Selection Criteria
Admission is based on special admission procedures and the number of points an applicant
receives. Eligible students will be numerically ranked according to total points.
Admission will be offered to the applicants on the list with the highest priority
points. In the event of applicants having an equal number of points, applicants will
be selected as below. Selection will be accomplished by the EMS Committee using the
following point-based criteria:
| Complete EMS 108 with grade of C or higher at an NSHE institution |
2 pts |
| Complete EMS 115 with grade of C or higher at an NSHE institution |
2 pts |
| Letters of recommendation from EMS agency staff (3 maximum) |
1 pt each |
| Total Points |
7 pts |
Selection criteria score will determine the applicant’s rank in the program admission
process. In the event of a tie in accumulated points, the priority will be given to
the applicant:
- First, by overall score on the FISDAP Paramedic Entrance Exam.
- Second, to the applicant who has a documented EMS agency sponsorship agreement for
the internship. Form provided in application packet.
Tied accumulated selection criteria points, and subsequent program candidate selection,
only becomes a factor when there are more applicants than seats available in the program.
Students must apply for admission to Western Nevada College AND the WNC paramedic
program. Applications for the next spring are available on the WNC Nursing & Allied Health
Web page on or after Sept 2. The last date for submission of an application to the
program is Nov 15.
Prerequisites
Students must complete BIOL 200* with a grade of “C” or better to apply for the paramedic
program (C- or lower will not be accepted) and provide a copy of their Nevada State
Certification at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). National Registry Certification
will not be accepted. State EMT certification is due to the program prior to the start
of classes. Students may apply for admission to the paramedic program while in the
process of completing BIOL 200, provided the course is completed by the end of the
applicable fall semester or, if taken at another institution, an official transcript
showing completion of the course is provided by Jan 2 to Admissions and Records of
the year of application. Evidence of courses in progress must be submitted to Admissions
and Records by the application deadline.
*BIOL 223 & 224 may be accepted in lieu of BIOL 200
Application & Supporting Documents
Submit the completed application with supporting documents, which includes Nevada
State Certification at the AEMT level to the EMS Program in the time frame delineated
in the application packet. When applicable, official transcripts from other colleges
must be submitted to WNC Admissions and Records.
Entrance Testing
Students are required to take the FISDAP Paramedic Entrance Exam as part of the application
process. The entrance exam for prospective paramedic students is an EMS-specific exam
that is designed to evaluate nationally registered EMTs who are applying or matriculating
to paramedic school. Please see the Paramedic Program Coordinator or NAH Department
for fee and scheduled times.
Requirements
- A grade of C or better in all paramedic courses is required to continue in program.
- Applicants not selected will not be carried forward and must reapply to be considered
for admission the following year.
- Paramedic students are expected to meet the DOT Functional Job Analysis as described
in the application packet.
- Documentation and currency of the following after acceptance into the program and
prior to the start of classes:
- An acceptable physical examination and required immunizations and tests.
- Current CPR certification – AHA Healthcare Provider
- Major medical health insurance (card required)
- An acceptable background check
Other Important Information
- Paramedic learning activities are scheduled on and off campus on days, evenings and
weekends.
- Course organization requires students to have basic computer skills, including the
ability to navigate various online learning programs.
- Clinical experiences take place at acute care hospitals, clinics and other
medical facilities.
- Field experience takes place on an ALS ambulance under the direct supervision of a
preceptor.