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Emergency Medical Services (EMS Academy)
Start your healthcare career or level up with an EMT, Paramedic, or Paramedic Prep Certificate, a Paramedicine AAS degree, or an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner BAS degree from ACC.
Choose an Emergency Medical Services degree, certificate, or CEU refresher course to achieve your educational and career goals in the EMS field.
ACC’s EMS Academy provides you with relevant coursework, including IV and EKG courses, along with extensive hands-on practical training and clinical work. You’ll learn from full-time faculty and part-time instructors who have years of experience in the field and know what you need to be successful. Joint learning exercises with nursing, paramedic / EMT, and law enforcement academy students will prepare you to be an integral part of any healthcare team. ACC’s paramedic education program is the fifth oldest in the United States. Our pass rates on national certification exams are among the highest in the country.
What You'll Learn
Paramedic Program
- Classroom and lab work with experienced instructors to enhance your skills
- Hands-on experience with emergency care equipment, including simulation mannequins and our ACC ambulance
- Simulation training that includes cross-training with other ACC health programs and the Law Enforcement Academy
- Integrated training between EMT and Paramedic programs
- Clinical rotations in emergency departments at upper-level trauma centers, critical care units, labor and delivery units, pediatric units, cardiac cath labs, surgical services, respiratory therapy, and geriatric extended care
- Capstone field internship
- Transfer options to continue your education
- Paramedicine courses offered at the Littleton Campus
EMT
- Classroom instruction and lab sessions to give you the foundation and experience you need
- Clinical shifts in a rescue unit
- Cadaver and extrication labs
- Emergency training simulation exercises
- EMT courses offered at the Littleton Campus and ACC at DCSD Legacy Campus
CIP 510904 (BAPP)
This Bachelor of Applied Science degree prepares students to advance in the field of paramedicine. Paramedics provide emergency care to the sick and injured, predominantly in out-of-hospital environments. Students learn about community paramedic practice, critical care and behavioral health practice, leadership, research, communication and quality improvement in health fields.
Career paths for paramedic graduates include working with fire departments, ambulance companies, rescue organizations, flight programs and hospital emergency departments.
A full-time student can complete this Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in two years. This degree prepares students to advance in the field of paramedicine and health care. Students are eligible to take the Critical Care Paramedic and Community Paramedic exams leading to endorsement in the State of Colorado at these levels. Students successfully completing this degree are eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
To be successful, students should have an interest in medicine and like variety and excitement. Strong interpersonal communication skills, including listening and writing are a must.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Associate of Applied Science (or higher) Degree in Paramedicine (or related field)
- Current Paramedic certification from NREMT or appropriate state agency
Program Requirements
AAS Degree General Education Coursework 15 Credits:
- Any college-level course numbered 1000 or higher 4 Credits
- AAS Degree Major Coursework 45 Credits
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 and successful completion of all required courses in the BAS
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation
CIP 510904 (PMD)
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educations Programs. This program is offered two times per year. Students have the option of attending full-time or part-time.
The Paramedicine Program has four components: Lecture, Lab, Clinical and Field Internships. This is approximately 1200 hours. The student must complete all coursework, lecture, lab, clinical and field internship, as well as pass all academic and practical components before sitting for the National Registry Examination.
The program is designed to educate workers in the field of Emergency Medical Services. Students should consult with an Emergency Medical Service Faculty Advisor early in their College career to explore all of their educational options. Students must earn a "C" or better in all EMS courses to graduate. All students must complete a criminal background check prior to enrolling in this program.
This program assists students in advancing their careers in the EMS systems.
All students enrolled in this program are encouraged to apply for graduation upon completion of the program.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- The student must have the following to be considered for entrance into this program:
- One year of documented EMT or Advanced EMT field experience
- Basic ECG Interpretation class
- IV Approval
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare CPR certificate
- Must receive acceptable scores on the following entrance exam:
- EMT: minimum score of 70
- EKG: minimum score of 70
Once accepted into the Program, students must provide the following:
- Documentation of the following vaccinations:
- at least 2 HEP B vaccination (or Titer)
- 2 MMR vaccination (or Titer)
- Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years
- TB Skin Test
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Current Flu Vaccination
- Completed COVID 19 Series
- Completion of Minimum Student Competencies form
- A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen is required for all EMS students. In the event the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors or tests positive for a prohibited substance, a student will be dismissed for the EMT program. View disqualifying events information. Please note: Criminal background checks and drug screens require a fee.
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A Health and History Questionnaire is required to be on file for EMS students after acceptance into the program. Students are encouraged to review the functional job description related to the EMS Academy. If a student believes that they cannot meet one or more of these expectations without accommodations, the program director must determine, on a case by case basis and in collaboration with the Disability Access Services Office, whether and how a reasonable accommodation can be made.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- All courses required for this program must be completed with a "C" or better.
- All students enrolled in this program MUST apply for graduation upon completion of the program
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 510904 (EMC)
This 12-credit hour certificate program provides the basic skills to work ambulance, apply for firefighting positions, work as an EMT in emergency departments and work ski patrols. EMS 1021, EMS 1022, EMS 1023, EMS 1024, and EMS 1070 satisfies the state requirements for EMT Certification. Those who successfully complete EMS 1021, EMS 1022, EMS 1023, EMS 1024, and EMS 1070 will be eligible to take both the National Registry Practical and Written Examinations. Successful completion of these exams is required for certification in the State of Colorado. EMS 1070 - EMT Clinical is the course in which the student will complete approximately 24 hours of clinical experiences in emergency departments and on fire rescue and ambulance.
Accreditation of this program is through the Colorado Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Division. This agency may be reached at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80222-1530. Telephone: 303.692.2980.
Call the School office for program guides 303.797.5213.
All students enrolled in this program are encouraged to apply for graduation upon completion of the program.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 18 years of age prior to the start of the Clinical Rotations (EMS 1070).
- A current Basic Life Support/BLS Card recognized by the State of Colorado. The BLS Card should be healthcare provider level
- Hepatitis B vaccination (one and two) or Titer
- Varicella vaccination, Titer or proof of chicken pox infection
- Tetanus within the last 10 years
- MMR vaccinations (one and two) (or Titer)
- TB Skin test (within 3 months of the class start date)
- Current flu vaccination for the Fall and Spring Semesters
- Completed COVID 19 Series
- Access the Application Process page to find information on Processes, Disqualifying Events and Release forms for Health Care students
- A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen is required for all EMS students. In the event the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors or tests positive for a prohibited substance a student will be dismissed for the EMT program. View disqualifying events information. Please note: Criminal background checks and drug screens require a fee.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- All courses required for this program must be completed with a "C" or better.
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 510904 (EMPR)
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educations Programs. This program is offered two times per year, starting in Spring and Summer Semesters. Students have the option of attending full-time or part-time.
The Paramedic Program has four components: Lecture, Lab, Clinical and Field internships. This is approximately 1200 hours. The student must complete all coursework, lecture, lab, clinical and field internship, as well as pass all academic and practical components before sitting for the National Registry Examination.
Following are many of the topics covered: EMS systems, paramedic roles and responsibilities, injury and illness prevention, medical/legal issues, ethics, path physiology, pharmacology, medication administration, patient assessment, trauma management, respiratory system management, cardiovascular management, management of medical emergencies, pediatric management, management of obstetric and gynecologic emergencies, management of emotional crisis, assessment bases management and EMS operations.
All students enrolled in this program are encouraged to apply for graduation upon completion of the program
Admission Requirements
The student must have the following prerequisites to be considered for entrance into this program:
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Completion of Minimum Student Competencies form
- One year of documented EMT Basic or Intermediate field experience
- Basic ECG Interpretation class
- IV Certification
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare CPR certificate
- Current flu vaccination for the Fall and Spring Semesters
- HEP B vaccinations (or Titer)
- MMR vaccinations (2) (or Titer)
- Varicella vaccination, Titer or proof of chicken pox infection
- Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years
- TB Skin Test
- A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen is required for all EMS students. In the event the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors or tests positive for a prohibited substance, a student will be dismissed for the EMS program. View disqualifying events information. Please note: Criminal background checks and drug screens require a fee.
- College-level Anatomy and Physiology (4 credit hours). (BIO 2101, BIO 2102, or BIO 1006 will meet this requirement.)
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- All courses required for this program must be completed with a "C" or better.
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 510904 (EMPP)
This 32-hour EMT Preparation Certificate provides additional training to improve the EMT's employability, prepare the student for paramedic school and other healthcare careers. Many of the preparation certificate classes are prerequisites for entrance into the Paramedic Program. Consult an Advisor for appropriate electives.
All students enrolled in this program are encouraged to apply for graduation upon completion of the program
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 18 years of age prior to the start of the Clinical Rotations (EMS 1070).
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare CPR for the Healthcare Provider (BLS) certificate
- Hepatitis B vaccination (one and two) or Titer
- Tetanus within the last 10 years
- MMR vaccinations (one and two) (or Titer)
- TB Skin test (within 3 months of class start date)
- Current flu vaccination for the Fall and Spring Semesters
- Access the Application Process page to find information on Processes, Disqualifying Events and Release forms for Health Care students
- A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen is required for all EMS students. In the event the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors or tests positive for a prohibited substance, a student will be dismissed for the EMT program. View disqualifying events information. Please note: Criminal background checks and drug screens require a fee.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- All courses required for this program must be completed with a "C" or better.
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 430302 (B1ES)
The BAS degree in Emergency Service Administration offers a comprehensive program to prepare a new generation of leaders in the field of emergency services in both governmental agencies and private sectors. Students will obtain a well-rounded learning experience and training related to proactive strategic planning for disaster prevention and reduction. The curriculum blends theoretical perspectives with professional practice necessary to enhance resiliency for communities and leverage capabilities and resources to deal with emergency situations. Students will learn how to tackle crisis requiring multi-agency collaboration and coordination activities. Additionally, the curriculum provides the foundation and skills for professionals in emergency services to advance into a leadership position and practice a proactive leadership in unpredictable and catastrophic situations to minimize risk to responders and the public.
The program will be delivered online. The BAS program (a total of 120 credit hours) offers a flexible upper level 60-credit-hour degree designed specifically for students who have earned an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Planning, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science Technology, Homeland Security/Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Paramedicine, Public Safety, Wildland Safety, or closely related degree.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
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Student must have the following to be considered for entrance into this program: must possess a relevant associate degree (60+ credits) from a regionally accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Planning, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science Technology, Homeland Security/Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Paramedicine, Public Safety, Wildland Safety, or closely related degree.
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Pre-acceptance advising session with Program Chair at peter [dot] loebach [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (peter[dot]loebach[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) or 303.797.5792
Program Requirements
- As well as AAS Degree General Education Coursework 15 Credits
- AAS Degree Major Coursework 45 Credits
Graduation Requirements
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- Complete an ACC application and meet all admission requirements.
- Be at least 18 years of age to attend off-site emergency department clinicals.
- Have a current Basic Life Support / BLS Card recognized by the State of Colorado. The BLS Card should be healthcare provider level. View the State of Colorado's list of accepted cards.
- Immunizations: Hepatitis B (the first two injections for EMT and full series for IV), MMR, Tetanus and Chicken Pox, TB skin test no more than 3 months prior to the start of class, a seasonal flu vaccination. COVID-19 vaccine - one dose of J&J or two doses of Pfizer or Moderna and any future boosters required by clinical sites. No titers will be accepted at this time.
- A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen are required for all EMS students. In the event, the student background check reveals any disqualifying factors or tests positive for a prohibited substance, a student will be dismissed from the EMS program. View disqualifying events information. Please note: Criminal background checks and drug screens require a fee.
- Read and sign the Functional Position Description - EMS Provider document.
You should begin this process at least two weeks prior to the start of classes.
ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.
ACC's EMS Academy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
To contact CAAHEP:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N #7709, Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2345
mail [at] caahep [dot] org (mail[at]caahep[dot]org)
www.caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett TX 75088
Phone: 214.703.8445
Fax: 214.703.8992
www.coaemsp.org
Take CEU and refresher courses through our Workforce & Community Programs, including:
- BLS Provider
- Colorado EMS Instructor Series
- Critical Care Transport
- EMT Refresher
- Paramedic Refresher
CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
The goal is to prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2021.
The most recent success rate for the National Registry of EMT Paramedic / State Cognitive exam was 97.2%.
The most recent positive placement rate for graduates was 100%.
Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as ‘Employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military'. Positive placement is measured at the completion of the program.
The most recent retention rate was 94.7%.
To learn more, please review the licensure information provided for the program of interest on our Professional Licensure page.
Minimum Expectation Goal
To prepare competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
Advanced Placement, Experiential Learning, and Credit Transfer
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs at ACC (EMT and Paramedic) do not offer advanced placement into any of the EMS programs. The EMS programs do not offer credit hours for previous experience or experiential learning. Credits from previous course work at an accredited institution of higher learning can be applied to EMS programs with acceptance into the EMS program and based on ACC transfer policy.
Job Opportunities in Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Choosing Your EMS Path
Paramedic Program
The Paramedic Education Program began in mid-1970. In the program, you'll learn the acute, critical changes in physiology and clinical symptoms related to pre-hospital emergency medical care. You'll gain clinical experience and practical skills related to emergency medical care. You will also learn the ethical and legal responsibilities in the paramedic field. Our students have an excellent success rate on the National Registry Exam.
EMT
The EMT program will help you build the knowledge and skills to deliver emergency care to a sick or injured patient. To apply to most fire departments and ambulance companies in Colorado, these classes must be successfully completed. After completion, you must take the National Registry EMT written exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, you may apply for Colorado State Certification as an EMT. Our students have excellent pass rates on the National Registry Exam.
