Paramedic Program Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Paramedic?
A. The paramedic is a rapidly expanding medical
role that is gaining in popularity, diversity, and demand. The paramedic
possesses qualities and abilities that separate this job from many others in
the healthcare profession. He/she must work in a highly variable, often
chaotic environment, with the ability to make rapid decisions and take full
responsibility for patient care. By far, the most important characteristic
of the paramedic is a commitment and dedication to unconditionally give the
best of themselves to others during their time of crisis.
The working hours are also variable with most paramedics
working shift work. The employment opportunities for paramedics is
regionally variable. The national average starting salary is
$47,000-$66,000 for the west region according to
J.E.M.S. 2006
Salary Survey.
Q. How affordable is the REMSA Paramedic Program?
A. The tuition cost of $6000 may be separated
into 4 equal quarters costing $1,500 each or 10 months costing $600. There
are 2 didactic semesters, one clinical semester, and one field semester. The
tuition includes textbooks, uniforms, and safety equipment.
Q. What does the REMSA Paramedic Program include?
A. The REMSA Paramedic Program is all-inclusive.
The program is conducted at our state-of-the-art facility, on site at the
REMSA Training Center. Paramedic preceptors are routinely
involved in classroom lab sessions so the student and the preceptor will be
well acquainted prior to the field internship. Students practice
scenario-based patient management utilizing the same equipment and in the
actual ambulances they will be performing in during their field internship.
The program’s clinical and field practicum are diverse,
convenient, and guaranteed to be within the Reno area. While many paramedic
programs require students to arrange their own internships, often out of the
region or state, the REMSA Paramedic Program feels it is imperative to
establish and maintain ongoing, positive community relationships and to
insist on a high level of quality control to produce highly competent,
credentialed, entry-level paramedics.
Q. How do I apply to the REMSA Paramedic Program?
A. The application packets are provided at the mandatory
orientations. The first step to applying for the process is to attend the
orientations. Follow the link to
Important Dates.
Q. When is the application deadline?
A. Please follow the link to
Important Dates.
Q. Are there grants and/or loans available?
A. At this time, REMSA does not offer grants or
loans. However, as REMSA is a licensed postsecondary
educational institution by the State of Nevada Education Department, we can
accept payment from employment retraining agencies and from the GI bill.
REMSA offers two types of
scholarships for
employees.
Q. Are there refunds if I cannot continue in the
program?
A. Yes, a prorated tuition reimbursement is
applicable (see application). Books and uniforms are not refundable.
Q. How does the REMSA Paramedic Program differ from
other paramedic programs?
A. It is important to keep in mind that all
paramedic programs must meet the Department of Transportation curriculum
guidelines. How that is achieved is what makes each program unique.
REMSA’s paramedic program is a vocationally-based
course, designed for the student with some emergency services experience who
desires a career as an EMT-Paramedic. Unlike most regional programs, REMSA’s
program is all-inclusive. In other words, the REMSA paramedic student takes
the didactic, clinical, and field course work and practicum all in Reno,
guaranteed. Many regional programs provide the Didactic portion of the
program at their site, but then send the student out of the area, and in
some cases out state, to complete their clinical and/or field internships.
Some programs even require students to arrange their own internships,
usually at considerable additional expense. The travel and lodging
expenditures this can incur greatly adds to the overall cost of the program.
Perhaps the most important difference in our program is
the men and women of REMSA. From the highly experienced instructional staff
to the seasoned group of field paramedic preceptors, the REMSA paramedic
student is in a constant environment of support and professionalism where
REMSA’s commitment to excellence is experienced daily.
Q. That sounds great, but what is the difference
between REMSA’s Paramedic Program and a college-based program?
A. There are many varieties of paramedic programs
in the U.S. Some are academic-based, usually conducted at a community
college, while others are vocationally-based.
Academic paramedic programs typically follow a
semester-type schedule and may take up to 2 years to complete. The
advantages of this type of program include a longer program time (this is an
advantage if your schedule does not allow you to be full-time), and college
credits that are usually issued for each course component. These college
credits may or may not be assignable to a degree program at the community
college or an affiliated university.
Vocational paramedic programs generally offer courses
that are completed more quickly than academic programs. This usually
requires the student to attend class several full days per week. The
vocational program, while completed much sooner, is also very intense in
nature. Most vocational programs are not degree-granting, in other words you
receive a certificate of course completion versus an associates or
bachelor’s degree. Both program types should enable the graduating student
to be eligible for taking the National Registry exam or state paramedic
exam.
Most EMS employers do not differentiate between the two
educational processes. Universally, however, employers do seek out qualified
paramedics from a reputable program with demonstrated competence.
Q. Are there employment opportunities at REMSA after
completion of the program?
A. While no guarantee of job placement is made or
implied, REMSA has historically employed many of our graduates. As the
course is conducted at REMSA, we are able to observe the student’s progress
and professionalism throughout the program, thus allowing us to offer
employment to our “home grown” paramedics that meet REMSA’s high standards.
Regionally, the demand for paramedics is strong,
especially in California urban areas.
Paramedic Program
| Important Dates |
FAQ's
| Job Description
Selection Process |
Documents |
Scholarships
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