Paramedic-EMT: Career Associate

The Paramedic-EMT Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) is a comprehensive and dynamic educational pathway designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in emergency medical services. This program provides a strong foundation in medical theory, practical skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. Students will learn essential competencies including patient assessment, airway management, trauma care, cardiovascular emergencies, and advanced life support techniques. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in real-world settings, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to handle a wide range of emergency situations with confidence and professionalism.

Throughout the program, students will engage with experienced faculty members who are experts in pre-hospital emergency care, ensuring a high-quality learning experience aligned with national standards and certification requirements. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and team collaboration—all vital skills for emergency responders. Practical training modules cover the use of medical equipment, patient transport methods, and intervention procedures, providing students with the skills necessary for immediate application in the field. Additionally, the program fosters a strong understanding of medical ethics, legal considerations, and the importance of compassionate patient care.

Graduates of the Paramedic-EMT Career Associate program are prepared to take the certification examinations required to become licensed Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics, opening doors to employment opportunities in ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, and other emergency response agencies. HACC's program is tailored to the needs of aspiring emergency medical personnel who seek a rigorous, hands-on education that combines academic excellence with practical experience. Whether students aim to serve their community directly or pursue further education in the healthcare field, this program provides a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in emergency medical services. Upon completion, students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to make a meaningful difference in emergency situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of their patients and communities.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
  COMM 203Interpersonal Communications   (3)
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
*EMS 131 EMT: Basic Life Support   
*EMS 132 EMT: Field Experience   
EMS 231 Advanced Life Support I  5 
EMS 232 ALS Hospital Experience I  1 
EMS 233 Advanced Life Support II  6 
EMS 234 ALS Hospital Experience II  1 
EMS 235 Advanced Life Support III  3 
EMS 236 ALS Hospital Experience III  1 
EMS 237 ALS Field Experience    3 
EMS 238 Rescue  3 
EMS 240 EMS: Introduction  3 
EMS 241 EMS: Externship  3 
EMS 243 Advanced Life Support  2 
EMS 244 ALS Special Topics  1 
EMS 245 ALS Summative Evaluation  1 

Other Required Courses   
BIOL 105 Medical Terminology  3 
BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I  4 
BIOL 122 Anatomy & Physiology II  4 
CHEM 100 Principles   of Chemistry  3 
MGMT 201 Principles of Management  3 
PSYC 101 General Psychology  3 
PSYC 209 Life Cycle Development (or)  3 
  SOCI 226 Perspectives on Aging (or)  (3) 
  PSYC 213 Abnormal Psychology  (3) 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Administer standard emergency treatments

Work effectively with other healthcare professionals

Demonstrate the skills prescribed by the Joint Committee for EMT-Paramedics and the A.M.A. Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation

Take the paramedic certification examination administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health

Understand how their specialized training its into the healthcare delivery system

Possess a broad background in the sciences of the human body

Understand the principles of management

Write and speak effectively

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Paramedic-EMT: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a career in emergency medical services. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and simulation training to develop essential skills needed for emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Students will learn about anatomy, physiology, patient assessment, medical procedures, and the operation of emergency medical equipment. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application to ensure graduates are ready to respond effectively in various emergency situations. The program typically requires students to complete a series of coursework units, participate in laboratory exercises, and gain real-world experience through clinical placements in hospitals and emergency settings.

The program aims to meet the needs of students seeking a career in healthcare by providing a pathway to certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. Graduates should be able to perform advanced pre-hospital interventions under the supervision of medical personnel, manage emergency scenes, provide patient care, and operate under protocols established by medical authorities. The program also emphasizes communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that are vital in high-pressure emergency situations. Upon successful completion, students are prepared to take national certification exams required to become licensed or certified paramedics and EMTs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Harrisburg Area Community College’s program is recognized for its experienced faculty, modern facilities, and strong partnerships with local emergency services. This integration allows students to gain valuable clinical practice and networking opportunities that can aid in employment after graduation. The program aims to support students’ professional development and help them build a solid foundation for a rewarding career in emergency medical services. Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, CPR certification, and a background check. The program duration usually spans several months, depending on whether students attend full-time or part-time, and culminates in a degree awarded at the associate level, qualifying graduates for entry into the healthcare workforce as EMTs and paramedics.

The employment outlook for graduates of this program is positive, with many opportunities available in hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, and other emergency response agencies. The program also prepares students for continued education, allowing them to pursue advanced certifications or degrees in related healthcare fields. Harrisburg Area Community College remains committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to meet the growing demand for trained emergency medical personnel, ensuring graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in this vital healthcare sector.