Paramedic Program

Applications Open July 2025 - Classes Starting Early November 2025.

Paramedic kneeling helping someone on the ground

Saint Vincent’s Medical Center is excited to announce the relaunch of its new 55-week Paramedic Education Program, scheduled for late Fall 2025. This upgraded program is meticulously designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of EMTs and AEMTs, ensuring that our students are exceptionally prepared to thrive in the demanding field of emergency response. By exceeding the rigorous National EMS Education Standards, the program's top-tier education provides an excellent foundation for future paramedics.

The Saint Vincent’s Paramedic Program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

CoAEMSP logoThis letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation.

A Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the National Registry's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

To contact CoAEMSP, call 214.703.8445 or visit http://www.coaemsp.org for more information.

Faculty Program Director Wesley Young, Medical Director Dr. Steve Valassis, Lead Instructor Elizabeth Egan.

The program is broken down into four 15-week terms using the following format:

Term 1

Anatomy and Physiology I and II

This course goes in depth into the anatomy of the human body, exploring the different body systems and how each system reacts to the emergency medications delivered by paramedics on a daily basis, and the pathophysiology behind hundreds of potential disease pathways that a paramedic may come into contact with.

Introduction to Paramedicine

This course explores the foundational material of the paramedic program, include ALS skills such as IV access, advanced airway management, and medication administration. Pharmacology and medication mathematics are also a primary focus in this introductory course. Students will build the foundation that their paramedic education will be built upon throughout the remainder of the program.

Clinicals

Students begin Emergency Department, Operating Room, and Dispatch clinicals during this term.

Term 2

Cardiology I & II

In this course, students will explore the human heart and its electrical impulses that drive the human body. Students will gain in depth knowledge on basic and advanced EKG interpretation and the correlating treatments to various cardiac rhythm disturbances and emergencies.

Medical Emergencies

Students will learn about multiple body systems and the conditions that afflict them in this section. Students will develop the critical thinking skills required to manage patients of all etiologies and presentations.

Clinicals

Students continue Emergency Department clinicals during this term. Students will begin clinical shifts in the Cardiac Catheterization/EP Lab and the Respiratory Department during this term.

Term 3

Pediatrics

Students will undergo a full course of pediatrics, learning the differences in anatomy and the effects of medications on infants and children of all ages.

Students will learn the potential risks involved with pregnancy and delivery during this term.  Full birthing-capable mannequins mimic the process of newborn delivery to educate students on the possible emergencies involved and the appropriate actions to mitigate them. The program is equipped with infant and pediatric mannequins to allow for mastery of skills on patients of all ages and sizes.

Trauma

In this course, students will build off of their BLS trauma knowledge to go more in depth on the pathophysiology of major traumatic events and more advanced skills used to manage them. Students will learn how to perform a cricothyrotomy, needle decompression of the chest, and blood administration of the severely injured patient.

Clinicals

Students continue Emergency Department shifts during this term, with the addition of Labor and Delivery, Pediatric Emergency Department, Trauma Rounds, and the ICU. The majority of clinical shifts will be completed before the conclusion of Term 3.

Term 4

Operations

Topics include EMS history, legal concerns, documentation, critical thinking, communications and rescue / hazardous materials and WMD.

Certification Courses

Students will graduate with certifications in courses such as ACLS, PALS, AMLS, EPC, PHTLS, MHFA, and more.

The primary didactic portion of the program will conclude in term 3, allowing students time to practice and hone their newly learned skills and knowledge alongside experienced paramedics on the road.

Field Internship & Capstone

Discover more about our Field Internship.

Students will complete a clinical shift with advanced practitioners/physicians in the emergency department during term four.

Additional Information

At the conclusion of this program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Examination, recognized by the State of Connecticut.

For additional questions, please contact Director of EMS Wesley Young at 475.210.4393 or email Wesley.Young@hhchealth.org.

  • Overview: Our intensive program aims to educate and train students to initiate and maintain treatment for medical, traumatic, and cardiac emergencies. Students will practice medical emergencies, trauma, OB/GYN, neonatal, pediatric, difficult airway, and other scenarios in a realistic environment using top-of-the-line equipment and under the instruction of a team of experts.
  • Certifications: Students will receive all standard certifications during the program, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC), Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS), and more. Programs are designed to ensure all students are eligible to obtain medical control in all CT regions after graduation.
  • Cost: All-inclusive program tuition $10,550 includes hard cover and online books, LMS systems, uniforms, and certifications included. Payment plans are available upon request.

Application

Admission Requirements:

  • 18 years of age at the start of the program
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current CT EMT certification obtained by the start of the program
  • Current AHA BLS (CPR) certification

Application Process:

  • Complete and submit the application packet with a $50 application fee
  • Successful completion of the entrance exam (scheduled after the application is submitted)
  • Oral interview with faculty
  • Pass a background check and drug screen
  • Pay the initial deposit of $1000 upon acceptance

Apply today to further your career in EMS!

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    St. Vincent's Medical Center
    2800 Main Street
    Bridgeport, CT 06606
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    Phone: 203-576-5877

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