LSSU offers a variety of options for completing the Paramedic Program with a course of study preparing the student for career options in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, or both disciplines, if desired. Lake Superior State offers the only Paramedic Program directly linked to a Bachelor’s Degree within the same institution. Paramedic students can choose to complete a certificate in Paramedic Technology, or pursue degrees in EMS and/or Fire Science. Students accepted into the Paramedic Program will begin classes in the fall semester. During their studies, students receive clinical experience in both hospital and EMS agency locations through a variety of local emergency and public service partners.
Graduates of each course of study are required to successfully complete the licensing examination offered by the National Registry of EMT’s in order to practice as a paramedic. Following successful National Registry certification, candidates can then apply for an EMS license with the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of EMS, Trauma, and Preparedness (BETP). The state license must be renewed every three years, whereas NREMT certification must be renewed every two years.
124 minimum credit hour program in Fire Science – Generalist studies including completion of the Associate Degree (or minor) in Paramedic Technology curriculum and courses associated with the LSSU General Education Requirements. As more fire agencies consider providing EMS services for their communities, this pathway provides an ‘all-in-one’ option for those seeking a career in a blended public service agency.
67 minimum credit hour program including completion of the Basic EMT Certificate Program curriculum, the Paramedic Certificate Program curriculum and courses associated with the LSSU General Education Requirements.
44 credit hour program completed in two semesters, plus an arranged internship held in the summer semester. Students successfully completing certificate requirements will be eligible to challenge the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Certification examination process.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shares the following information regarding work as a Paramedic:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and Paramedics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm.
Paramedic student Megan Mandley listens for a blood pressure during paramedic skills and simulation lab session at Lake Superior State University. Emergency medical technicians take the lab to gain certification as a paramedic. Photo by Robert G. Girolamo| Completion Year | Students Accepted into LSSU Paramedic Program | Students Eligible for NREMT Paramedic Exam | NREMT Pass Rates – Written Within 3 attempts | NREMT Pass Rates – Written Within 6 attempts | Paramedic Program Retention Rate | Paramedic Program Positive Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | 6 | 83% | 83% | 75% | 75% |
| 2018 | 8 | 8 | 75% | 75% | 100% | 75% |
| 2019 | 16 | 15 | 62% | 85% | 100% | 85% |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Average | 9.25 | 8.5 | 80% | 86% | 93.8% | 83.8% |
The Paramedic Program at Lake Superior State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) based upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Information related to Paramedic Program accreditation requirements can be obtained by contacting CAAHEP:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727-210-2350
www.caahep.org/Home.aspx
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lake View Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: 214-703-8445
Fax: 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Rocco V. Morando Building
6610 Busch Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43229
Phone: 614-888-4484
Fax: 614-888-8920
www.nremt.org
The LSSU Paramedic Program is also approved by the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of EMS, Trauma, and Preparedness (Approval #P-02-1055). www.michigan.gov/ems
The goal of the LSSU Paramedic Program is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective behavior) learning domains required for the Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Medical First Responder levels.
