Become a Paramedic

Our nationally and state accredited paramedic program has been training future paramedics for 20 years. As a paramedic, you will be a member of the Emergency Medical Services system that provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) to the acutely ill and critically injured.

Students enrolled can expect to learn skills that will save lives. Some skills within the scope of practice include intravenous access, medication administration, advanced airway access, and EKG interpretation.

Engaged Learning
Field Experienced Instructors
Facilities and Equipment

Engaged Learning

  • Program awards 31 upper division credit hours in the Emergency Services bachelor's degree.
  • 1,416 hours of instruction which exceeds the national average.
  • Clinical experience includes Specialty Care, and Level I and Level II Trauma Centers.
  • Up to 16 paramedic provider agencies support student internship experience.
  • Undergo intensive classroom and skills training utilizing; hybrid learning platform, simulation labs, all with excellent equipment support.

Field Experienced Instructors

  • Instruction by 33 healthcare professionals.
  • Affiliate paramedic faculty with an average of 15 years pre-hospital care.
  • Faculty includes; Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses, tenured EMS and specialty topic instructors.
  • Two full-time faculty, lab manager, and administrative support allow for optimal management of dynamic program.

Facilities / Equipment

  • State of the art training aids and equipment.
  • Individual issue of Notebook Tablet.
  • Digital hybrid learning platform

Career Paths

Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow seven percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all other occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics.

In Utah, the average salary for a paramedic is nearly $40,000. It's a great career for people who like to use clinical thinking, patient care skills, and innovative problem-solving. Many paramedics thrive on pressure and consequences. When stakes are high, paramedics meet the call and make a difference.

For many, being a paramedic meets their career goals, but others use it as a launching pad to different careers within healthcare.

  • Firefighter
  • Emergency Management Director
  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Assistant
  • Physician Assistant
  • Doctor

Program Technical Standards

Students admitted to the UVU Paramedic program are expected to be able to complete curriculum requirements which include physical, cognitive, and affective core competencies that are essential to the functions of the entry level EMS provider. These core competencies are considered the minimum and essential skills necessary to protect the public. These abilities are encountered in unique combinations in the provision of safe and effective EMS care. Progression in the program may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

The School of Emergency Services is obliged to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities, which may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and/or program modifications. Accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature of the academic program, could jeopardize the health and safety of others, or cause an undue burden to the program are not considered reasonable accommodations.

Program Technical Standards document

Program Schedule

The full-time program runs eight months (two semesters) and totals approx. 1,416 hours of core curriculum and clinical time.

Full-time program start dates are in January and August each year.

Semester 1: Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the UVU Emergency Services building, 3131 Mike Jense Parkway, Provo, Utah.

The class schedule is based on teh fire department "A" shift schedule. Meaning, we do NOT hold classes on "A" shift days during the first semester.

Semester 2: Clinical rotations. Times and locations will vary during the semester.


The year round program runs 12 months (three semesters) and totals approx. 1,416 hours of core curriculum and clinical time.

Year round program start date is in January each year.

Semester 1 & 2: Classes are held Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  at the UVU Emergency Services building, 3131 Mike Jense Parkway, Provo, Utah.

The class schedule is based on the fire department "A" shift schedule. Meaning, that we will ONLY hold classes on "A" shift days during the first semester and second semester. It will usually be about 2 class days a week.

Semester 3: Clinical rotations. Times and locations will vary during the semester.

During clinical rotations, students are given experience in Specialty Care and Level I and Level II Trauma Centers. These rotations give students an opportunity to build their network and their resume. Students also undergo intensive classroom and skill training utilizing hybrid learning platform and simulation labs — all with excellent equipment support.

Credits and Fees

Students will earn a total of 31 credits for the two semester program. Credit earned can be applied to degrees and certificates below:

Tuition: 

Undergraduate Tuition: tuitionandfees22-2023.pdf (uvu.edu)

Lab fees approximately $1,185.00 (subject to change) total for both semesters.

The following fees are not covered by the tuition and fees for Utah Valley University and not covered in the Paramedic program student fees.

Uniform required for the program:

  • EMS t-shirt, gray - $15
  • EMS intern polo, gray - $25
  • Blue work or ems pants (i.e. Dickies)
  • Black boots (i.e. jump boots, station boots)
  • Scrubs:
    • Top: forest green
    • Bottom: black

National Registry Test: $125

Upon receiving recommend for National Registry Testing, the fee is due.

Paramedic standing, holding emergency medical equipment