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 an 8 week A&P course that starts in August and completes before the start of Paramedic.
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 $5,755. 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 classroom 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 (prior approval needed). Online class participants will are required to attend lab sessions up to 1-2 days a week throughout the year and take all exams on campus. Lab session dates/times are predetermined and are not flexible.
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 an 8 week A&P course that starts in August and completes before the start of Paramedic.
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 $5,755. 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 classroom 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 (prior approval needed). Online class participants will are required to attend lab sessions up to 1-2 days a week throughout the year and take all exams on campus. Lab session dates/times are predetermined and are not flexible.
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. Applications are available online starting in February, but end in July. Once you complete the application you will be required to sit for an interview and take an entrance exam, if all goes well you will be given the green light to enroll.
Prospective candidates need to apply for acceptance. Applications are available online starting in February, but end in July. Once you complete the application you will be required to sit for an interview and take an entrance exam, if all goes well you will be given the green light to enroll.
What is on the entrance exam?
The entrance exam only covers BLS (EMT) information that you should already know. But don't worry, its not like taking the NREMT exam all over again, this exam simply covers some fundamental things we feel are essential starting points for Paramedic. It's fairly short in length and typically only takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
Is there financial aid or tuition assistance?
Unfortunately, the paramedic program at GCTC is not Title IV or GI Bill eligible.
When are applications due?
The deadline to apply is typically the second or third week of July.
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
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?”
The entrance exam only covers BLS (EMT) information that you should already know. But don't worry, its not like taking the NREMT exam all over again, this exam simply covers some fundamental things we feel are essential starting points for Paramedic. It's fairly short in length and typically only takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
Is there financial aid or tuition assistance?
Unfortunately, the paramedic program at GCTC is not Title IV or GI Bill eligible.
When are applications due?
The deadline to apply is typically the second or third week of July.
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
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, Stillwater, OKC, Tulsa, Ardmore, 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 your student workload and stress, which makes our "fast track" program possible. Note: there are some clinicals that will be done while you are in class, but these are typically 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 actually helps to reduce student stress. Then, 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 alternative options. Worst case scenario, you may be able to drop out and return where you left off in the following class, so long as it is no more than one year. However, there are several restrictions that apply to this scenario and there is NO guarantee that there will be space available for your return. In these instances each situation is handled on a case by case basis, so the best option is to not drop out if at all possible.
Students wishing to return will need to apply for acceptance and complete the interview process during the usual application period, regardless of their potential returning point in the program.
Can I transfer from another program to Gordon Cooper?
Sometimes... CTC does accept transferring students from other “accredited” programs, but there are a lot of variables that come into play with paramedic students wishing to transfer form another program. Because of this each instance is handled on a case by case basis with no guarantee of acceptance. 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. Lastly, we'll only accept transferring students if we have space available.
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, Stillwater, OKC, Tulsa, Ardmore, 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 your student workload and stress, which makes our "fast track" program possible. Note: there are some clinicals that will be done while you are in class, but these are typically 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 actually helps to reduce student stress. Then, 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 alternative options. Worst case scenario, you may be able to drop out and return where you left off in the following class, so long as it is no more than one year. However, there are several restrictions that apply to this scenario and there is NO guarantee that there will be space available for your return. In these instances each situation is handled on a case by case basis, so the best option is to not drop out if at all possible.
Students wishing to return will need to apply for acceptance and complete the interview process during the usual application period, regardless of their potential returning point in the program.
Can I transfer from another program to Gordon Cooper?
Sometimes... CTC does accept transferring students from other “accredited” programs, but there are a lot of variables that come into play with paramedic students wishing to transfer form another program. Because of this each instance is handled on a case by case basis with no guarantee of acceptance. 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. Lastly, we'll only accept transferring students if we have space available.
Oh, and if you decide you'd like to transfer to another program, we'll work with you to help get that done as well.