Program Overview

Paramedic Preparation Course for Healthcare Professionals

The Paramedic Preparation Course for Healthcare Professionals is an accelerated pathway for experienced healthcare professionals seeking to advance their practice as paramedics. The program is structured in three phases:

Phase Overview

• Phase I: Preparatory coursework and online pre-work to establish foundational knowledge
• Phase II: An intensive two-week, in-person lab and lecture on Creighton's Omaha campus focused on advanced psychomotor skills, clinical integration, and critical decision-making
• Phase III: The capstone internship, where students complete a comprehensive field experience demonstrating team leadership and clinical proficiency

Course Details

During the two weeks on Creightons Omaha campus, students engage in didactic and practical skills sessions during the day, covering topics such as:

• Advanced patient assessment
• Advanced ventilation and airway procedures
• Out-of-hospital medications
• EMS patient transportation equipment
• Advanced cardiac assessment and treatment modalities
• Assessment and care of out-of-hospital trauma emergencies

In the evenings and over the weekend, students participate in field internships with local 911 providers. Additional out-of-hospital patient contacts may be required to successfully complete the course.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

• Be an RN, APRN, PA, MD, or DO in good standing with current licensure
• Have a minimum of two years of independent licensed critical care experience in their role
• Have EMT certification at either the national or state level
• Have Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers or equivalent
• Submit transcripts from institutions attended for professional training, the institution that awarded their highest degree, and any institution where they are currently enrolled
• Submit their resume
• Complete a comprehensive certified background check
• Write a short essay
• Provide a minimum of two references

Costs

The total cost for this course, including tuition and associated University fees, is $3,750. Other variable expenses include:

• Textbook
• Certification exam fee
• Uniform
• Immunizations (if not current)
• Required background check and drug screen
• Travel, housing, and meal expenses
• Parking pass for on-campus parking

Career Opportunities

This course can prepare students for opportunities such as:

• 911 paramedic with fire/EMS or third-service agencies after NREMT-Paramedic and state licensure
• Critical care transport (CCT) paramedic on ground transport teams
• Emergency department paramedic bridging prehospital care and ED triage/throughput
• Disaster response and emergency management
• Event/industrial on-site medic for stadiums, large venues, and occupational health settings

Dates and Deadlines

• Aug. 314, 2026: Application deadline April 1, 2026
• Sept. 21Oct. 2, 2026: Application deadline June 1, 2026 Students will have 6 months from the start of the course to complete all clinical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible Healthcare Professionals

This course is designed for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians. It is not intended for allied health professionals.

Experience Requirement

The course is intended to build upon at least two years of experience as a clinician in acute care settings. Time spent as a student does not count toward the requirement.

Licensing

Creighton cannot stay current with EMS regulatory changes in all states. Prospective and enrolled students are strongly encouraged to consult with their states EMS office regarding this course.

Field Time

As part of this course, students must complete at least 40 patient encounters where they serve as the lead paramedic in charge of care. Opportunities to complete some team lead contacts are available while on campus, but students may need to facilitate a program agreement with a service back home or return to Omaha later to complete their remaining patient contacts.

Lodging and Transportation

Students are responsible for securing their own lodging while in Omaha. Student housing is not available, but there are several hotel and lodging options near campus. Having a vehicle is recommended, as public transportation is not a reliable option for traveling to and from campus and field sites.