Certificate of Achievement in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Emphasis
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2026
Program Overview
Great Basin College offers a one-year program for a Certificate of Achievement in Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Emphasis. This program allows for working professionals to continue their education utilizing distance learning. Skills are also acquired at one of the GBC campuses with several clinical and practicum experiences options. The paramedic program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMPS) and by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Program Mission
To provide an accessible, student -centered, post -secondary paramedic education that prepares graduates for paramedic practice and ensures that patients within our communities receive a higher level of EMS care by paramedics trained with the highest standards.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students are expected to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required of an entry-level Nationally Registered Paramedic.
- Apply problem-solving, clinical decision-making, and critical thinking in a variety of prehospital settings.
- Use therapeutic and professional communication with patients, families, colleagues, and other health care providers.
- Apply knowledge of science, management, psychology, sociology, human services, wellness, and cultural diversity to support effective public safety and health care practice.
- Recognize the value of research and scientific inquiry in continuous quality improvement for prehospital care.
- Promote public education, health promotion, and injury and illness prevention as part of the paramedic role.
- Adapt prehospital care to diverse patient populations across age, gender, culture, religion, lifestyle, and community background.
- Demonstrate leadership as an advanced life support provider and role model for other EMS professionals.
- Assume the role of leadership as an advanced life support provider and role model for other EMS providers.
Program Expectations
The program prepares students to enter the profession with competency in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.
Students receive instruction in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medication administration, and advanced medical skills. Coursework also includes extensive clinical and field experience. Graduates are prepared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination and pursue paramedic certification.
Enrollment is limited, and students are admitted only in the fall semester. Selection is based on a point system. While general education courses are not required for admission, students who complete them may earn a higher point total. Students must earn a grade of C or better in applicable courses to receive additional points. Required paramedic courses may not be taken prior to admission.
Students who do not have ACT or SAT scores and who have not started English or math requirements must complete the Accuplacer Placement Test before enrolling in prerequisite courses. The test is available through the Academic Success Center. For information and testing times, call 775-327-2247.
The year of admission to the AAS or Certificate of Achievement in Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic determines the catalog year and course requirements.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites to be completed prior to or during the semester in which application is made to the Paramedic program include:
- Current EMT or AEMT certification with Nevada
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR Card
- Proof of current Medical Insurance
- Required Immunizations
- MMR (2 doses)
- Varicella (2 Doses)
- Current Flu Vaccine (or exemption)
- 2 Step TB within the last 12 months
- Hepatitis B Series (3 in series, at least 2 prior to the start of class)
- Tetanus Immunization with last 10 years
- Covid-19 Immunization(s) or approved exemption (subject to approval)
Connect with the Program
Questions about the certificate or AAS degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic program or the application process can be directed to the School of Health Sciences & Behavioral Health at 775-327-2317.
To schedule an advisement meeting with the EMS Program Director, please click on this link and select a time that works best for you:
Admission to the certificate or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Special application and admission requirements exist for EMS. Prospective students should:
Apply for admission by completing the Application for Admission packet available online. Applications are available in January and must be submitted by May 31 at 5 p.m. for the Fall semester.
Return completed forms to:
School of Health Sciences & Behavioral Health
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, NV 89801
Learn more about GBC
Start your Certificate in EMS Paramedic application today.
