Paramedic
Paramedic - AAS
The Paramedic Training program is operated by Bellingham Technical College (BTC). The City of Bellingham operating as Bellingham Medic One (BMO) has been acting as a partner in the development and instructional support. While BTC operates the program, BMO and the Whatcom County Technical Advisory Board provide significant input. BTC retains overall program accreditation and administration per requirements.
This program is intended to train full-time firefighter/EMTs who are assigned to ALS ambulances within Whatcom County as well as members of other partnering agencies within the North Region counties meeting the entrance requirements. Students are sponsored in the program by their employer(s) and as such are subject to the rights and responsibilities of their employment. (See the Washington State Amended National Standard Curriculum Paramedic for a Functional Job Analysis in accord with ADA regulations).
BTC's student graduates prepared for top jobs: 100 percent of program graduates passed the National Registry Exam and Washington State Certification in 2019 and 2020. We have 100% successful placement of our students in 2019 and 2020.
This paramedic program is in "LOR" status by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The CAAHEP may be reached at 9355 113th St N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775. Phone 727.210.2350. www.caahep.org.
This paramedic program is in "LOR" status by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The CoAEMSP may be reached at 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312 Rowlett, TX 75088. Phone 214.703.8445. https://coaemsp.org.
Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Paramedic curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
Employment Information
Jobs in the Paramedic field are currently in high demand. There is a shortage of qualified workers and many available positions to fill. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paramedic employment is expected to grow faster than average in upcoming years. This is due to a number of factors, including the need for 24-hour care, and the aging of a large percentage of the population. Aside from job security, a career as a Paramedic also offers you the chance to become an important part of your community, and to truly help people in their most dire time of need.
Estimated Program Costs
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
This is a private program and applications are submitted through the Whatcom County EMS and Bellingham Fire Department.
Students will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. To be considered fully vaccinated, two weeks must have passed since the date of the second dose or first dose for the one-dose vaccine. The program’s clinical partner agencies will not accept any exemption to full COVID-19 vaccination.
Classes
Total Program Credits: 112
Completion of AAS-T General Education Courses are Pre-requisites Note: State and NREMTP requirements specify that the National Registry Exam the National Registry Exam is not considered classroom hours. and is not included in the program credits. Pre-Program
MEDIC 100 Anatomy & Physiology for Paramedics 5 CR CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 CR PSYC& 100 General Psychology 5 CR AMATH 100 Applied Occupational Math 5 CR OR MATH 107 Math In Society 5 CR AENGL 100 Applied English 5 CR OR ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 CR Quarter 1
MEDIC 101 Paramedic Concepts I 12 CR MEDIC 102 Paramedical Clinical Experience I 2 CR Quarter 2
MEDIC 121 Paramedic Concepts II 14 CR MEDIC 122 Paramedic Clinical Experience II 2 CR MEDIC 131 Paramedic Concepts III 16 CR MEDIC 132 Paramedic Clinical Experience III 5 CR Quarter 3
MEDIC 141 Paramedic Concepts IV 16 CR MEDIC 142 Paramedic Clinical Experience IV 2 CR Quarter 4
MEDIC 151 Paramedic Application and Capstone 13 CR
Online Asynchronous
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Asynchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Self-SupportProgram Outcomes
To prepare competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.
In addition, the goal of the Bellingham Technical College Paramedic Training Program is to produce Washington State and Nationally certified paramedics who demonstrate expertise as ALS providers and are prepared to work independent of field supervision, provide excellent patient care and customer service.
Faculty & Support
Laura Doss
Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!