Paramedic Academy

Program Overview

College of the Desert Paramedic Program
Cohort #2 – Tentative Timeline (March – August 2026)

Program Start:

College of the Desert is preparing for its second Paramedic cohort, expected to begin in August 2026. Below is the anticipated schedule for the application, pre-course, and program launch phases.

Note: All details remain tentative and are subject to change.

Location:

EMS classes are held at College of the Desert Public Safety Academy in room PSA 16. 

Timeline at a glance:   

• March 2026 – Applications Open
  • Applicants should plan to submit the following requirements by March 5:
    1. Submit five references (minimum two professional)
    2. Provide proof of 1,000 EMS hours (primary ALS contacts)
    3. Disclose if they previously attended another paramedic program and include a brief explanation

• June 2026 – Applications Close & Interviews
  • Interviews & Notifications
    1. Applications close: June 5
    2. Interviews held: June 11 – 12
    3. Notification of selection: June 19

• July 2026 – Pre-Course Begins (5 Weeks)
  
• August 2026 – Cohort #2 Launches

Note: Please contact Paramedic Program Director Alex Hernandez with any quesitons at ahernandez@collegeofthedesert.edu