The May 1 cohort application window is closed.

Paramedic / September 5, 2023

  • Currently accepting applications for the second cohort starting September 5, 2023.
  • Classes will meet weekly from 6 to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
  • Application deadline is August 1, 2023.

Fall 2023 EMT-Basic course (information TBD)

The Medical Education on the Delivery of Innovative Care (MEDIC) program at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital provides the education needed to become a paramedic. At the completion of this class, students will have the skills necessary to pass the National Registry Paramedic (NREMT) certification exam.

Paramedics are the initial contact for patients in a health care crisis, providing prompt and professional pre-hospital medical treatment in the community, serving as an extension of a hospital emergency department. Under the guidance of a medical director, paramedics provide advanced lifesaving techniques in the field, while transporting the patient to a hospital for additional care.

UCHealth’s MEDIC program is designed for certified and experienced EMTs who want to take their training to the next level. Rigorous academic and clinical applications enable students to gain in-depth experience in emergency medical services. The program helps students by teaching them clinical skills to address a variety of life-threatening situations, along with critical thinking techniques, enabling them to make quick and appropriate decisions regarding patient care. The program will also help them communicate effectively with other emergency services personnel in the continuum of pre-hospital care.

Upon successful completion of the MEDIC program, students will be well prepared to assume the duties of a paramedic, providing emergency medical care in the pre-hospital setting and acting as advocates on behalf of their patients.

The MEDIC program is offering two paramedic and one EMT-Basic cohorts in 2023. The first Paramedic class begins May 1 and the second begins September 5. Both programs last approximately 12 months.

Acceptance into the program is based on academic and work experiences, GPA, critical thinking abilities and communication skills.

The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory training and hands-on clinical experience, including a field internship.

All instruction is conducted in person at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

The MEDIC program does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, color, sex, national origin or disability. Any student who meets the physical and academic requirements is eligible to apply for the program.

View/download: May 1, Cohort 23.1 Class Schedule >

Program contact information:

Jena Ferguson
Director, Prehospital Education
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
[email protected]

Admission requirements (Paramedic)
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Current Colorado Department of Public Health EMT certification.
  • Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR/BLS card.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Valid health insurance card.
  • Transcripts from the highest level of education completed (high school, Associates, Bachelors, etc.)
  • Letter from employer/supervisor verifying your experience as an EMT for at least 6 months.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation.
  • All applicants must be citizens of the United States or have permanent legal status; we are unable to provide a student visa.

Acceptance into the UCHealth MEDIC program is determined by a complete application, a formal interview and the results of a pre-admission test.

Pre-admission testing consists of an EMT exam in addition to standardized reading/writing comprehension and a mathematics component.

A competitive applicant has:

  • Grade point average above 3.0 (4.0 grade scale).
  • Direct patient care experience.
  • Knowledgeable about the field of EMS.
  • Required coursework completed within the last 10 years.

Health and physical requirements

Applicants must present evidence of good health and be able to meet the physical requirements of the program. Health insurance is not available through the program. Students will be required to present proof of health insurance coverage at orientation.

In addition, students must have up-to-date vaccinations that satisfy the current requirements for UCHealth employees. These requirements are located here.

Physical requirements based upon UCHealth job description for paramedics:

  • Ability to bend/stoop
  • Climb
  • Kneel
  • Lift & move patients
  • Reach
  • Perform repetitive hand/arm movements
  • Sit
  • Squat
  • Stand for long periods
  • Walk
  • Have audible speech
  • Have hearing acuity
  • Visual depth perception
  • Color perception
  • See far
  • See near
  • Lift/carry/push/pull 0-50 pounds
  • Ability to physically assist patients
Application process
  • The May 1 cohort application window is closed.
  • Accepting applications for the second cohort starting September 5, 2023. Classes will meet weekly from 6 to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
  • Application deadline is August 1, 2023.

Application requirements

  • Completed program application (available for download here).
  • Resume or CV.
  • Letter from your current employer verifying your experience as an EMT.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement to include the following:
    • Reason for pursuing a career as a paramedic.
    • Why you want to attend the UCHealth MEDIC program.

Please send your completed application packet to Jena Ferguson at [email protected].

Due to the large number of qualified and interested applicants, late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Applications will be reviewed and scored. While we do use a point system to rank academic performance, other subjective parameters may be used to determine whether an applicant is a good candidate for the UCHealth MEDIC program.

Those who best meet the criteria for the program will be invited for an interview and pre-admission testing.

Apply now
Tuition/financial aid

Tuition. Tuition for the class of 2023 is set at $11,000.

Pay tuition

Financial aid. The program is administered by the University of Colorado Hospital, Department of Prehospital Care and is not affiliated with the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center; therefore, financial aid is not available through their Financial Aid Office. There are financial assistance sources available.

  • Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship. Bound Tree Medical has assisted children of EMTs and firefighters interested in becoming EMTs, or furthering their certification by becoming paramedics. Scholarships are awarded nationwide for those who fit the eligibility criteria and are interested in pursuing a state-approved certification program. There are a number of options available for financial assistance. We encourage you to explore these options and apply for anything that fits your needs.
Faculty

Executive oversight

Marc Scherschel
Senior Director, Prehospital Care
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
[email protected]

Medical directors

Angela Wright, MD
Medical Director, EMS & Prehospital Care, UCHealth Metro Denver
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
[email protected]

Andra Farcas, MD
Associate Medical Director, EMS & Prehospital Care, UCHealth Metro Denver
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
[email protected]

MEDIC Program staff

Jena Ferguson, MS, EMT-P
Director of Prehospital Education
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
[email protected]

Esther McIlvain, BSN, RN, CEN, CCRN, CFRN
EMS Educator
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
[email protected]

Jarred Boyer, EMT-P
EMS Educator/Paramedic
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
[email protected]

Desi Harris, EMT-P
Clinical Quality Coordinator
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
[email protected]