Application Cycles

The program application is available on this web page only during the application window. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline or outside of the application window(s) will not be considered. Any changes to application dates are published on this page.

January 2025 Admission

Applications for spring 2025 will be accepted from July 8, 2024 until 4 p.m. on September 9, 2024.

Note: The application fee, online application, and all supporting documents must be submitted to complete the Paramedic Program Application Admission Process. All items can be found in the Application Checklist below.

Application Checklist

Each item in the checklist must be completed to be considered as a Paramedic Program Applicant. Incomplete or partial applications are not considered for admission.

  • Apply to the Certificate in Paramedic program at PHSC via the Bobcat Application Portal during the published application window. Pay the $25 non-refundable general admission fee for new students.
  • Complete the residency requirements (as needed) for new or returning students for general admission and submit any other documents required to complete your general application.
  • Pay the $25 non-refundable limited access Paramedic application fee once assessed in the Bobcat Application Portal.

Upload into the Application Portal

  • Clear, enlarged copy of current driver’s license.
  • Clear, enlarged copy of current Florida EMT license. Please note that the national registration is not the equivalent of an EMT license and will not be accepted.
  • Current EMT employment verification form.
    • Employment verification form is located in the Documents section on this webpage.

Order your official transcripts to be sent to PHSC

  • Official high school transcript with graduation date indicating receipt of a standard high school diploma or an official transcript of GED scores indicating receipt of a high school equivalency diploma, if not already submitted.
  • Official transcripts from each U.S. college and university attended other than PHSC.
  • Official test score reports from external agencies, if applicable, for prerequisite courses (i.e., AP, CLEP, IB, etc.).

Please note: Transcripts are due at the time of application for this program.

Additional Requirements

  • Confirm that any needed course substitutions or credit shortages have been approved by the application deadline date.
  • Transfer Credits: If the course prefix and number of an evaluated transfer course is not equivalent to PHSC’s course prefix and number (for example, transfer course does not indicate HSC 2531 3cr), then you will have to meet with an advisor to complete a course substitution and/or credit shortage.
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete the following prerequisite course with at least a grade of “C” or higher (must be complete prior to applying for the Paramedic program):
    • HSC 2531 Medical Terminology (3 credits)

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor is projecting a significant 33% job growth in emergency medical services through 2020, including EMTs and paramedics. Growth is largely due to population growth and large call volume of the aging population.

Job Potential Earnings

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the hourly wage for entry level EMTs and paramedics is a little under $11. Experienced professionals may earn as much as $16 hourly.

Special Notice

EMS Outcomes Data

Year Retention Rate Employment Rate NREMT Exam
2020 83% 95% 68%
2021 93% 95% 95%
2022 88% 97% 87%

Other Paramedic Program Information 

  • This program is a limited access program. Applicants must submit a specific program application and meet all admission requirements to be selected.
  • January admissions are for the West Campus in New Port Richey (30 seats available per year).
  • August admissions are for the North Campus in Brooksville (18 seats available per year).
  • Clinical agencies require the student to submit a criminal background check and drug screening. A physical examination certifying satisfactory health is required.
  • Upon successful completion of the program and successful completion of final comprehensive written and practical examinations, the graduate is eligible to apply to take National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) examination and if successful apply for Florida State certification.

Florida First Responders Scholarship Program

The Florida First Responders Scholarship Program (FFRS) has been created to assist in the recruitment of law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters within the state by providing financial assistance to eligible trainees who enroll in a commission-approved training program. The scholarship shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If eligible to be awarded the scholarship, the amount shall be up to, but not exceeding, the costs necessary to complete the student’s training program, less any state/federal financial aid received by the trainee.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must:

  • A commission-approved basic recruit training program at a postsecondary institution for the purposes of meeting the minimum qualifications under s. 943.13(9), F.S, for employment or appointment as a law enforcement officer,
  • An emergency medical technician training program under s. 401.2701, F.S., that is approved by the Department of Health as equivalent to the most recent Emergency Medical Technician-Basic National Standard Curriculum or the National EMS Education Standards of the United States Department of Transportation,
  • A paramedic training program under s. 401.2701, F.S., that is approved by the Department of Health as equivalent to the most recent EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum or the National EMS Education Standards of the United States Department of Transportation, or
  • A firefighter minimum standards course training program at a Florida Certified Training Center approved by the Division of State Fire Marshal for the purpose of meeting the minimum qualifications under s. 633.408, F.S. Department of Transportation.

To learn more and apply, click on the Florida First Responders Scholarship Application link under the On This Page section.

State Licensure Information

To determine the state(s) in which the program meets or does not meet the requirements, or if PHSC was unable to determine if the program meets the licensing requirements, see below.

  • Meets: Florida
  • Does Not Meet: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands