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Fire-Rescue Department

Paramedic Program

SD Fire-Rescue Dept. Paramedic Program graduating class of 2018
SD Fire-Rescue Dept. Paramedic Program graduating class of 2018

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 technician (EMT) and other local area agency 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 and psychomotor exams. This enables them to obtain licensure as paramedics in California and San Diego County. The course includes a rigorous classroom phase, during which students master the cognitive and psychomotor knowledge and abilities necessary to function as an entry-level paramedic. Upon successful completion of this phase, students enter clinical training where learning transitions to application of their knowledge and skills to patients in the hospital setting. The clinical phase is followed by 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. The entire learning experience culminates with the capstone field internship.

There are a total of 32 Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited paramedic programs, and six programs seeking accreditation in California. The SDFD paramedic program is currently the only CAAHEP accredited, fire department-based paramedic training program in California.

Accreditation Information

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

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N. #7709
Semionle, 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

Program Outcomes 2019 2020 2021
National Registry written exam pass rates 100% 100% 93.3%
National Registry psychomotor (skills) exam pass rates 100% 100% 100%
Program retention rates 100% 86.7%  88.2%
Positive placement 100% 92.3% 100%