optimal direction for their educational pursuit in the Paramedic profession.

Technical Performance Standards

The professional level of a Paramedic requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Paramedic must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care. The activities listed below are examples of the type of activities in which a student in the Paramedic program will be required to perform in order to successfully complete the program.

1. Motor Skills: Demonstrate a high degree of manual dexterity and the ability to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general treatment and emergency care to patients/clients; must be able to life large weights (50 lbs) without assistance; the ability to maneuver with mobility in small spaces, as well as be sedentary for several hours at a time.
2. Visual: Demonstrate visual acuity and perception sufficient for observation and assessment.
3. Tactile: Demonstrate tactile abilities and sufficient sensitivity with all digits of both hands to complete pertinent assessment information and provide treatment, as needed.
4. Hearing: Demonstrate functional use of hearing to acquire and mentally process information that is heard and to better monitor and assess patient.
5. Communication: Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly with patients/clients, physicians, other health professionals, faculty, significant others, community or professional groups and colleagues. Communication includes: verbal and nonverbal expression, reading, writing, computation, and computer skills.
6. Interpersonal: Demonstrate the ability to relate to others verbally beyond giving and receiving instruction, and to cooperate with people from a variety of social, emotional, intellectual and cultural backgrounds.
7. Critical Thinking: Demonstrate critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment and problem solving, to maintain competent judgment under stressful conditions, and to apply quick reaction time in an emergency situation.
8. Organizational Skills: Demonstrate the ability to handle multi-tasks simultaneously and to operate in a logical, sequential, and orderly manner.
9. Intellectual Abilities: Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and with development of positive patient-student relationships.
10. Commitment to Learning: Demonstrate a positive attitude toward decision- making policies and program operating rules and procedures.
11. Affective Learning Skills (Behavioral & Social attitudes): Demonstrate appropriate affective behaviors and mental attitudes in order not to jeopardize the mental, emotional, physical, and behavioral safety of colleagues and other individuals with whom one interacts in the academic, laboratory, and clinical setting.

Broward College Paramedic Program

Adaptability in Paramedicine

1. Work Environment Paramedics must quickly adjust to ever-changing and unpredictable environments, including emergency scenes, hospitals, and disaster zones. Remaining calm under pressure and making fast, informed decisions is essential for ensuring the safety of themselves, their team, and their patients.
2. Key Characteristics Successful paramedics exhibit resilience, empathy, and strong communication skills. They must handle stress effectively, collaborate with healthcare professionals, and provide compassionate care to patients in critical situations.
3. Medical Knowledge A strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and emergency medicine is vital. Continuous education and staying informed on evolving medical protocols and advancements ensures high-quality patient care.
4. Essential Skills Proficiency in airway management, IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, and trauma assessment is crucial. Additionally, paramedics must demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex medical emergencies.
5. Teamwork & Collaboration Working alongside EMTs, nurses, and physicians, paramedics must excel in teamwork. Trust, clear communication, and adaptability within different roles are necessary to provide seamless emergency care.
6. Cultural Competency Serving diverse populations requires an understanding and respect for different healthcare beliefs and communication styles. Cultural awareness fosters trust and improves patient interactions.
7. Physical & Mental Resilience The job demands physical endurance for lifting patients and equipment, along with mental strength to manage high-stress situations. Self-care and peer support are crucial for long-term career sustainability.
8. Ethical & Legal Responsibilities Paramedics must uphold ethical standards and legal guidelines, including patient consent, confidentiality, and scope of practice. Maintaining professionalism and integrity is essential for patient trust and career longevity.

EMTs and paramedics are the eyes and ears of the medical community. Being a paramedic is less about dramatic resuscitations and more about being: 

• Resourceful
• A critical thinker
• A problem solver
• Driven to constantly improve clinical skills

As a student in our programs, and later as a professional working in the field, you'll encounter a number of tasks, skills and personal qualities vital to success, including:

• Lifting and carrying patients
• Having a good driving record
• Working quickly under pressure
• Being able to work in a team environment
• Possessing above-average hand and finger dexterity
• Seeing, hearing and evaluating details relevant to a patient’s condition
• Maintaining emotional stability when treating people who may be critically injured or in a state of shock

Program Milestones

The EMS program has several milestones and is designed for students to be able to earn an Associate of Science degree in EMS in six semesters. 

• Milestone #1 is EMT certification with the State of Florida.
  *State licensure at the EMT level is a requirement for Paramedic training. 
• Milestone #2 is state certification at the Paramedic level. 
• Milestone #3 is completion of the Associate of Science Degree in EMS
• Milestone #4 is completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with an EMS track

Scheduling Options

The EMT program offers multiple cohorts on both North and Central Campus. Day and night class are offered based on admissions and student preferences. 

The first two semesters of Paramedic (P1 and P2) are offered on North Campus with "Day" and "Night" cohorts. The last two semesters (P3 and P4) are offered on Central Campus with "Day" and "Night" cohorts. The Paramedic program requires a student to stay in the day or evening cohort once they begin the program. Hardships will be considered on a case by case basis.

Program Length 

​The EMT certification course is one semester long (12 credit hours).

The Paramedic Certificate is four semesters in length (42 credit hours).

The total time to complete the EMS Associate’s Degree program is six semesters (73 credit hours).

Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length and the summer semester is 12 weeks. The Summer semesters is accelerated with the same content as the 16 week course but compressed into a shorter timeframe. As such, summer class sessions are longer in duration. The total amount of time in each class is the same number of hours whether you attend in the Fall/Spring or in the Summer.

EMS Cohort Model

Broward College EMT and Paramedic programs are organized as cohorts, groups of students who take all of their courses together. People learn better in groups, and cohorts also build community, teach accountability, foster leadership skills, and encourage communication. These attributes are critical to the EMS profession. Our cohorts are also arranged as “day” and “night” groups to make your class schedule as consistent as possible.

View EMS Program Catalog.

The estimated total cost of the:

• EMT Technician Applied Technology Diploma for Florida residents including tuition, special course fees, books, uniforms, and other fees (e.g., insurance, background checks, drug screening, health physical) is $2000*​​. For out-of-state applicants, the estimated total cost is $5,000*.
• Paramedic Technical Certificate for Florida residents including tuition, special course fees, books, uniforms, and other fees (e.g., insurance, background checks, drug screening, health physical) is $7000*​​. For out-of-state applicants, the estimated total cost is $16,000*.
• Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services for Florida residents including tuition, special course fees, books, uniforms, and other fees (e.g., insurance, background checks, drug screening, health physical) is $10,000*​​. For out-of-state applicants, the estimated total cost is $30,000*.

* The cost listed above is a current estimate and is subject to change without notice. 

For general college tuition information.

For more information regarding Tuition Payment Plan.

The faculty at Broward College’s EMS program represents the best, brightest and most talented paramedics, nurses and physicians in our region. Program faculty serve as lecturers, lab instructors, clinical preceptors and mentors to paramedic students during their time at Broward College. Additionally, Broward College EMS program faculty include virtually every fire, EMS and police agency in this region. This adds incredible depth to the learning experience of our students as they learn from the best of the best.

The job outlook for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow at a much faster pace than average, with a 22 percent increase in career opportunities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Upon completing your certification or associate’s degree, your primary responsibilities will include:

• Taking vital signs
• Examining patients
• Obtaining medical histories
• Providing basic life support and emergency medical care to stabilize a patient's condition

Our graduates are heavily recruited for positions throughout Florida and they find career opportunities in a variety of areas, such as:

• Fire departments
• Industrial settings
• Primary care clinics
• Fire-rescue agencies
• Private ambulance companies
• Aero-medical transport agencies
• Public safety/police departments
• Hospital emergency/trauma departments

The National Registry of EMTs can be a valuable site to search for EMS job postings and news. You can also browse jobs through Broward College’s Career Center. 
 

Visit the Florida Department of Health's website for EMT and Paramedic licensing applications.

View the tutorial on "How to use the Online Licensure Application for Emergency Medical Technician Applicants."

Expanding your education provides a great opportunity to keep your career moving. Paramedic students are strongly encouraged to complete the Associate of Science Degree in EMS. 

Paramedics who graduate from Broward College with a degree are automatically admitted to any Florida public university. This can lead to completion of a bachelor’s degree, nursing school, physician assistance school, law school or even medical school. Many paramedics go on to graduate school to learn more about educational theory, management and risk mitigation.

Paramedic Gainful Employment Disclosure 

Broward College Emergency Medical Services

Health Science Admissions
healthscience@broward.edu                                                                         

Health Science Advisor
Aaron Dean
adean1@broward.edu                                                               

EMT Program Manager
David Gains
dgains@broward.edu                      

Paramedic Program Manager
Ryan Gabner
rgabner@broward.edu

RSVP for our monthly Live Virtual Information Sessions to learn more!

BROWARD COLLEGE SACSCOC ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Broward College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. Broward College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Broward College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Additional Program Accreditation

The Broward College Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Technical Certificate and AS Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

To contact CAAHEP:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street, Clearwater, Fl. 33756 | 727-210-2350

To contact CoAEMSP:
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, Texas 75088 | 214-703-8445