Program Overview

Paramedic Program Overview

The Paramedic Program at Weber State University is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified paramedics. The program is highly competitive, and admission is based on a variety of factors, including academic performance, entrance exam scores, and previous EMS experience.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Paramedic Program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be an admitted student of Weber State University
• Submit a program application by the published deadline
• Pass the departmental EMT assessment/entrance exam with a minimum score of 75%
• Possess a valid Utah state EMT certification
• Complete MATH 0990 or higher with a grade of "C" or better
• Complete English 1010 or higher with a grade of "C" or better
• Complete Medical Terminology (2 credits) with a grade of "C" or better
• Complete Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits) with a grade of "C" or better
• Possess a grade point average of 2.7 or higher

Additional Prerequisite Information

• General Prerequisites: Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7, and all academic prerequisite courses require a minimum "C" grade.
• EMT Assessment/Entrance Exam: Applicants must successfully complete the departmental EMT assessment/entrance exam with a minimum score of 75% on no more than two attempts.
• English 1010: The English course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
• MATH 0990: The math course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
• Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits): A grade of "C" or better is required in HTHS 2110/2111 at WSU or equivalent courses at other institutions.
• Medical Terminology (2 credits): A grade of "C" or better is required.

Selection Priority

In the event of more qualified applicants than available openings, the following criteria will be used in the ranking of all applicants:

1. Entrance exam score
2. College GPA
3. Completion of an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
4. Years of previous EMS experience
5. Average GPA achieved in Anatomy and Physiology
6. Essay

Certification Exam Disability Accommodation

The Paramedic Program is dedicated to providing an outstanding education to all students and will work with campus Disability Services to provide accommodations. However, prospective students should recognize that testing for certification and licensure is done by the National Registry of EMT's, not by WSU.

Language Requirements

Students must be able to listen and communicate appropriately in English to other students, faculty, patients, and medical personnel. Students for whom English is not their native language will be required to demonstrate English fluency prior to admission to the Paramedic Program.

Contractual Admission

"Contracts of admission" may be issued on a case-by-case basis if an applicant's entrance exam score is below 75%, but not below 71%, or if an applicant's GPA is below a 2.7, but not below a 2.5.

Criminal Background Check, Fingerprinting, and Drug Screening

The Utah Bureau of EMS, along with clinical and field internship agencies, requires EMS students to complete Background Criminal Investigation (BCI) fingerprinting and drug screening. While a misdemeanor or felony may not prohibit a student from attending class, clinical and/or field participation or the awarding of certification by the Utah Bureau of EMS / National Registry of EMT's may be compromised.