Program Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

What do I need to do after I apply to the program?

After you submit your application, you will be provided a link to Send This File to upload the required documents. You will also get an email confirmation that includes the link. You will need to click on the Send This File link to upload the required documents.

What are the required documents that I need to upload to Send This File after I apply to the program?

After submitting your application, you will be emailed instructions on how to upload and send the following required documents:

• NREMT card
• State EMT card
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended (If you have a college degree (Associates, Bachelors, or Masters), a copy of your diploma can be uploaded in lieu of transcripts.)
• Test of Essential Academic Skill (TEAS) printout that shows score.

Please make sure to only upload documents in a PDF format. For each PDF that is uploaded, please name each PDF with your last name and first name and what the document is. For example, Smith_John_Resume. 

What are the requirements for the hybrid program?

• Two years of EMT experience in an ALS 911 “transporting” agency
• Sponsorship letter from your agency 
• Letter of recommendation from your agency
• Applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skill (TEAS) exam prior to the application deadline 
• Attend the mandatory interview

Do I have to take an Anatomy and Physiology class before being accepted into the program?

No, we include several weeks of A&P in the course curriculum so we do not require it as a prerequisite. Although, it is not a prerequisite to take A&P, it will benefit you having that knowledge coming into the program. 

I’ve let my National Registry certification lapse. Can I still apply to your program?

Yes, as long as you are current with your county or state.

Do you have an entrance exam?

The Test of Essential Academic Skill (TEAS) serves as our entrance exam. You will need to schedule a TEAS exam on your own and submit the results by the application deadline. The TEAS exam can be taken anywhere that it is offered. When registering for the exam on the ATI website (https://www.atitesting.com/Home.aspx) you will be asked which exam you are registering for, you will choose the TEAS for Nursing option. There is no required minimum score.

Am I required to apply to Sacramento State as a student?

No, students are not required to apply to the university or meet campus admissions criteria. Students apply directly to the program by filling out the online application. There is a $30.00 non-refundable application fee.

If accepted into the program, will I need to show proof of immunizations?

Yes. If accepted, you’ll need to show proof of immunizations for: COVID-19, MMR, Hep B, Varicella, Influenza (current flu season), 2 step TB skin test (1-3 weeks apart), and Tdap. More information will be provided once accepted.

The CSU COVID-19 vaccination policy strongly recommends that all students and employees receive their booster as soon as they become eligible. However, students in the paramedic program are currently required to upload their COVID-19 vaccination/booster to Castlebranch prior to starting a clinical internship as the hospitals are still requiring it. Should this requirement change, we will update this FAQ. You can visit Sacramento State’s COVID-19 Information page for FAQ’s and more information.

What else will I need to submit?

Upon program acceptance, current car insurance and health insurance coverage will need to be uploaded to CastleBranch.

Can I apply to the program if I have a criminal conviction on my record?

Having a criminal conviction on your record doesn’t prevent you from applying or being accepted into the program, but it could prevent you from ultimately becoming a paramedic depending on the conviction(s), therefore it is important to read and be familiar with the NREMT Criminal Conviction Policy.

Program Costs

What is the cost of this program?

The cost of the program is $15,000 ($500 per unit) and includes books, materials, and uniform shirts. Students will also be required to pay for their field internship, which is approximately $1,000. Students are also responsible for paying CastleBranch an approximate $100 non-refundable drug screening, immunization, and background check fee at time of acceptance into the program. Total costs are approximately $16,100.

Is there a payment plan available?

No. Fees will be due to Sacramento State at specific times, as follows:

1. The first payment of approximately $100, is due if/when you’re accepted into the program
2. The second payment will be $3,500, due at time of registration for NURS 51 and NURS 53: Part 1
3. The third payment will be $4,000, due at time of registration for NURS 52 and NURS 54: Part 2
4. The fourth payment will be $2,500, due at time of registration for NURS 55
5. The fifth and final payment will be $5,000, due at time of registration for NURS 56

Payment is due at time of registration. You must register and pay for each course by the first day of the class. A $25 late payment fee will be assessed for those who register/pay after the first day of the course.

Lastly, you also need to pay for your internship directly with an agency, and their charges may vary. The typical cost for an internship can range anywhere from free to $3,500.

Is this program eligible for federal financial aid and student loans? Why not?

No, unfortunately this program does not qualify for financial aid or student loans. Sacramento State is only approved to offer federal financial aid to students that are enrolled in eligible degree programs. Students enrolled in the Paramedic Program would not qualify for federal financial aid. This includes the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Student Loans.

Do you accept VA/GI Bill funding?

Sacramento State’s Paramedic Program is approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs to certify enrollment for eligible veterans for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill and others. You will need to contact registration (916.278.5499) at the College of Continuing Education to get started with the appropriate veteran’s paperwork.

Clinical/Field Placements and Internships

Do I have to find my own clinical placement?

No, we have a Clinical Coordinator, Jeff Cooke, who will place you at a hospital for your internship. 

Do I have to find my own field placement?

Yes, a requirement of the hybrid program is that your agency will agree to provide you an internship.

Do you have mentors for the clinical and field phase?

Yes, in addition to having a Clinical and Field Coordinator, we also have Clinical and Field Mentors. Each mentor will be assigned several students who they will mentor during those students’ clinical and field internships.

What are some of the hospitals you send students to for the clinical phase?

Sutter Auburn, Sutter Roseville, Kaiser Roseville, Kaiser Sacramento, South Kaiser (Sacramento), Sutter Memorial, Sutter General, Mercy San Juan, UC Davis, Woodland Memorial, Lodi Medical Center, Kaiser Oakland, Kaiser Vallejo/Vacaville, etc.

Program Structure

How long is the program?

The program is comprised of three phases: didactic, clinical, and field. On average, students finish the program in a year or just under. While in the didactic phase, you’ll be completing assignments and readings virtually on your own, and will also be meeting in person one to two times per week at 4931 Arnold Avenue, Suite 150 McClellan, CA 95652.

What is the schedule like for didactic?

Students in the hybrid program will do a majority of their learning during didactic virtually at home on their own. In addition, students will be required to come to at least one in person class a week (not including exam days). Class would meet on either a Tuesday or Thursday and hours are flexible depending on the class needs. The start date of each program and end date of didactic is listed on the application (didactic is approx. 23 weeks long).

What certification is included in the program?

During didactic you will get certified in AMLS, ACLS, PALS and PHTLS. There is no additional cost for these classes — they are included with the cost of the program. 

Is coursework transferable to another college or university?

Yes, you will receive 30 units of academic credit that may be transferable as elective units.

Are students required to wear uniforms?

Yes, students are provided one uniform polo and one program job shirt (sweatshirt), and are required to purchase and wear Navy Blue Tactical Ripstop pants. Students are also required to wear black shoes and a black leather belt. Students are also provided scrubs to wear during the clinical portion of the program.

What are the required pants for the program and where can I purchase them?

You will need to purchase 5.11 Ripstop TDU pants in dark navy (style #74003). You can purchase them online or at a uniform store. If you purchase them at Blumenthal’s in Sacramento, mention that you are a Sac State paramedic student and you’ll receive a small discount.

What are some of the things that stand out about your program?

• All of our instructors are currently working in the field as either full-time paramedics on private ambulances or as firefighter/paramedics at city fire departments.
• We have our very own ambulance! Students get to run through real life scenarios on the ambulance.
• During the didactic phase, students get the opportunity to use the High-Fidelity Simulation Labs at McClellan for skills practice and learning.

Program History and Accreditation

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the Paramedic Program is approved by the Sacramento County Emergency Medical Services Agency and the State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority. The program is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

When did the program begin?

The Paramedic Program began in October 2009. We  piloted our first hybrid cohort February 2017.

What are the Paramedic Program Outcomes?

CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2021. The most recent success rate for the National Registry of EMT Paramedic Cognitive exam was 96.8%. The most recent positive placement rate for graduates was 96.9%. Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as “Employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military.” Positive placement is measured at completion of the program. The most recent retention rate was 86.7%.

 

 

Curriculum

If you’d like to review the current syllabi or student handbook, please contact the program at cceparamedic@csus.edu.

Contact Information

You may send the program a message using this form.

Are you on social media?
Yes, our Facebook URL is www.facebook.com/SacStatePHE, and you can follow us on Instagram @SacStatePHE.