Miami, FL, Schools with Paramedic Training Programs
This article looks at paramedic training programs offered by three schools within 35 minutes of downtown Miami. Following information about the schools and the programs, there is a table of statistics about each school that a prospective student can utilize, such as tuition, school size, acceptance rate and graduation rate. At the end of the article is a brief listing of some other Miami-area schools that offer relevant training programs.
- Just three miles from downtown, Miami Dade College offers both a paramedic certificate and associate's degree program.
- At City College - Miami, students can earn an associate's degree in emergency medical services (EMS). This school is about 15 miles from the city center.
- Broward College, 28 miles from downtown Miami, offers paramedic training at the certificate level as well an EMS associate's degree.
Comparison of Schools
The following table presents some facts about these three schools. This information could be useful to students who are making a decision on their training.
| Miami Dade College | City College - Miami | Broward College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private, not-for-profit | 4-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 44,002 | 55 | 30,947 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Small city | Midsize city |
| Tuition and Fees (2022-2023)* | $2,838 in-state $9,661 out-of-state | $16,680 | $2,830 in-state $8,952 out-of-state |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Any Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 92% | N/A | 84% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | N/A - Open admissions | N/A - Open admissions | N/A - Open admissions |
| Graduation Rate for Students Beginning in 2015* | 35% (9% transfer-out rate) | 24% | 33% (12% transfer-out rate) |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator.
Miami Dade College
This school's program admission requirements include an interview and the completion of a prerequisite course series. Prospective students must also pass a paramedic entrance exam and two criminal background checks and have Florida EMT certification and CPR certification to be eligible for the program.
Paramedic Certificate
This is a 42-credit program that covers subjects including the emergency medical services system, advanced life support, airway management, trauma, obstetric and pediatric emergencies. Successful completion qualifies a student to take the Florida paramedic certification exam and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (NREMT-P) exam.
Associate in Science Emergency Medical Services
Paramedic curriculum includes the same courses found in the certificate program with the addition of general education coursework. Field internships and clinical practicums are included in the program. Because this is a physically and emotionally demanding field, if the department doesn't feel a student is doing well in the program, the student may be guided into another field of study. The program can be completed in five semesters.
City College - Miami
To enroll in City College- Miami's program, students must pass a drug screening and background check, present current immunization records, meet health requirements and have healthcare insurance. Paramedics enrolling in the program may be awarded credit for professional experience and education.
Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Services
The program prepares students for both the emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic levels of emergency medical service. The entire program can be completed in two years. Curriculum includes EMT and paramedic coursework delivered through classroom, lab and field externship formats. EMS students must earn their EMT license before beginning the paramedic portion of the program. The faculty of this school's program brings practical experience in fire-rescue services from agencies all around the country.
Broward College
Entry into both of Broward College's programs requires prospective students to present health and immunization records, drug tests, background checks and CPR certification. Students must also have a high school diploma or GED.
Paramedic Technical Certificate
Students can earn this certificate in four terms of study. The courses are delivered through classroom study, clinical practicum and an internship. Before beginning the paramedic lecture class in the second term, students must have Florida State EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) certification. This program will qualify students to take the Florida paramedic certification test and the NREMT-P exam.
Associate in Science - Emergency Medical Services
The program requires seven semesters of study. The EMT technical curriculum is the same as that for the technical certificate, with the addition of seven general education classes. Like the certificate program, students must have a Florida State EMT-I certification before they can complete the program. Students who successfully complete the program can take the state or national paramedic certification exam.
Other School Options
About half an hour north of Miami, William T. McFatter Technical College offers an EMT training program for students who are just beginning their EMS studies. At City College - Ft. Lauderdale, about 32 miles away, students can earn an Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Services.
