Paramedic FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pre-requisites?
To be eligible for enrollment you must be a currently nationally certified EMT or AEMT through the NREMT. You will also need to complete an approved Anatomy & Physiology course (not all A&P courses are accepted – College level courses are almost always accepted). GCTC offers several online A&P courses throughout the year.
When does the next class start?
A new paramedic class (Traditional and Online) starts every October. Additionally, a new A&P class is available preceding the Paramedic class so that those needing A&P can complete that requirement before the class starts.
How much does it cost?
Currently the Traditional and Online classes cost $4,755. This cost is ALL INCLUSIVE. Meaning this covers the cost of tuition, books, tablet device, software fees, uniform shirts, clinical fees, ACLS & PALS certifications, etc. All courses include non-refundable software/technology fees.
When do the classes meet?
Traditional (on campus) classes meet 3 days a week (M,W &F) from 9a to 5p. Online classes do not have a traditional schedule, however both courses (traditional and online) progress at the same pace. So, if you are in the online class you can come on campus and sit in on a regular class in order to obtain additional information where and when necessary. Online class participants will, however, be required to attend lab sessions throughout the year.
How long is the program?
Our paramedic program is 12 months long from start to finish (including clinicals). This is true for both Traditional and Online programs.
When are the lab sessions for the online class?
The frequency and number of lab sessions vary by course. Generally, in the early parts of the paramedic class (Care I, Pharmacology), online participants will be required to attend lab 2-3 times a month. As you progress through the program the frequency of the labs will increase to, at times, twice a week. We make every effort to provide a variety of lab day options, however it is not possible to meet every student convenience. You will, however, know which days are "mandatory" on campus days well in advance so that you are able to to make necessary adjustments to your personal schedule.
To be eligible for enrollment you must be a currently nationally certified EMT or AEMT through the NREMT. You will also need to complete an approved Anatomy & Physiology course (not all A&P courses are accepted – College level courses are almost always accepted). GCTC offers several online A&P courses throughout the year.
When does the next class start?
A new paramedic class (Traditional and Online) starts every October. Additionally, a new A&P class is available preceding the Paramedic class so that those needing A&P can complete that requirement before the class starts.
How much does it cost?
Currently the Traditional and Online classes cost $4,755. This cost is ALL INCLUSIVE. Meaning this covers the cost of tuition, books, tablet device, software fees, uniform shirts, clinical fees, ACLS & PALS certifications, etc. All courses include non-refundable software/technology fees.
When do the classes meet?
Traditional (on campus) classes meet 3 days a week (M,W &F) from 9a to 5p. Online classes do not have a traditional schedule, however both courses (traditional and online) progress at the same pace. So, if you are in the online class you can come on campus and sit in on a regular class in order to obtain additional information where and when necessary. Online class participants will, however, be required to attend lab sessions throughout the year.
How long is the program?
Our paramedic program is 12 months long from start to finish (including clinicals). This is true for both Traditional and Online programs.
When are the lab sessions for the online class?
The frequency and number of lab sessions vary by course. Generally, in the early parts of the paramedic class (Care I, Pharmacology), online participants will be required to attend lab 2-3 times a month. As you progress through the program the frequency of the labs will increase to, at times, twice a week. We make every effort to provide a variety of lab day options, however it is not possible to meet every student convenience. You will, however, know which days are "mandatory" on campus days well in advance so that you are able to to make necessary adjustments to your personal schedule.
How do I enroll?
Prospective candidates need to apply for acceptance. The application process is mainly a formality that we utilize in order to make your student experience smoother by obtaining as much information as possible up front. Rarely is a candidate denied based upon application information. Once you complete the application process and sit for your interview, you will be given the green light to enroll. The application process can take a 2-4 weeks to complete.
Is there financial aid or tuition assistance?
YES! The paramedic program at GCTC is Title IV and GI Bill eligible (Traditional Option Only!). That means that (if you qualify) you can get Federal Pell Grant funding or use GI Bill funds to cover the cost of this class. For More information, contact GCTC’s Financial Aid advisor at (405) 271-7493.
When are applications due?
The deadline to apply is July 31st.
Is the program accredited?
YES! Our Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org upon the recommendation of Committee on Accreditation of EMS Programs and graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs exam for the paramedic level.
To Contact CAAHEP
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
www.caahep.org
To Contact COAEMSP
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Does the program follow the NREMT’s Portfolio Requirements?
YES! Students don’t usually realize that nearly each step of the paramedic course is tied to the NREMT portfolio requirements. One of the ways that we track these requirements is the use of FISDAP for lab and clinical skills/hours. When you finish GCTC’s paramedic program you will have met all State and National requirements for certification and licensure.
If I take the online course will I ever have to come to campus?
Yes, you will have to come to campus for lab skills and other mandatory course activities. For more information, read the FAQ titled “When are the lab sessions for the online class?”
Prospective candidates need to apply for acceptance. The application process is mainly a formality that we utilize in order to make your student experience smoother by obtaining as much information as possible up front. Rarely is a candidate denied based upon application information. Once you complete the application process and sit for your interview, you will be given the green light to enroll. The application process can take a 2-4 weeks to complete.
Is there financial aid or tuition assistance?
YES! The paramedic program at GCTC is Title IV and GI Bill eligible (Traditional Option Only!). That means that (if you qualify) you can get Federal Pell Grant funding or use GI Bill funds to cover the cost of this class. For More information, contact GCTC’s Financial Aid advisor at (405) 271-7493.
When are applications due?
The deadline to apply is July 31st.
Is the program accredited?
YES! Our Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org upon the recommendation of Committee on Accreditation of EMS Programs and graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs exam for the paramedic level.
To Contact CAAHEP
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
www.caahep.org
To Contact COAEMSP
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Does the program follow the NREMT’s Portfolio Requirements?
YES! Students don’t usually realize that nearly each step of the paramedic course is tied to the NREMT portfolio requirements. One of the ways that we track these requirements is the use of FISDAP for lab and clinical skills/hours. When you finish GCTC’s paramedic program you will have met all State and National requirements for certification and licensure.
If I take the online course will I ever have to come to campus?
Yes, you will have to come to campus for lab skills and other mandatory course activities. For more information, read the FAQ titled “When are the lab sessions for the online class?”
Where are clinicals and internship done?
GCTC has strict requirements for approved clinical sites, however we make every effort to limit long travels for clinical shifts. Realize, however, that in some remote areas of Oklahoma there may not be any “qualifying” clinical locations and travel may be inevitable. Currently we have approved sites in Shawnee, Norman and ADA with additional sites being evaluated in other areas as the need arises.
Clinicals are done in "block" schedules, meaning you are not in class while you go to clinical. Basically, we stop class for one month, twice a year, while you go to clinical. So, you are not asked to juggle work, home class and clinical shifts all at once. This greatly reduces student workload and stress, which makes a our "fast track" program possible. Note: there are some clinicals that will be done while you are in class, but these are only EMS clinicals and this was changed due to numerous student requests. These EMS clinicals are also done at a time in the program (towards the end) that does not add to student stress. You will do the bulk of your internship hours after ALL of the "classroom" learning has been completed.
What happens if I have to drop out? Will I have to start over at the beginning?
From time to time life does get in the way of becoming a paramedic. If this happens to you we will work with you to find alternatives and, worst case scenario, allow you to return where you left off (so long as it is no more than one year). You’ll just need to return to the course following the last course that you completed. The best news is you will only be charged for the courses you need to take.
If, in the unlikely event you fail a course and need to return, you’ll simply need to return at the start of the course that you failed.
Returning students are encouraged to contact the school of their intentions to return no more than 60 and no less than 30 days before their return date. This allows our staff to be sure that everything is ready for your return.
Can I transfer from another program to Gordon Cooper?
Yes! GCTC does accept transferring students from other “accredited” programs. The process can be lengthy, so if you wish to transfer it is highly recommended that you start the process early because it can be time consuming when you are dealing with multiple institutions and cross-referencing program requirements. But, GCTC has accepted transferring students from several other programs. We will also work with you should you decide to transfer somewhere else.
GCTC has strict requirements for approved clinical sites, however we make every effort to limit long travels for clinical shifts. Realize, however, that in some remote areas of Oklahoma there may not be any “qualifying” clinical locations and travel may be inevitable. Currently we have approved sites in Shawnee, Norman and ADA with additional sites being evaluated in other areas as the need arises.
Clinicals are done in "block" schedules, meaning you are not in class while you go to clinical. Basically, we stop class for one month, twice a year, while you go to clinical. So, you are not asked to juggle work, home class and clinical shifts all at once. This greatly reduces student workload and stress, which makes a our "fast track" program possible. Note: there are some clinicals that will be done while you are in class, but these are only EMS clinicals and this was changed due to numerous student requests. These EMS clinicals are also done at a time in the program (towards the end) that does not add to student stress. You will do the bulk of your internship hours after ALL of the "classroom" learning has been completed.
What happens if I have to drop out? Will I have to start over at the beginning?
From time to time life does get in the way of becoming a paramedic. If this happens to you we will work with you to find alternatives and, worst case scenario, allow you to return where you left off (so long as it is no more than one year). You’ll just need to return to the course following the last course that you completed. The best news is you will only be charged for the courses you need to take.
If, in the unlikely event you fail a course and need to return, you’ll simply need to return at the start of the course that you failed.
Returning students are encouraged to contact the school of their intentions to return no more than 60 and no less than 30 days before their return date. This allows our staff to be sure that everything is ready for your return.
Can I transfer from another program to Gordon Cooper?
Yes! GCTC does accept transferring students from other “accredited” programs. The process can be lengthy, so if you wish to transfer it is highly recommended that you start the process early because it can be time consuming when you are dealing with multiple institutions and cross-referencing program requirements. But, GCTC has accepted transferring students from several other programs. We will also work with you should you decide to transfer somewhere else.