Essential Information
Students interested in paramedic training can find program options at 30 schools within the state. At most schools, there are both certificate and associate degree programs related to paramedic training or emergency medical services. Students enrolled in these programs will attend classroom lectures and participate in clinical training at medical facilities. Portions of clinical training tend to include ride-along experiences in ambulances. Individuals will need to meet prerequisites prior to starting paramedic training, and in most cases that means already being a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT).
Career Requirements
Students who complete an approved training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) written and practical exams are eligible to become paramedics in Ohio. Aspiring paramedics must already have EMT Basic licensure before they qualify for paramedic-level certification. The 10 largest public and private not-for-profit schools in Ohio are listed below, and all of the programs in this article will prepare students for NREMT certification exams.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Located in Cincinnati, this college has several levels of emergency medical services (EMS) training. Undergraduates can choose from an EMT Paramedic certificate and 2 associate's degree programs that prepare students for entry-level employment, supervisory positions or teaching jobs. The associate's degree programs provide 71-72 credits of paramedic and general education courses. The certificate program has 36 credits of courses.
Clark State Community College
This Springfield school offers paramedic certificate and associate's degree programs. The emergency medical services (EMS) associate's degree program requires approximately 70 credits of coursework. The program includes field and clinical experiences. A 30-credit paramedic certificate is available and provides classroom and clinical experiences as well.
Columbus State Community College
This school in Columbus offers a 30-credit-hour paramedic certificate and an EMS associate's degree program with 68 credits of coursework. The degree program includes classes in EMS management and electives in ice rescue, psychiatric intervention and cardiac treatment.
Cuyahoga Community College
At Cleveland's Cuyahoga Community College, registered EMTs can take a short-term paramedic certificate program that requires 29 credit hours to complete. The school also offers an associate's degree program in emergency medical technology for students who want more comprehensive EMS training; courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and EMT Basic.
Lakeland Community College
Students at Lakeland Community College, located in Kirtland, can take 3 courses in the paramedic program. The classes cover topics such as assessing injuries, caring for trauma patients and administering medication. More specialized training is available in respiratory and cardiac care, gynecology, and disease management. This program includes lab work and clinical experiences with patients.
Lorain County Community College
Elyria's Lorain County Community College has a 1-year paramedic certificate program that includes courses in emergency care, psychology and medical terminology. Students also learn how to provide advanced life support and appropriate medication in lectures, labs and clinical experiences. Only 30 students are accepted into the program.
Sinclair Community College
Sinclair Community College in Dayton provides paramedic certificate and associate's degree programs. Both programs integrate didactic coursework, labs and clinical experiences. The paramedic certificate program has 33 credit hours of coursework. The 67-credit associate's degree program provides additional courses in EMS management and medical terminology.
University of Akron
Located in Akron, this university has a 66-credit associate's degree program in EMS technology. Students complete courses like medical terminology, pharmacology and emergency management. Clinical experiences also teach students about proper pre-hospital care.
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
This college in Blue Ash has 2 relevant program options: a paramedic education certificate and an EMS associate's degree. The certificate program takes place over a 10-month period and involves training in patient assessment, trauma management, cardiac monitoring and pharmacology. Students in the associate's degree program take 90 credit hours of coursework.
Youngstown State University
Located in Youngstown, this university offers a standard paramedic certificate that can be completed in 3 semesters. Students interested in further education can complete the 5-semester EMT associate's degree program, which includes advanced clinical training. Both programs teach students how to provide pre-hospital care through clinical rotations and classroom instruction.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Paramedic Degree Programs and Certificates Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | 2-year, public; large city | EMT Paramedic Certificate, Associate in Applied Science in EMT Management, Associate of Applied Science in EMT Science | $4,126 (in-state), $8,026 (out-of-state)* |
| Clark State Community College | 2-year, public; small city | Paramedic Certificate, Associate in Applied Science in EMS Paramedic Technology | $3,728 (in-state), $6,880 (out-of-state)* |
| Columbus State Community College | 2-year, public; large city | Paramedic Certificate, EMS Associate in Applied Science | $4,284 (in-state), $8,906 (out-of-state)* |
| Cuyahoga Community College | 2-year, public; large city | Paramedic Certificate, EMT Associate in Applied Science | $3,436 (in-district), $4,322 (in-state), $8,136 (out-of-state)* |
| Lakeland Community College | 2-year, public; large suburb | EMT Paramedic Program | $3,863 (in-district), $4,712 (in-state), $10,052 (out-of-state)* |
| Lorain County Community College | 2-year, public; small city | Paramedic Technical Certificate | $3,485 (in-district), $4,140 (in-state), $8,081 (out-of-state)* |
| Sinclair Community College | 2-year, public; midsize city | Paramedic Technical Certificate, Emergency Medical Services Associate in Applied Science | $2,870 (in-district), $4,004 (in-state), $7,271 (out-of-state)* |
| University of Akron | 4-year, public; midsize city | EMS Technology Associate in Applied Science | $11,463 (in-state), $15,500 (out-of-state)* |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College | 4-year, public; large suburb | Paramedic Education Certificate, EMS Associate's Degree Program | $6,010 (in-state), $14,808 (out-of-state)* |
| Youngstown State University | 4-year, public; small city | EMT Paramedic Certificate, EMT Associate in Applied Science | $8,967 (in-state), $9,327 (out-of-state)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
