If you dream of making a difference as a paramedic, your path starts at Penn College. When seconds count, experience matters, and hands-on learning makes the difference. Here, you’ll prepare for your National Registry of EMTs Paramedic examination in one of the oldest accredited paramedic training sites in the nation.

Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Certificate

In this fully immersive program, you’ll learn everything you need to begin your career in just 12 months. Start with the fundamentals and expand your knowledge alongside expert instructional staff. Working in state-of-the-art labs, you’ll learn how to stabilize a simulated critical patient inside the ambulance simulator and treat patients in a vehicle rescue.

You will progress through extensive instruction that combines classroom theory, hands-on learning labs, and real-world field and clinical instruction that will prepare you to take the National Registry of EMTs Paramedic examination.

The opportunities don’t stop there. Advance your career opportunities with seamless degree pathways to an associate’s degree in Allied Health or bachelor’s in Healthcare Leadership & Administration or Prehospital Medicine.

January 2026 Full-time Course
Application deadline is November 1, 2025. 

This cohort will begin on January 5, 2026 and run through December 19, 2026.

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school Graduate, GED or equivalent. Recommended high school subjects include three years of science and four years of English, social studies, and math (including algebra).
• Be certified as an EMT, or AEMT in the state of Pennsylvania (Reciprocity from other states to PA will need to be taken care of early).
• Complete the Paramedic Entrance Exam within the previous 18 months.
• Interview with Paramedic Program Staff.
• Documentation of a minimum of 10 patient contacts and 60 hours of EMS experience.
• Complete health screenings that are required by the program. Placement in the program is conditional until health requirements are met.
• Negative Drug Screening.
• Successfully maintain a 75% overall course grade.
• Obtain Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, and Childline Background checks with satisfactory results.
• Meet classroom and clinical attendance requirements.

• Ambulance simulator
• Vehicle rescue simulator
• High-fidelity simulation equipment
• Variety of current advanced life support (ALS) equipment, including iSimulate monitors, Lifepak 15s and video laryngoscopes
• Apartment learning lab for in-home simulated emergency care practice
• Dedicated simulation space for an emergency sequence with car accident, transport via an ambulance, and transfer of care to an ER setting

• Level I
  • EMS 301- Introduction to Paramedic Practice & Patient Assessment
  • EMS 104- Medical Terminology
  • LPN 115- Anatomy & Physiology I
• Level II
  • EMS 302- Cardiology & Medicine
  • LPN 125- Anatomy & Physiology II
• Level III
  • EMS 303- Operations & Trauma

For more program information, download the brochure , email workforce@pct.edu or call 570-327-4775.

Penn College Workforce Development
Williamsport, PA 17701

The cost of the course is $18,500 (Textbooks & uniforms are not included in cost).

Additional program cost
•    Textbooks: Estimate -$900.00 - E-text/used versions of required textbooks may be available at a lower price
•    Uniforms: Cost varies based on student preference
•    Laptop computer & internet access: Cost varies based on student preference
•    Small web-enabled tablet: Cost varies based on student preference
 

Students are responsible to purchase the following, required, Level I textbook materials, after November 1st, and before November 30, 2025:

Level I

1. Sanders, M. J. (2024). Sanders’ Paramedic Textbook (6th ed.) Jones & Bartlett Learning; Memmler's The Human Body in Health (14th ed.) Special Bundle Package
2. Cohen, B. J., & Jones, S. A. (2021). Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning (Online Textbook).

Level II Required Textbook

1. ACLS Provider Manual  (Order by April 1, 2026)

Level III Required Textbook & PHTLS Hybrid course 

1. PALS Provider Manual  (Order by August 15, 2026)
2. PHTLS Hybrid Online Course, Tenth Edition (Order by 9/10/2026)

Financial aid is available, and we’re here to help. Learn more.