Paramedic Schools in the Boston Area
Although students won't find paramedic training in Boston, there are six schools within about an hour of the city that do offer these programs. Read an overview of the coursework and supplies required for training at three institutions below. Also included is a school stats table that allows for quick comparison of the colleges.
- Students at Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley Hills can earn a certificate for paramedic training. At roughly 15 miles away, the campus is the closest of the profiled schools to downtown Boston.
- Northern Essex Community College, located 39 miles from central Boston in Haverhill, has both certificate and associate's degree programs for aspiring paramedics.
- For students closer to Worcester, Quinsigamond Community College offers emergency medical services certificate and associate's degree programs focused on paramedic technology. The school is around 48 miles from Boston's downtown area.
Comparison of Schools
Look over this table to get details on the featured schools' campus settings, retention rates, tuition costs and more. The variety of facts and figures are here to help you make an informed decision about where to pursue paramedic training.
| Massachusetts Bay Community College | Northern Essex Community College | Quinsigamond Community College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | 2-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 3,423 | 4,770 | 6,916 |
| Campus Setting | Large suburb | Large suburb | Midsize city |
| Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2021-2022)* | $5,544 in-state $11,328 out-of-state | $5,280 in-state $11,064 out-of-state | $5,830 in-state $10,774 out-of-state |
| Percent of First-Year Students Receiving Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 76% | 76% | 83% |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A - Open enrollment | N/A - Open enrollment | N/A - Open enrollment |
| Retention Rate (2021)* | 53% full-time | 53% full-time | 57% full-time |
| Graduation Rate for Students Beginning in 2018* | 17% | 14% | 20% |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Some of the minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in this program include being currently certified as a Massachusetts EMT, having up-to-date CPR certification, being at least 18 years old, and meeting school reading, writing and math standards. Students will also need to pass criminal background and sexual offender checks before beginning the clinical segment.
Paramedicine Certificate
The program is offered in day and evening options. Students can complete the day program in 3 semesters and 2 summer sessions, while students choosing the evening option can earn the certificate in 4 semesters and 1 summer session. Following the National Standard Training Curriculum for Paramedics, this program prepares students to perform advanced life support and emergency medicine on pre-hospital patients of all ages. The courses cover subjects such as advanced cardiac life support, advanced pediatric life support and neonatal advanced life support. Students must earn at least a C+ grade in all paramedicine courses to earn this certificate.
Northern Essex Community College
Entrance requirements for paramedic programs include a high school diploma or GED, current EMT license (with 1 year of professional experience) and assessment tests for reading, writing and arithmetic. Students will also need to pass criminal background and sexual offender checks along with drug screenings.
Paramedic (EMT-P) Technology Certificate
Once students complete this program they're eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - Paramedic (NREMT-P) exam as well as the State of Massachusetts Paramedic licensing exam. The certificate program is a 35-credit study plan that includes coursework in pharmacology and advanced life saving procedures. Courses cover topics including trauma emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies and neonatal resuscitation. The program also includes biology and composition classes. Students may incur additional costs for things like malpractice insurance, uniforms and equipment.
Associate's Degree in Science in Paramedic (EMT-P) Technology
The associate's degree program includes 63 credits of study that share the same core classes as the certificate program. The curriculum for the degree also includes complementary studies in subjects such as medical Spanish, psychology and clinical pathophysiology. Students are encouraged to choose classes on death and dying or healthcare law to fill their elective requirements. Additions costs may arise from students choosing to buy uniforms, malpractice insurance and equipment.
Quinsigamond Community College
To participate in either of these training programs, students must have a high school diploma or GED, at least a current Massachusetts EMT-Basic certification and a minimum of 1 year's professional experience. Criminal and sexual offender background checks are also required, and prior to beginning the clinical portion, students must show proof of medical fitness and have current immunizations.
Emergency Medical Services Certificate: EMT Paramedic
Students can complete the program in 4 semesters. The curriculum includes core studies in advanced pre-hospital care, pharmacology, patient assessment and pediatric emergency care. Studies are presented through lectures, clinical practice and field placements. In total, students will complete 45 credit-hours. Additional expenses can be expected for uniforms, insurance, certification exams and other related items.
Emergency Medical Services Associate's Degree: Paramedic Technology
This is a 5-semester program that has the same foundation courses as the certificate program but is 70 credit hours. General education classes are also included, covering studies such as reading, writing and psychology. Students who enter the program with paramedic certification can take the general education courses on a full-time or part-time basis to earn their associate's degree. Successful completion of this program qualifies students to take the Massachusetts EMT-Paramedic exam.
