Paramedic

Student performing CPR on training dummy

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, 2020 and 2021. We have 100 percent successful placement of our students in 2019, 2020 and 2021. We have 100 percent retention of program students in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

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

Tuition Fees and Rates

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

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
- Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
- In the new tab login to ctcLink
- Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Proceed to ctcLink login in new window
For each class:
- Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
- Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
- A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
- Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
- Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.

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
The paramedic student will integrate a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the normal human body. Active participation in the course will enable students to assimilate the microscopic and macroscopic structure of organs and organ systems, and apply the concepts of cellular metabolism and anatomical principles to human body function. Physiological integration of organ systems, as well as application of key concepts to health and disease are emphasized.
Prerequisite:
Acceptance into the Program.
CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 CR
Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 8:30 AM-9:50 AM Zamora
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MWF 8:30 AM-9:50 AM Burns
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
OR
PSYC& 100 General Psychology 5 CR
An overview of the factors affecting behavior including topics related to theories of learning, the senses, perceptions, nervous system, emotions, personality theory, motivation, abnormal behavior and therapy, and social psychology.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading (256) or higher OR RDG 085 with a B or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (255) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a B or higher OR AENGL 100 with a C or higher, OR BUS 191 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 MW 12:30 PM-1:50 PM Smith
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MW 2:10 PM-3:30 PM Smith
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
AMATH 100 Applied Occupational Math 5 CR
This course emphasizes mathematics used in the professional technical occupations. Students will learn mathematical skills in the following: fractions, decimals, percents, ratios & proportions, U.S. Customary Units and metric measurement systems, basic geometry and elementary algebra. The course will include relevant technical applications and the use of a calculator.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic (230) or higher or ABE 050 with a C or higher or approved alternative placement criteria.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 TTh 10:30 AM-12:40 PM Hegeberg
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 MWF 8:30 AM-9:50 AM Hegeberg
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
OR
MATH 107 Math In Society 5 CR
AENGL 100 Applied English 5 CR
This applied English course focuses on the workplace communication skills needed to send, receive, and process oral and written information. Along with a review of writing fundamentals, learners will use principles of clear communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness in occupational contexts. Learners will sharpen their reading, writing, and presentation skills.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 TTh 8:00 AM-10:10 AM Gernand
Spring 2023
04/05/2023-06/23/2023 TTh 10:30 AM-12:40 PM Gernand
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
OR
ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 CR
A composition course in which students read, analyze, and write essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies, as well as develop and verbally express ideas clearly and effectively. The critical reading of essays will provide a basis for the student's own critical writing, which will reflect a command of college-level literacy standards. Attention to writing fundamentals and stylistic techniques will also be included. Word processing, email and internet knowledge required.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, AND ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 86 or ENGL 092 with a B or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher
Current & Future Offerings:
Winter 2023
01/04/2023-03/24/2023 TTh 1:10 PM-3:20 PM Richards
Icon Key
- Online Asynchronous
- Online Synchronous
- Hybrid Asynchronous
- Hybrid Synchronous
- Face-to-Face
- Self-Support
- Definitions
  Online Asynchronous - The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Online Synchronous - The class is taught completely online; attendance at scheduled online class meetings at specific times is required. There is no face-to-face instruction.
  Hybrid Asynchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
  Hybrid Synchronous - This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
  Face-to-Face - This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
  
  Self Support - Self-Support classes have different fees and refund policy than state-supported classes. See the Tuition and Fees page for more details.
  
  Synchronous - Online class meetings are scheduled to occur in real time.
  Asynchronous - No required online class meetings are scheduled.
  
  Note: All modalities include regular coursework due dates and require class participation.
Quarter 1
MEDIC 101 Paramedic Concepts I 12 CR
Introduce students to the fundamental lifesaving psychomotor skills of paramedic care. The course will cover basic life support resuscitation techniques, patient exams, medications and administration routes, and proper airway management at the advanced life support level. Skills practice shall include use of correct intervention equipment.
Prerequisite:
Agency Selection and acceptance
MEDIC 102 Paramedical Clinical Experience I 2 CR
The focus of this clinical course is the development of advanced airway skills by intubation of patients in the OR, observations and participation in the care of patients in the Emergency Department, to include IV therapies. Students will also spend time observing and assisting with treatment of paramedic care in the field setting.
Prerequisite:
MEDIC 100 with a C or higher. Corequisite: MEDIC 101
Quarter 2
MEDIC 121 Paramedic Concepts II 14 CR
The Paramedic student will learn all skills necessary for an individual to provide emergency care for medical emergency patient at the paramedic level. Specifically, after successful completion of the course, the student will be capable of performing the following functions at the advanced entry level: Recognize the nature and seriousness of the patient's condition or extent of the medical condition to assess requirements for emergency medical care. Administer appropriate emergency medical care and interventions, based on assessment findings of the patient's condition. Lift, move, position and otherwise handle the patient to minimize discomfort and prevent further injury. Perform safely and effectively the expectation of the job description.
Prerequisites:
Paramedic Concepts I
MEDIC 122 Paramedic Clinical Experience II 2 CR
Students will gain practical clinical knowledge through observation and assessment of cardiac patients in CCU, intubations in the operating room, mental health unit, intensive care unit and treatment of patients in the Emergency Department.
Prerequisite:
MEDIC 101, MEDIC 102 Corequisite: MEDIC 121
MEDIC 131 Paramedic Concepts III 16 CR
The foundation knowledge that students will learn will address assessment and treatment of the trauma patient and various traumatic injuries, assessment and treatment of general medical patients. Lab sessions will focus on development of the psychomotor skills necessary for the student to be successful in the field setting.
Prerequisite:
MEDIC 121, and MEDIC 122 each with a C or higher.
MEDIC 132 Paramedic Clinical Experience III 5 CR
Students will gain an understanding and skills of trauma and pediatric patients through various skills participation and observation at the Emergency Department or Medical Examiner/Morgue, Children's Hospital, Cordata Pediatrics, and Harborview Medical Center.
Prerequisites:
MEDIC 121 and MEDIC 122 each with a C or higher. Corequisite: MEDIC 131
Quarter 3
MEDIC 141 Paramedic Concepts IV 16 CR
This course will focus on gaining knowledge of special patients and situations, such as behavioral/altered mental status disorders, OB/GYN, Geriatrics, Crime Scenes, Abuse and Assault, Multi-cultural issues, and mass-casualty incidents. Lab sessions will focus on development of the psychomotor skills necessary for the student to be successful in the field setting.
Prerequisite:
MEDIC 131, and MEDIC 132 each with a C or higher.
MEDIC 142 Paramedic Clinical Experience IV 2 CR
Students will gain skills through participation and observation in a variety of clinical settings. These may include: labor and delivery, Geriatric Center, Community Paramedic and/or St. Joseph CQU Campus, and Bellingham Police Department.
Prerequisites:
MEDIC 131 and MEDIC 132 each with a C or higher, preceptor observation, and clinical evaluation forms.
Quarter 4
MEDIC 151 Paramedic Application and Capstone 13 CR
All students who have all course work in foundation knowledge and skill must complete a culminating exam. This exam will emulate the National Registry Exam, and is used to assess the student's overall learning in the program. The examination will be in three parts: two written and a practicum skill component. This course is graded based on passing all skills requirements and written exam scores. The exam is three parts: examination preparation, practical skills examination, and written examination. Students will also be evaluated in extensive field experience while riding in a third person role, and acting as the lead medic.
Prerequisite:
MEDIC 141, MEDIC 142

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year closest to the year started, without going over, to see program requirements for a student who started the program that year:

Program 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.

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Zamora
Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MWF	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Burns

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	MW	12:30 PM-1:50 PM	Smith
Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MW	2:10 PM-3:30 PM	Smith

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	TTh	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Hegeberg
Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	MWF	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Hegeberg

Winter 2023
	01/04/2023-03/24/2023	TTh	8:00 AM-10:10 AM	Gernand
Spring 2023
	04/05/2023-06/23/2023	TTh	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Gernand

BTC is open for normal operations

BTC is open for normal operations today and classes will be on time. Please travel safely.

Paramedic

Paramedic

Paramedic - AAS

Employment Information

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 112

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

Pre-Program

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Faculty & Support