Paramedic (PAR)

This paramedic program is designed for current, certified EMTs and AEMTs ready to advance to the next level of prehospital care. Over approximately 15 months at our Las Vegas campus, you'll build on the emergency medical foundation you already have, training for the advanced, high-stakes situations paramedics handle every day.

Program objective. To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level paramedics through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Among the topics covered in the curriculum are anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, airway management, pharmacology, medical emergencies, pediatric emergencies, cardiology, trauma, and other topics necessary to be effective members of the emergency services team.

Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Occupational Science Degree. After successful completion of all didactic and clinical hours, students will be required to obtain a provisional license from the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) or other regulatory agency prior to beginning EMS 242 Field Internship. The provisional license requires that the applicant successfully pass a licensure examination. Total hours required to complete EMS 242 Field Internship may vary depending upon assigned schedule; as a result, the length of the program may be extended. Graduates of the Paramedic program are eligible to apply to take the NREMT certification examination at the paramedic level.

Core skills you’ll develop.

• Cardiology: Advanced cardiology and ECG interpretation
• Trauma: Trauma and pediatric emergency response
• Life Support: Advanced life support operations
• Assessment: Patient assessment and diagnostics

Continuing your education. Many paramedic graduates go on to pursue a bachelor's degree to build on the clinical and leadership skills they developed in this program, opening doors to supervisory, education or specialized care roles.

About Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute started changing lives in 1972, when Richard L. Luebke, Sr., and his wife, JoAnn, opened the first campus in Tucson, Arizona. Over 175,000 graduates have since advanced their education, and many are serving their communities through meaningful health care careers. The school’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing the best value in medical career education.

Eligibility requirements.

• Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency
• Provide proof of current EMT or AEMT certification, evidenced by current NREMT certification , an SNHD Attendant License or certificate , or another form of EMT certification approved by the Program Director

Partway through the program, you'll also need to obtain a provisional license from the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), which requires passing a licensure examination, before beginning EMS 242 Field Internship in your final semester.

Additional requirements may apply by campus

Program-specific requirements. In addition to the Admissions requirements listed in the Prospective Students section of this catalog, applicants must be 18 years of age. An interview with the program director and/or faculty is required. An applicant must provide proof of EMT certification to be eligible to enroll in the program. This must be evidenced by providing current NREMT certification, or an SNHD Attendee License or certificate; and any other forms EMT certification requiring Program Director approval (requirements must meet or exceed the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for the Emergency Medical Technician). Refer to the program specific Prospective Student Handout for more information.

High school verification. Proof of valid high school completion or equivalent must be submitted (high school diploma or transcript, GED report and certificate, or an official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript). Pima Medical Institute does not enroll ability-to-benefit students, and applicants under the legal age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian.

Entrance exams. Applicants for degree programs, excluding Nursing, are required to take the Wonderlic SLE and receive a minimum score of 20. Applicants for associate degree programs are also required to take a math admission test and receive a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 correct); a calculator is allowed, the time limit is 45 minutes, and the test can be taken up to 3 times. The exam may be waived for applicants who submit official transcripts that document completion of an associate degree or higher.

Background check, drug testing and vaccinations. Depending on the program, a background check and/or drug screening may be required prior to enrollment, during the program, and/or prior to externship/clinical training; the cost of the background check/drug screen is an out-of-pocket expense. The cost of required vaccinations and titers is also an out-of-pocket expense, and students are required to follow all clinical experience vaccination requests and policies.

At a glance. Course length: 15 Months (approximate); Total credits: 60.5; Lab hours: 135.5; Class hours: 641; Externship hours: 650. Hybrid education options not available at all campuses.

Las Vegas campus. The 2026 tuition price list shows 60.5 semester credits and 1,426.5 clock hours over 60 weeks, including 14 externship credits (650 hours).

Hybrid learning options. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses. Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online learning. Students can engage with course materials at times and in environments that suit their individual circumstances, such as balancing employment, family responsibilities or geographic constraints. However, externship hours must be completed entirely in person because hands-on clinical experience is essential for developing the practical skills and confidence needed for real-world patient care.

• Certification: Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians ( NREMT ) at the paramedic level.*
• Entry-level roles: Paramedic, flight paramedic, industrial paramedic, wildland fire paramedic, or critical care paramedic.
• Career advancement: This associate degree gives you the hands-on experience that matters for leadership roles. From there, a bachelor's degree can open the door to EMS management or supervisory positions.

Certification and state registration requirements vary.

Careers. The Paramedic program prepares students to apply for roles and other related career opportunities including:

• Paramedic
• Flight Paramedic

These careers exist in a variety of environments, including but not limited to ambulance services, hospitals, industrial plants, forest services and fire departments.

Job outlook. 6% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow faster than average over the next 10 years with a median pay of $60,600 per year. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and Paramedics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm (visited September 16, 2026).

Career Services. When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Clinical externships. At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Student Services. Our team of student service professionals are on hand to see students through the challenges they might face during their academic career. We offer guidance and resources to ultimately help build employable medical professionals.

Application process.

• Submit the form below. A few quick details so we can get to know you before we connect.
• Chat with our team. They'll ask about your goals, your background, and what's drawing you to healthcare. From there, they'll help you find the right program and campus for where you are in life right now.
• Attend your campus tour. Experience Pima Medical in person and picture yourself in a career that matters. We'll walk you through programs and what to expect.
• We help you complete your application. Our team guides you through every step, including enrollment and financial services, so nothing stands between you and getting started.