Dorsey College

Paramedic

Madison Heights (Main Campus)
Certificate · Hybrid
Paramedic
Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Hybrid format — on-campus instruction combined with online coursework.
$9,445
1,024 hours (14-16 months)
No application fee is charged.
Federal Title IV aid (Pell, SEOG, Stafford loans, Work-Study), Michigan scholarships & grants, VA benefits, institutional scholarships, loans and job-training programs.

Paramedic is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by Dorsey College in Madison Heights, MI. The program takes 14-16 months to complete, with a total tuition of $9,445.

Program Overview

The paramedic certificate program is designed to prepare students with the theoretical knowledge, communication skills, and technical skills to respond to, assess, and triage emergent, urgent, and non-urgent requests for medical care working in emergency medical services. Providing students with a hands-on structured learning experience, the paramedic training program includes fundamental skills needed to save lives in emergency medical situations. Paramedic is an intensive program which builds on the knowledge attained in emergency medical technician (EMT) with an even greater emphasis on pathophysiology of the human body. Paramedics can perform skills (in addition to those learned in EMT) such as intravenous access, endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring and electrical therapy, medication administration, pleural decompression, and emergency airway access (cricothyrotomy). Successful completion of this program will certify students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination for Paramedics (EMT-P).

Available at the Madison Heights and Woodhaven Campuses.

What Sets This Program Apart

Clinical Experience and Field Internship

Students enrolled in the paramedic program are required to complete 500 hours of clinical experience and field internship. These unpaid clinical hours are scheduled and coordinated by the Clinical Coordinator.

NREMT and Licensure

Paramedics are required to obtain a license to work in the State of Michigan. This program exceeds the US DOT’s paramedic National Standard Curriculum and is approved by the MDHHS. Successful completion of both the National Certification Knowledge and Skills examinations qualifies program graduates to apply for State of Michigan EMS licensure.

Accreditation

The paramedic program at Dorsey College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Admission Requirements & Process

Admissions inquiries may be directed to a Dorsey College campus convenient to you, or you can call 888-422-1188 to arrange a convenient appointment with an admissions representative. A career planning session will be scheduled to review Dorsey College’s career programs and the applicant’s attitude, motivation, and commitment to training. Successful applicants will be provided with a copy of their fully executed enrollment agreement.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
    High school diploma or its equivalent (for example, a General Education Development “GED” High School Equivalency Certificate), as evidenced by an attestation signed by the…
  • Career Planning Session
    A career planning session with a Dorsey College admissions representative, to review Dorsey College’s career programs and the applicant’s attitude, motivation, and commitment to…
  • Desire to Succeed
    The desire, interest, and motivation to succeed.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID
    Current government issued photo identification or passport is required when completing the enrollment agreement.
  • Foreign Diploma Evaluation
    Students enrolling with a foreign diploma or transcript must have it evaluated by an authorized and approved evaluator prior to enrollment, to prove it is equivalent to a United…
  • Reliable Internet Access
    Students enrolled in programs utilizing distance education or hybrid delivery are responsible to ensure reliable internet access is consistently available during designated…
  • Criminal Background Check
    Program applicants of select programs are required to submit to a criminal background check at enrollment. Continued enrollment in these programs is contingent upon the results of…
  • No Lifting Restrictions
    For patient and student safety during clinical assignment, students enrolled in select programs must be free of any lifting or activity restrictions.
  • EMS Immunizations
    Documentation of updated immunizations, including MMR, varicella vaccination (or titer), hepatitis B vaccination series (or the start of the series), and a recent and negative TB…
  • Physical Demands of EMS
    EMS work is physically strenuous requiring considerable kneeling, bending, and lifting while caring for and moving patients. All EMS training programs are skill based and…
  • NREMT and Michigan Eligibility
    EMS students must meet NREMT certification requirements and State of Michigan licensure requirements, which include being at least 17 years old and not having voluntarily…
  • EMT Completion and BLS
    Paramedic enrollment also requires AHA/BLS certification and documentation of completion of an MDHHS-approved emergency medical technician (basic) program or a current State of…
  • Felony Convictions
    Dorsey College reserves the right to deny acceptance to an applicant with any felony convictions to programs with licensure requirements.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Admissions inquiries may be directed to a Dorsey College campus convenient to you. Contact Dorsey College at 888-422-1188 to arrange a convenient appointment with an admissions representative.
  2. 2
    Career Planning Session
    A career planning session will be scheduled to review Dorsey College’s career programs and the applicant’s attitude, motivation, and commitment to training.
  3. 3
    Submit Required Documentation
    Documentation of high school diploma or its equivalent must be submitted to the campus, along with any additional documents your program requires.
  4. 4
    Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
    For your customized financial aid offer, complete your FAFSA and include your preferred Dorsey College campus institution code.
    FAFSA Code for Madison Heights (Main Campus): 004692
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  5. 5
    Sign Your Enrollment Agreement
    Successful applicants will be provided with a copy of their fully executed enrollment agreement. Current government issued photo identification or passport is required when completing the enrollment agreement.
  6. 6
    Attend Orientation
    Dorsey College offers orientation to new students to acclimate them to the institution, including an informal introduction of key personnel, campus policies and procedures, and an opportunity to interact with peers.

Program Schedule

The paramedic program length is 14-16 months of contact time, dependent on schedule selection.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • February 22nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $9,445
Total Program Cost
≈ $9,995
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Fees include textbooks, clinical scheduler and tracker, and online testing access. One uniform shirt (polo) is provided to all students enrolled in the program. Total tuition and fees are billed upfront.

Types of Financial Aid

After completing the FAFSA and establishing eligibility, students at Dorsey College receive a financial aid offer that may include one or more types of assistance.

Scholarships — Typically awarded on the basis of academic achievement or other qualifying criteria. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Examples include the Fostering Futures Scholarship, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS), Mi Gear Up Scholarship, Dorsey Great Start Scholarships, and several memorial scholarships.

Grants — Need-based awards that may be funded by the federal government, the State of Michigan, Dorsey College, or private organizations. Grants do not require repayment. Examples include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG), Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG), Ruth Dorsey Grant, Pat Fischer Culinary Arts Grant, and Dorsey Veterans Grant.

Loans — Low-interest student loans are available and must be repaid when a student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment. Options include the Federal Stafford Loan Program, Direct PLUS Loan (for parents), Dorsey Institutional Loan, and private educational loans.

Federal Work-Study — Provides part-time employment opportunities, enabling students to earn wages that can be applied toward educational expenses.

Other Benefits and Job Training Opportunities — Students may also qualify for state-sponsored programs, veterans’ benefits, or other workforce development and job training initiatives, including the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Phase I, EMS Career Programs Advance Payment Incentive, Tuition Reimbursement, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Michigan Merit Award, Veterans Education Benefits, Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and UAW Tuition Assistance Plan.

The Dorsey College financial aid department provides students with both entrance and exit loan counseling.

Total program tuition is $9,445 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

Curriculum

The paramedic program totals 1,024 hours with 329 classroom hours, 195 laboratory hours, and 500 clinical hours covering 8 topics:

  • Preparatory (101 hours)
  • Airway/respiratory (22 hours)
  • Patient assessment (46 hours)
  • Medical (167 hours)
  • Trauma (71 hours)
  • Special considerations (60 hours)
  • Operations (57 hours)
  • Assessment-based patient management (9 hours)

Additionally, students are required to complete 60 clinical hours in a hospital emergency room, 22 hours of specialties, and 168 clinical hours on an ALS transporting ambulance. All 250 hours of field internship must be completed in an ALS pre-hospital unit.

Career Outcomes

Career Services

Career services coordinators assist program completers in establishing and accomplishing personal employment goals, polishing resumes, and providing job search and interview techniques, in support of Dorsey College’s objective to “assist students to secure training-related employment.” The Dorsey College career services coordinators can be reached at each campus or online at www.dorsey.edu.

Dorsey College maintains an impressive graduate employment (“placement”) rate, serving as its hallmark. Dorsey College calculates its placement rate according to the requirements of its institutional accreditor. Thousands of graduates from Dorsey College have launched new, exciting, and rewarding careers with many of Michigan’s leading employers. These graduates fulfill Dorsey College’s objective to educate students who are well prepared to enter the workplace, and assume the tasks and challenges associated with their new careers and satisfy the performance requirements of employers. Licensure must be obtained from the State of Michigan to work as a practical nurse, registered nurse, massage therapist, emergency medical technician, paramedic, cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician, EMT instructor/coordinator or as a pharmacy technician.

Dorsey College does not guarantee job placement or starting salary. Dorsey College has developed and continues to develop long-term relationships with employers to enhance employment opportunities for completers.

What to Expect as a Student at Dorsey College

A Message From the President

At Dorsey College we take great pride in providing our students with a positive learning environment that includes smaller classes taught by credentialed instructors with real-world experience. Training at Dorsey College is hands-on and performance based, using simulated work environments to ensure you are equipped with the practical skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen career field. Most of our programs are taught in a hybrid learning model that includes online and on-ground courses to provide flexibility and convenience. Classroom and laboratory training is combined with clinical training or an externship in most programs, where students go on-site to an employer in their field to gain real life industry experience.

Established in downtown Detroit in 1934, Dorsey College continues the heritage of its founder, Ruth Dorsey, as a trusted name for comprehensive, quality career training. Now in operation for over ninety years, Dorsey College has continued to be a mark of educational distinction with tens of thousands of graduates enjoying successful careers throughout the country. Institutional facilities consist of seven campus locations with well-equipped classrooms and laboratories, including medical labs, dental labs, HVAC and electrical labs, culinary kitchens, cosmetology clinics and massage therapy clinics furnished with program-appropriate equipment to simulate the work environment for which the student is training.

Location

Madison Heights (Main Campus)
31739 John R Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071

Accreditation & Approvals

Institutional Accreditation — Council on Occupational Education

Dorsey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education granted accreditation to Dorsey College effective February 19, 2018. The formal action of the Commission included the main campus, located in Madison Heights, as well as its affiliate campus locations in Roseville, Woodhaven, Wayne, Dearborn, Saginaw and Grand Rapids. Contact: Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898 / FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org.

Dorsey College Holdings d/b/a Dorsey College is a Michigan entity recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is currently approved by the U.S. Department of Education as a private non-profit institution of higher education.

Programmatic Accreditation

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at the campuses located in Madison Heights, Saginaw, and Wayne, and the Practical Nurse program at the campuses located in Madison Heights, Roseville, Wayne, Woodhaven and Saginaw, are accredited by ACEN, 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for these programs is initial accreditation.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, mail@jrcert.org.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). The paramedic program is accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF): The culinary arts program offered at the Dorsey College Roseville campus is programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095, (800) 624-9458.

Licenses and Approvals

Dorsey College is approved in the State of Michigan by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development. It is approved to offer EMS training programs by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of EMS, Trauma, & Preparedness. The Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse programs are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, and the Massage Therapy program is an approved education program by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. Dorsey College is approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons for VA Educational Programs at the Madison Heights, Roseville, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Wayne, Woodhaven and Saginaw campuses, and is approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Student Demographics

These are demographics for all students at the Madison Heights (Main Campus) Campus (IPEDS, 2024).

Gender Distribution
Women68.7%(442)
Men31.3%(201)
Race/Ethnicity Distribution
Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
63.6% · 409 students
Black/African American63.6% · 409
White22.9% · 147
International Students5.3% · 34
Two or More Races4.7% · 30
Asian1.9% · 12
American Indian/Alaska Native0.9% · 6
Hispanic/Latino0.8% · 5
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0% · 0

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a paramedic do?
Paramedics (and EMTs) care for sick and injured patients at the site of an emergency. They also often transport patients to a hospital or other medical facility to receive further care. Paramedics may perform any of the duties an EMT performs. In addition, Paramedics can also provide more extensive prehospital care to patients. Some of these duties may include giving medications orally and intravenously, interpreting EKGs, and using other monitors and complex equipment while triaging and treating patients.
Where do paramedics work?
Paramedics can be found working in several different settings. They may work for ambulance companies, fire departments, and even hospitals. Some Paramedics (and EMTs) may even be contracted by local venues to work at large-scale events.
How much does a paramedic make?
The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics has helpful information on various occupations, including median salary information. The information for EMTs and Paramedics can be referenced by visiting this page: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm#tab-1. It’s important to note that the information listed here is National information, so it’s pooled together and not specific to any particular geographic location. It also includes information on all EMTs and Paramedics regardless of their experience on the job, their work setting, etc.
Are EMTs and paramedics the same?
EMTs and Paramedics are not the same. While both are members of the EMS team, Paramedics have more advanced education and skills than an EMT (often referred to as an EMT-Basic) and their scope of practice in the field is greater than that of an EMT’s. If you’d like to learn more about the differences between an EMT and a Paramedic, check out our blog, EMT vs Paramedic | What’s the difference?
Is this a good career choice for me?
When asking yourself, “is this a good career choice for me?” it’s important to ask yourself if you could see yourself doing this type of work (regardless of what the occupation may be). The work Paramedics do daily can be extremely rewarding. That’s because they perform a vital role within our communities, and in times of an emergency, they can be the difference between life and death. Many may choose to pursue a career as an Paramedic because they want to take their EMS career to the next level and they enjoy making a difference and giving back in their local community. At the same time, a career as a Paramedic can also be challenging. No two days are likely the same when you work in the EMS field, and you’re often thrust into a variety of emergency situations. While the work can be stressful, many take great pride in knowing that the work they do is meaningful and helps people in their local community. Paramedics may also be seen as leaders as they may often work shoulder-to-shoulder with EMTs and help guide and mentor them on-the-job.
How do I become a paramedic?
To become a Paramedic, the first step one must take is making sure they meet the requirements for enrolling in a Paramedic program. In some cases, this may be as simple as having attended an EMT-Basic training program. In other cases, you may need to have your EMT license already. It’s important to research this in advance to know what to expect. Once you’re clear on the requirements, you want to enroll in a Paramedic training program. You will want to choose a Paramedic training program approved by the state in which you wish to become licensed, and work. Once you successfully complete your Paramedic training, you’ll need to challenge the NREMT exam for Paramedics. Upon successfully completing this exam, you can pursue licensure as a Paramedic with the state. In Michigan, licensure is required to obtain gainful employment as a Paramedic.
What training do you need to be a paramedic?
To become a Paramedic, you’ll want to seek out a training program that helps build on the knowledge and skills obtained during your EMT training. Paramedic training is designed to not only help you obtain the knowledge, but also develop the skills needed to succeed in your career as a Paramedic. Since Paramedics perform more advanced duties than an EMT does on the job, a good training program will expose students to these topics and skills to help prepare them for what they will face once they are licensed as a Paramedic and working in the field.
How long is paramedic school?
Generally speaking, Paramedic school takes 1-2 years to complete. This may be based on a variety of factors including the school you select and how classes are scheduled.
Will I be able to find a job?
There are a number of factors that may influence a candidate’s ability to obtain gainful employment in their respective field. As such, it’s always a good idea to look at the occupation you’re considering to see if the job outlook is positive. According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of EMTs and Paramedics is projected to grow 5% from 2022-2032. This projected growth is faster than average for all occupations.
What will be covered in the program?
The Paramedic program at Dorsey College is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, communication skills, and technical skills to respond to, assess, and triage emergent, urgent, and non‐ urgent requests for medical care working in emergency medical services. The Paramedic training program includes fundamental skills needed to save lives in emergency medical situations. The Paramedic program builds on the knowledge attained in the emergency medical technician (EMT) program with an even greater emphasis on pathophysiology of the human body. The curriculum includes the necessary skills to analyze a patient’s signs and symptoms and determine an appropriate course of treatment. Paramedics can perform skills (in addition to those skills learned in EMT) such as intravenous access, endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring and electrical therapy, medication administration, pleural decompression, and emergency airway access (cricothyrotomy). In addition to these skills, team leadership benchmarks are incorporated into the Paramedic program.
Is the program hands-on?
Yes! Students in the Paramedic program will have opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in class and during unpaid clinical hours.
How long is the program?
The Paramedic program at Dorsey College is designed to be completed within the time frame of 14-16 months (based on a 10-12 hour per week schedule), as published in the school catalog.
Why should I choose Dorsey College?
Students choose Dorsey College over other career training schools for a variety of reasons. You can learn more by visiting The Dorsey Difference page.
Which Dorsey College campuses offer my program?
The Paramedic program is offered at the following Dorsey College campus locations: • Grand Rapids, MI (An affiliate campus of Madison Heights) • Madison Heights, MI (Main Campus) • Woodhaven, MI (An affiliate campus of Madison Heights)
How do I enroll?
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Paramedic program at Dorsey College, the first step you should take is meeting with one of our Admissions Representatives. Request information online and a member of our team will be back in touch with you shortly. You can read more about our Admissions process on our Admissions information page.
Will the program prepare me for licensure?
Yes. The Paramedic program at Dorsey College is designed to prepare students to challenge the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam for EMT-P after successfully completing our program and meeting the necessary requirements to apply for the exam. Dorsey College has determined that its Paramedic training program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district, or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
Is your school accredited?
Yes, you can read more by visiting our Accreditation page.
What are the tuition and fees for the program?
Information regarding the current tuition and fees for the Dorsey College Paramedic program can be accessed by visiting our Student Consumer Information page by clicking here
Can you help me find a job after graduation?
Dorsey College offers Career Services assistance to all program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Paramedic at Madison Heights (Main Campus).
Paramedic