Recommendations
Students entering the College of the Desert Paramedic Program are expected to be prepared for a rigorous academic, clinical, and field training environment. While the program does not require completion of college-level prerequisites for admission, experience has shown that students who enter the program with strong foundational knowledge and preparation are more likely to succeed in paramedic training.
Applicants are encouraged to consider the following academic preparation prior to entering the program.
• ENG-1A – English Composition
Develops written communication skills necessary for patient documentation, clinical reports, and professional communication in healthcare environments.
• Anatomy and Physiology (with laboratory)
Provides foundational knowledge of body systems and physiological processes that are essential when studying pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced patient assessment.
• Medical Terminology
Introduces the language used in medicine and healthcare, helping students better understand clinical documentation, pharmacology, and communication within healthcare environments.
While completion of these courses is not required for admission, they significantly enhance a student’s preparation for paramedic education.
Students entering the paramedic program should demonstrate strong mastery of EMT-level knowledge and skills.
Applicants should be capable of successfully completing a comprehensive EMT-level final examination and demonstrating proficiency in essential EMT psychomotor skills including patient assessment, airway management, oxygen administration, bleeding control, and basic life support interventions.
Paramedic education builds directly upon EMT-level competencies. Applicants who enter the program with a solid EMT foundation are more likely to succeed as the curriculum rapidly progresses into advanced life support concepts.
