Frequently Asked Questions

A paramedic is typically the most advanced trained emergency medical provider in the pre-hospital environment. Paramedics provide basic and/or advanced life support care to ill or injured individuals. While most paramedics are employed by emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, others are employed by health care facilities, physician offices, resorts, cruise ships, merchant marines, and many more. Paramedics may be nationally certified and/or state licensed; however, they are legally required to function under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. More information can be found at The U.S. Department of Labor's job description for a paramedic.

Emergency medical responders (EMRs) provide immediate lifesaving care to patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. Most often, EMRs are a member of the initial response to an emergency call, arriving before or with the ambulance. EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. EMRs are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. Under medical oversight, EMRs perform basic interventions with minimal equipment. [From the: National EMS Scope of Practice Model] Currently, the Department of Emergency Healthcare at Weber State University does not offer EMR training. 

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), are usually the most entry-level EMS clinician working on an ambulance. EMT training can last for several weeks or months, depending on how often the course meets. EMT training is approximately 150 hours, but can be more, and usually consists of a lecture and skill lab component. EMTs are trained to use automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and to provide basic airway and trauma management. EMTs have a very limited scope of practice. 

Advanced EMTs (AEMTs) are the next level of clinician in the EMS environment. In order to train at the AEMT level, one must first be an EMT. AEMTs may have additional training in the initiation and application of intravenous lines and fluid administration. AEMTs may also have additional training in airway management. Currently, the Department of Emergency Healthcare at Weber State University does not offer AEMT training. 

A paramedic is usually the most advanced trained EMS clinician. A paramedic candidate must first be an EMT or AEMT to begin their training. Often, paramedic candidates must also satisfy a number of additional prerequisites before starting their training, such as courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, college entry English and math, and sometimes more. Paramedics receive at least 1200 hours of education beyond EMT or AEMT and are expected to utilize concepts of pathophysiology and patient assessment to develop a field impression and create a treatment plan. Affects of professional behavior and critical thinking skills are also an important and necessary component of a paramedic's training.  EMT training, prerequisite courses, and paramedic training can be a two year process or more. 

Yes, 18 years old. To be certified in Utah as an EMT, you must be 18 years of age at the time of certification. However, in most cases an EMT student can begin their training prior to their 18th birthday, but must be 18 at the time of testing.

Here is the US Department of Labor's functional job analysis for paramedic.

Yes. EMT or AEMT certification must be accomplished before training at the paramedic level. An EMT course can be taken at WSU or any state-approved location. WSU currently does not offer AEMT training. Please note that you must have EMT or AEMT certification or licensure in the state in which your clinical and field internship will occur during paramedic training. A National Registry of EMT's card without a corresponding state certification or license is not sufficient to pursue paramedic training.

No. Although previous EMS experience is helpful, and even recommended, you do not need to have any amount of previous EMS experience to enter the WSU paramedic program. However, it should be noted that previous EMS experience is a variable that is considered during the selection process, particularly when there are more applicants than available spots. We encourage candidates wishing to obtain more experience prior to starting the paramedic program to enroll in PAR 1005 offered during the Summer semester. The PAR 1005 course is a pre-paramedic internship that allows for more hands-on experience with real patients. More information can be obtained by contacting the Department of Emergency Healthcare. 

Here is a complete list of the WSU paramedic program prerequisites

• Although applicants can apply to the WSU paramedic program prior to completing the prerequisites, all prerequisites must be completed prior starting the program. There are no exceptions afforded to this policy.

All international students wishing to attend WSU must meet English language requirements. More information about English language requirements can be found at the WSU International & Student Scholar Center website. 

Tuition for the WSU paramedic program differs between the Fall and Spring cohorts. The Fall cohort is a Utah State subsidized program and the tuition follows the current tuition fee schedule found here.

The Spring cohort is offered through the WSU Division of Online and Continuing Education. The Spring cohort is not a state subsidized program so students pay a flat rate, regardless of whether they are in-state or out-of-state students. More information on the Spring cohort can be found here. 

Please note: tuition costs do not include the prerequisites since there are many avenues from which they can be completed.

The National EMS Education Standards suggest that paramedics have a "complex depth and comprehensive breadth of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology (A&P) of human systems."  Thus, A&P is a requirement of all paramedic training. Some paramedic programs include A&P training within their program, which often extends the length of that program. The WSU paramedic program does not include extensive teaching of A&P. Thus, A&P is required prior to entering the program. This is, in part, why the WSU program remains only 2 semesters long.

Additionally, due to the rigorous nature and pace of the WSU paramedic program, it was recognized long ago that success in A&P was a significant predictor of success in our program, as well as success on the subsequent National Registry Paramedic examination. Simply put, students who have not been successful in a "matched set" (A&P I & II) of anatomy & physiology, will struggle in our program. Thus, 8 credit hours of A&P were made a requirement. Subsequently, this requirement has resulted in a more successful graduate and entry-level paramedic.  

That said, we also recognize that some applicants obtain considerable A&P knowledge through previous coursework and experience. Thus, any candidate wishing to challenge the A&P requirements can do so by "testing out." You may do so by contacting the WSU Health Sciences Department at (801)626-6505. 

In the event that space is available, a student who does not meet the minimum requirements for entrance into the WSU paramedic program may be considered for "contractual admission." In order to be considered for contractual admission one of the following may have occurred:

• GPA of 2.5 to 2.69
• Entrance exam score of 71-74

At this point the the program will evaluate the entire transcript and academic preparation of the student. Grades of "A" and "B" in the anatomy and physiology courses weigh heavily in the consideration for contractual admission. Once in the program, students admitted to PAR 2000 (Introduction to Paramedicine) must achieve an academic grade of 80% in order to progress to PAR 3010 (Medical Emergencies). Additionally, departmental probation in the future will not be offered for students under contractual admission. Contractual admission, if offered, will be highly selective. Please note that students who do not meet the minimum requirements of the WSU paramedic program, traditionally struggle. In the event that a candidate is granted contractual admission, considerable time and effort will likely be required to be successful.

Contractual Admission will not be offered for any grades of "C-" or lower on prerequisite courses, GPAs below 2.5 on prerequisite courses, or entrance exam scores below 71% on two attempts.

The most current published student success, retention, and employment rates can be found on our Paramedic Program Outcomes webpage found here.

Paramedic graduates may find employment in out-of-hospital care areas such as fire, EMS, ski patrol, and security positions. Additionally, employment for paramedic graduates can be found in clinics and emergency departments.  While there are currently numerous employment opportunities within the Intermountain West, there are also a significant number of opportunities throughout the United States in different capacities. WSU paramedic graduates who successfully pass the National Registry Certification exam are eligible to apply for licensure in any state and most territories.

Providing starting salaries for paramedic graduates is difficult because it is highly dependent on location and agency. For instance, paramedic graduates who are dual certified in fire suppression may experience a very different starting salary at a fire department then a paramedic working in an emergency department. For the most current salaries, candidates are encouraged to seek out job openings for paramedics in the location and in the capacity they wish to work. For instance, current paramedic openings can be found on employment websites such as Indeed, Ziprecruiter, and Simplyhired.

Educational Experience

The WSU paramedic program was the first in the State of Utah and one of the first in the country. In 2025, the WSU paramedic program celebrates it's 50th year. Additionally, the WSU paramedic program has remained one of the most successful, having a long standing first attempt pass rate of 98 - 100% on the National Registry exam for any rolling three year period.  This is compared to the national average of around 76%.

Academics & Research

Weber State's paramedic program is one of the few in the country offered at a university, resulting in a comprehensive education provided by highly regarded bachelors, masters, and doctoral educated paramedics, nurses, and physicians with years of clinical and research experience in emergency medicine. And, with over 1200 hours of education above and beyond the paramedic prerequisites, the WSU paramedic program is a time-tested formula of critical thinking application in the classroom, backed by real-life experience in the field. 

Support

Due to exceptional support and recognition of the WSU paramedic program from the university, alumni, and friends of the department, multiple funding sources remain available to the WSU program for the types of top of the line equipment and educational resources not typically found at other paramedic programs. The WSU paramedic program has access to millions of dollars in state-of-the-art equipment to include high fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, simulated ambulance and labs, and numerous real and simulated medical devices and equipment. 

Real-Life Experience

WSU paramedic students participate in a minimum of 240 hours of supervised hospital rotations and 480 hours of field internship on a real ALS ambulance. Clinical rotations include many areas not included in other programs, such as the cardiac cath lab, obstetrics, pediatrics, and the burn unit. WSU students also achieve numerous supervised endotracheal intubations in an actual operating room, which is not often available at other programs.

At the conclusion of paramedic training at WSU, graduates will receive an Institutional Certificate in Paramedicine. Although this is sufficient to obtain licensure and work as a paramedic throughout the United States, graduates are encouraged to continue their education in anticipation of promotion and greater opportunities within their field. At WSU, graduates of our program and others can apply their paramedic coursework towards an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paramedic Studies, and then a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Emergency Healthcare Sciences. Students may also consider pursuit of a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree if they have areas of interest outside of EMS. EMS graduates also have the option of pursuing a Master’s in Health Administration or a Master of Physician Assistant Studies through our sister departments.

In the WSU paramedic program you will learn advanced life support concepts and techniques following the U.S. Department of Transportation, Utah State Department of Health, and National Registry standards for certification. WSU teaches the National Standard Paramedic Curriculum integrated with the National EMS Education Standards. The most current American Heart Association Emergency Cardiac Care Guidelines are also taught. We believe paramedic success comes from higher order learning to include assessment based management, use of differential diagnosis, and problem solving. Students who successfully complete the program will take the National Registry Paramedic exam to become eligible for Utah and other state certifications or licensures.

Academic advisement helps you make decisions that are best for your immediate and long-term career goals. Advisement also can save you time and money by plotting the most effective curriculum map based on your goals. Contact an Admissions Adviser at 801-626-6136 or healthprofessions@weber.edu for an appointment.

Yes. In order to take any classes at WSU and have transcripts evaluated you must be admitted. Get into Weber —   Apply to Weber Here

A new WSU paramedic cohort begins every Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early even if prerequisites are not completed. Applications are due several months prior to the start of the cohort. More information on each cohort and their respective application deadlines can be found here. A link to the current application is below.

Paramedic Application

In addition to standard WSU tuition and fees, students in the WSU paramedic program can expect some or all of the following additional expenses:

• University and college application fees
• Background criminal check
• Urine drug screen
• Immunization records
• Textbooks
• Uniforms
• Utah State application and National Registry test fees
• Clinical and field travel/meals dependent on location
   

* Due to the variation and constant changing of the above fees, we encourage candidates to inquire with our office for the most up-to-date numbers.

EMT and AEMT – EMT or AEMT on a formal college transcript from a regionally accredited school will transfer to WSU for credit and a grade. Students who have National Registry or State EMT/AEMT certification or licensure from a non-accredited or non-academic source may obtain credit upon completion of 30 "in-house" WSU credits. EMTs or AEMTs who received training from a non-accredited or non-academic source will not receive a transcript grade.

Paramedic – Due to the varying nature of the content and content sequence of paramedic programs, WSU does not accept paramedic coursework from other institutions at which a student did not complete the program. Thus, candidates who have completed partial paramedic training at another program, must start the WSU program at the beginning with the rest of their respective cohort. 

Paramedic graduates of other programs, can, however, transfer their paramedic coursework to WSU to apply that coursework towards a degree, such as the AAS or BS. Please contact the Emergency Healthcare Department for more details. 

Military / Veterans – WSU considers itself a veteran friendly school. Military personnel with a valid National Registry EMT card can be awarded reciprocity by the Utah Bureau of EMS and then apply for WSU transcript credit as stated above. It should be noted that a "military medic" is not the same as a civilian paramedic, thus, military medics are still required to fulfill all paramedic training to be eligible for National Registry testing at the paramedic level.

Military/veteran candidates must meet the same prerequisite requirements as civilian students prior to participating in the paramedic core courses. Veteran candidates are encouraged to test out of the prerequisite courses if they feel that their previous training is sufficient to meet the WSU paramedic program requirements. More details can be obtained by contacting the Department of Emergency Healthcare.

Successful completion of field internship is a combination of 480 hours (minimum) and 50 competent advanced life support (ALS) team leads. A "team lead" is a patient contact that does not require the guidance and/or direction of a preceptor. Students may have to perform additional hours to achieve the 50 ALS team leads. To successfully complete field internship, a student must commit to a standard agency shift with the same preceptor. It should be noted that the field internship is entered only after all lectures, skill labs, and clinical rotations have been successfully completed.

Field agency shifts along the Wasatch Front are typically 48 hours long with 96 hours off. Other options may be available for students who complete their internship with agencies who do not follow the 48/96 schedule. Typically, students are required to work the same shift with the same preceptor throughout their field internship. Exceptions are made for students who are not obtaining the required skills and/or team leads with their assigned agency. 

Paramedic students will have a 17-credit load in the first semester and 19 credits in the second semester. Full-time work or additional course load is not recommended; however, students working for a fire/EMS agency while simultaneously attending the WSU paramedic program have been successful in the past due to the nature of their shifts and the ability to study and complete their field internship during work hours. 

Students attending lectures while on-shift must make arrangements with their EMS agency to be freed from response to calls. Students who miss all or part of a lecture for any reason, will be marked absent. Too many absences can negatively impact final grades and recommendation for National Registry testing. Additionally, all missed content must be made up. Lecture and lab times cannot be altered to accommodate personal work schedules. That said, part-time work during paramedic training is common.

Students will have the ability to schedule hospital clinical rotations around their work schedules as long as all clinical rotation requirements are met in the given timeframe. However, students are required to maintain their assigned field internship schedule regardless of their personal work schedule. More details on the timeframes of the clinical and field internships for each cohort can be found here.

Specific questions or requests related to attending the WSU paramedic program while working can be discussed by contacting the Department of Emergency Healthcare.

The Utah Bureau of EMS, plus the clinical and field internship agencies, require EMS students to complete a background criminal investigation (BCI), fingerprinting, and drug screening prior to coming in contact with their patients. While a misdemeanor, felony, or positive drug screening may not prohibit a student from attending class, clinical and/or field participation or the awarding of certification by the Utah Bureau of EMS and the National Registry of EMT's may be compromised. Students with questions on these topics must personally contact the Utah Bureau of EMS or the National Registry of EMT's prior to program application.

Most clinical and field internship sites require full immunizations by the student prior to contact with their patients. Although the Department of Emergency Healthcare will make all reasonable accommodations for those requesting exemptions from immunizations, it should be noted that since completion of the clinical and field rotations are required, exemptions may prolong or prohibit completion of the paramedic program. 

WSU's paramedic program is dedicated to providing an outstanding education to all students and will diligently work with individual students in collaboration with Disability Services in providing that education. However, based on the nature of EMS work, as well as clinical and field internship agency requirements and limitations, reasonable accommodations may not always be possible. Candidates should also recognize that testing for certification and licensure is done by the National Registry of EMT's, not by WSU. Should a student have any concerns about testing accommodations, or their ability to obtain certification or licensure, it is the student's responsibility to contact the National Registry or the Utah Bureau of EMS to inquire about accommodations for testing, certification, licensure, and/or work following paramedic training. More information can be found at NREMT.org or Utah BEMS.