Paramedic
The Community College of Allegheny County has been providing paramedic training and education to Western Pennsylvania since the late 1970s. At one time, CCAC offered noncredit paramedic training at seven different locations. Over the years, the program was consolidated into one program, which was subsequently transitioned to a credit program offering both a certificate and an associate degree option. With the continued demand for paramedics in both the prehospital and hospital setting and a decline in credit enrollment, the program was resurrected in 2022 and is once again available as a noncredit offering. The first cohort consisted of 30 students, with enrollment for fall 2023 again at 30 students. Students have a pathway to obtain college credits for successful completion of the Paramedic program.
Paramedic Program Outcomes
The Community College of Allegheny County (600389) 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).
No graduates during the 2022 reporting year
No graduates during the 2021 reporting year
NREMT/ State Exam 71.4%
Retention 70%
Positive Job Placement 100%
NREMT/ State Exam 100%
Retention 50%
Positive Job Placement 100%
NREMT/ State Exam 50%
Retention 67.7%
Positive Job Placement 100%
Paramedics
Paramedics care for patients at the scene of an accident or sudden illness and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital. They are vital members of both the health care delivery system and public safety first responder network. They receive extensive education in the use of advanced procedures, medications and specialized equipment to manage medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. Through careful patient assessment and team-oriented medical care, paramedics help prevent and reduce death and disability from illness and injury.
Paramedics generally work for ambulance services or fire departments, but some paramedics find employment in hospital emergency departments, aeromedical services, medical clinics, sports medicine, tactical medicine, industrial medicine and similar occupations.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the credential examination of the National Registry of EMTs to become a Nationally Registered Paramedic. The credential is recognized by Pennsylvania Department of Health for Pennsylvania certification as a paramedic.