Career Opportunities

Graduates of this major will be prepared for advancement within Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, including administrative and teaching positions within paramedicine, which generally requires a bachelor's degree.

Recommended High School Subjects

Because of the strong emphasis in science and math in this major, applicants are encouraged to complete and have strong academic achievement in three high school math courses and three high school science courses, which include at least one biology course with a lab and one chemistry course with a lab.

Special Admissions Requirements

Anyone desiring entrance into this major must gain admission to Penn College, as well as hold a paramedic certification that was obtained through the successful completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited paramedic training program.

Special Equipment Needs

Laptop Computer Required

• Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
• Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
• 8+ GB RAM (recommend).
• 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
• Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
• Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
• Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
• Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
• Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College. Please refer to transferring credits for complete details (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions /transfer/ transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Students pursuing this major must provide a copy of their current paramedic credential prior to enrollment in this major. The paramedic credential must be current and in good standing. Students that hold an accepted paramedic credential will receive 30 block credits toward the PMC degree. Please note that credits given for a paramedic credential are separate from any general education coursework the student may have completed previously.

International health credentials/licensure, sciences courses, and most math courses will not be accepted to satisfy requirements of this major. Please see additional information for international students applying to Nursing & Health Sciences majors.

Program Goals

• demonstrate knowledge of core biological principles.
• apply critical thinking and analytical skills to improve the delivery of healthcare.
• utilize scientific inquiry to problem solve healthcare issues.
• apply evidence-based practice to improve the delivery of healthcare.
• demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning.

Performance Standards

All students must earn a “C” (2.0) or higher in all BIO, CHM, PHS, MTH, MTR, and HTH courses. If a lower grade is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated.

 NOTE: Students seeking entrance into the M. S. in Physician Assistant Studies major upon graduation from the Prehospital Medicine major will need to earn a "B" or higher in many BIO, CHM, and PHS courses. Please refer to the selective admission criteria for complete details (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/selective-admission-criteria-process/physician-assistant-studies.