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Bachelor of Science, Paramedic

As the first Bachelor of Science in Paramedic program in California - and one of only a handful of community college four-year Paramedicine degrees in the country - this program sets a new standard for excellence and innovation in paramedic education. The program prepares students to function as advanced prehospital clinicians, leaders, and healthcare professionals within today's complex emergency and healthcare systems. Building on paramedic-level clinical practice, this program integrates advanced patient care, evidence-based medicine, leadership, research literacy, and professional development. The Bachelor of Science, Paramedic program is a rigorous, student-centered learning experience that combines advanced coursework, clinical and field experiences, and scholarly inquiry. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality prehospital care, participate in system-level decision-making, and adapt to evolving roles within EMS, healthcare, and public safety. This program aligns with state and national paramedic standards and supports professional advancement within EMS and related healthcare fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine program will be able to:

  • Integrate advanced clinical knowledge and critical thinking to assess, manage, and evaluate patients across diverse and complex prehospital and healthcare environments.
  • Apply leadership, communication, and team management skills to effectively coordinate patient care and EMS operations.
  • Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally competent practice consistent with national EMS standards and healthcare best practices.
  • Analyze and apply evidence-based research to improve clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and patient safety within emergency medical systems.
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of education and training for EMS personnel, healthcare providers, and community members.
  • Utilize principles of health systems management and policy to support quality improvement, resource allocation, and system leadership in EMS organizations.
  • Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to adapt to emerging trends, technologies, and challenges in prehospital and emergency care.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in clinical documentation, academic research, and interprofessional collaboration.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine program are prepared for a wide range of advanced roles within emergency medical services and the broader healthcare system. Career options include:

  • Paramedic Supervisor or EMS Manager – overseeing field operations, personnel, and quality improvement
  • Critical Care or Flight Paramedic – providing advanced care in specialty or transport environments
  • Community Paramedic / Mobile Integrated Healthcare Provider – delivering preventive and follow-up care in community settings
  • Emergency Services Educator or Training Officer – teaching in EMS programs or coordinating agency training
  • Emergency Preparedness or Disaster Response Specialist – planning and coordinating large-scale emergency response efforts
  • Healthcare Administrator or Public Health Specialist – applying leadership and systems knowledge to improve patient outcomes
  • Clinical Research Assistant or Data Analyst – contributing to evidence-based practice and system performance improvement

Graduates may also pursue advanced degrees in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, or other allied health professions, further expanding their leadership and clinical opportunities.

Enrollment in the Program

To enroll in the Bachelor of Science, Paramedic program, you must be able to:

  • Hold current state paramedic certification or current NREMT certification
  • Meet college admission requirements and hold one of the following:
    • COS Paramedic Associate’s Degree
    • Any Associate’s Degree
    • IGETC; Cal-GETC; CUS-GE or equivalent of undergraduate general education requirements
  • Complete upper-division coursework in accordance with program sequencing

Interest List

Bachelor of Science, Paramedic Interest List


COS EMS Program

Accreditation

College of the Siskiyous is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: (727) 210-2350

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: (214) 703-8445
FAX: (214) 703-8992

Faculty

Kirk Thomsen

Kirk Thomsen
Email: kthomsen@siskiyous.edu
Phone: (530) 938-5530



Contact

Program Contact: Career and Technical Education
Email: cteinfo@siskiyous.edu
Phone: (530) 938-5512