Program Description

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) Paramedic Program is a fast-paced, intensive training program designed to prepare San Diego firefighter emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other local EMTs to become paramedics. The program adheres to U.S. Department of Transportation National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards, and focuses on San Diego County paramedic protocols, as well as SDFD standards and practices. Students are prepared to pass the EMT-Paramedic National Registry written exam, which allows them to obtain a paramedic license in California and San Diego County.

The program begins with a rigorous classroom phase, where students master the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor knowledge and abilities necessary to function as an entry-level paramedic. After successfully completing this phase, students move on to clinical training, where they apply their knowledge and skills while working with patients in a hospital setting. The program concludes with a capstone field internship, which takes place on board an advanced life support apparatus’ (both a fire engine and ambulance), as part of the 9-1-1 system.

Accreditation Information 

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions.

There are a total of 31 CAAHEP-accredited paramedic programs, and 13 programs seeking accreditation in California. The SDFD paramedic program is currently the only CAAHEP-accredited, fire department-based paramedic training program in California, with two additional fire department-based programs currently seeking accreditation (Letter of Review).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113^th St. N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
www.caahep.org

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions Executive Office

8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX, 75088
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org