2025 Paramedic Program Application Information

The application period for the 2025 Paramedic program is now closed.  The application period for the 2026 program will open on August 1, 2025 at 9 a.m. PST.  You may find it helpful to review the 2025 requirements, as they are not expected to change for 2026.   Please also review these Instructions before applying.

Questions regarding application status 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

2025 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 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 or in-progress at the time of application with Final Grades to be posted by November 30, 2024.
    Please note:  courses taken at other colleges, particularly Biology courses, should have their equivalency to Cuesta courses determined BEFOREHAND.  This can be done by going to https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arforms/index.html and selecting "Substitution Waiver." You will need to be an admitted student to follow this process.  When asked to select a counselor, select either Lisa Wearda or Matthew Fox.  Complete your portion of the form, then click "Submit Form."  Then go to the Cuesta Counseling page to make an appointment by zoom or walk-in to meet with the counselor you selected.  Please note:  You will need to provide a syllabus of the desired substitution class or a link to the same when you meet with the Counselor.  They will help you process the request from there.. 
  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:  Conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may constitute grounds for denial of licensure.  Contact Deborah Adams, Clinical Coordinator, at 805-592-9798 or deborah_adams1@cuesta.edu to discuss any concerns before applying.

 

2025 Paramedic Program Minimum Prerequisite Coursework:

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.
Elementary Algebra
5.0
MATH 123 or above

*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.

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.