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2027 Paramedic Program Application Information

The application period for the 2027 program will begin August 1, 2026, and will remain open until the class is filled or November 30, 2026, whichever occurs first.    

Instructions to apply are available here. Or you may access the form: Paramedic Application Instructions pdf  Please make sure you have FULLY reviewed the application instructions before you start your application. 

The Work Experience Form can be accessed here.

Access the application here: https://form.jotform.com/CuestaNAH/2027-paramedic-program-application 

Questions regarding application process can be directed to Claire Hawkins, Allied Health Program Specialist, at claire_hawkins@cuesta.edu or (805) 592-9283.  Questions regarding transcript receipt can be addressed to Evaluations at eval@cuesta.edu

APPLICATION DISPOSITION NOTIFICATION
If you have applied by October 31, 2026, you will be notified in mid-November of your application status by email to your my.cuesta.edu account. Applicants applying November 1 or after will receive a response within 1-3 weeks of their application submission. You must respond to an Offer of Admission by the stated deadline to secure your seat. Admission notices will include details for mandatory Orientation and final Program Requirements.

2027 Program Paramedic Application Requirements:

  1. High school or college degree or GED certificate, as verified by official, sealed high school transcripts with graduation date posted, GED report (or equivalent), or college transcripts.
  2. Completed college-level academic pre-requisites of English (previously ENGL 156 or above),  Basic Algebra (previously Math 123) or above, and Bio 205, 206 or 212 (or equivalent), with a grade of "C" or better, as verified by official, sealed college transcripts or college Placement Assessment results (Math/English only). Pre-requisites must have been completed at the time of application.     Please note: courses taken at other colleges, particularly Biology courses, should have their equivalency to Cuesta courses determined BEFOREHAND via the Substitution Waiver process.  If you are trying to have equivalency determined before taking a course (highly recommended), contact the Articulation Officer, Dina Hallmark, at 805-546-3140 or dina_hallmark@cuesta.edu.  For courses already taken:  
    1. Apply for admission to Cuesta College.
    2. Submit official transcripts to Cuesta.
    3. Request transcript evaluation for a Substitution Waiver via your myCuestaPathways and the "Links" tab or contact Counseling for help locating.
    4. Complete the form and select "Paramedic Prerequisite" as the reason for request.
    5. A counselor will meet with you and evaluate the course, submitting a Substitution Waiver if appropriate.
  3. Current California EMT certification.
  4. 1,000 hours of 9-1-1 experience based in an ambulance or fire engine that responds to medical and trauma related incidents at a minimum rate of 75% of call volume/time spent.  Lifeguard, emergency room, wildland firefighter, or other experience does not meet application requirements.  Your employer must fill out the attached Work Experience Form and it must be submitted with your application.
  5. Current CPR certification for HealthCare Providers or Professional Rescuers.

NOTE:  If you have concerns about a background issue, contact the Clinical Coordinator at clinical_coordinator@cuesta.edu to discuss any concerns before applying.

 

2027 Paramedic Program Minimum Prerequisite Coursework:

Course Cuesta equivalent
1.
Human Biology, Anatomy or Physiology*
BIO 212, 205 or 206**    
2.
College Reading and Writing
ENGL 156 or above equivalent
3.
College-Level Elementary Algebra or above
MATH 123 or above equivalent

*A combination Anatomy/Physiology class of one semester is not equivalent.  It must be Anatomy OR Physiology.

**While BIO 212 is accepted, BIO 205 (Human Anatomy) or BIO 206 (Human Physiology) is strongly recommended.

 

Questions? 

For information about eligibility, application process/status or general program questions, contact the Allied Health Program Specialist, Claire Hawkins, at claire_hawkins@cuesta.edu or (805) 592-9283.

For information on how to become a student at Cuesta or register for classes, contact Admissions and Records at (805) 546-3140 or admission@cuesta.edu.

For questions about program prerequisites, substitution waivers for pre-requisites taken elsewhere, student education plans, degrees, or transferring to/from Cuesta, contact Counseling at (805) 546-3140. Counselors are also available for appointments through the online scheduling portal for a 15-minute drop-in or a 45-minute full planning appointment (select "Nursing and Allied Health students" in the list of appointment types).

For detailed questions about course material, licensure or other curriculum-related questions, please contact the Program Director, Michael Smiley, at michael smiley@cuesta.org.