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Paramedic Application Information

2026 Paramedic Program Application Information

The application period for the 2026 program is open until further notice.  The link to the 2026 Paramedic Program Application at https://form.jotform.com/CuestaNAH/2026ParamedicProgramApplication will be active until that time. DO NOT access the application without reading the 2026 Program Instructions, as there are changes for 2026. 

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

2026 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 be 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.  
    1. Apply for admission to Cuesta College.
    2. Submit official transcripts to Cuesta.
    3. Request transcript evaluation 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.

NOTE:  If you have concerns about a background issue, contact Michael Smiley, Paramedic Program Director at michael_smiley@cuesta.edu to discuss any concerns before applying.

 

2026 Paramedic Program Minimum Prerequisite Coursework:

Course Semester Credit Minimum  
Course
Semester Credit Minimum
Cuesta equivalent
1.
Human Biology, Anatomy or Physiology*
3.0
BIO 212, 205 or 206**    
2.
College Reading and Writing
4.0
ENGL 156 or above
3.
College-Level Elementary Algebra or above
5.0
MATH 123 or above

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