Essential Information
In Indiana, only 3 state-approved colleges or universities offer paramedic training programs. All schools offer associate's degree programs; one additionally offers a certificate program. While the certificate program concentrates exclusively on EMT and paramedic training, degree programs include general education classes. Admission requirements may include a background check, physical exam, and immunization records. Most programs include practicum as well as curriculum requirements.
Indiana University-Purdue Global-Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Located in Indianapolis, this school's paramedic associate program is offered collaboratively by the Indiana University School of Medicine and Wishard Memorial Hospital. The first year of the program is spent completing prerequisites before taking classes for the major in the second year. Prerequisites can be completed at IUPUI or another accredited school, and they include courses like English composition and psychology. In addition, students must be certified EMTs before enrolling in second-year professional courses. The professional curriculum covers topics like cardiology, contemporary emergency medical services, medical matters, and pulmonology. Clinical sessions and a field internship are part of the curriculum as well.
Ivy Tech Community College
The Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science program at Ivy Tech Community College, based in Indianapolis, is also available at ten other Ivy Tech campuses in the state. The program requires 66.5 credits at minimum, and students must be certified EMTs before enrolling. Course topics cover patient assessment, pharmacology, airway management, and interpersonal communications. In the last semester, students participate in an ambulance internship.
Vincennes University
At this university in Vincennes, students can earn a Certificate of Program Completion in Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic or an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services. Basic or advanced EMT certification is required in order to enroll in the 31-credit certificate program. The 68-credit associate program includes basic EMT training in the first year, and EMT certification is necessary prior to taking second-year paramedic classes. Both programs include a combination of didactic and clinical courses. Students can gain hands-on experience in hospitals and ambulances.
Career Requirements
To be licensed in Indiana, aspiring paramedics need to complete a paramedic program approved by the state's Emergency Medical Services Commission. They must also pass written and practical examinations. Approved paramedic programs are available at numerous organizations and hospitals throughout the state, and prospective students often need to obtain emergency medical technician (EMT) certification prior to enrollment.
The following three Indiana schools offering paramedic programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Education Programs. Read on for overviews and a comparison of these schools.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Paramedic Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Purdue Global-Indianapolis | 4-year, public; large city | Associate of Science in Paramedic Science | $9,465 (in-state), $29,821 (out-of-state)* |
| Ivy Tech Community College | 2-year, public; large city | Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science | $4,368 (in-state), $8,402 (out-of-state)* |
| Vincennes University | 4-year, primarily associate's, public; remote town | Certificate of Program Completion in Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic, Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services | $5,902 (in-state), $13,959 (out-of-state)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
