Paramedic, Certificate
This program is administered through a collaborative effort by Prairie State College and the Region VII EMS system Resource Hospitals. The Paramedic Certificate is a comprehensive training program focused on preparing graduates to be competent and confident entry-level paramedics.
Students will receive training in the assessment, treatment, and transportation of victims. Instruction is focused on hands-on experiences using human patient simulators, trainers, and other equipment used in the profession.
What Can You Do with a Paramedic Certificate?
With this certificate, you can work as a licensed paramedic, providing advanced emergency
medical interventions, administering medications, performing airway management, and
stabilizing patients during transport to medical facilities. You will play a vital
role in saving lives, responding to a variety of emergencies, and supporting the overall
health and safety of your community.
The demand for licensed paramedics is expected to grow as healthcare and emergency
services prioritize rapid, advanced pre-hospital care. Graduates with a Paramedic
Certificate can find employment with ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals,
and other emergency response agencies. The role offers a strong job outlook, competitive
salaries, and opportunities for career advancement within the dynamic field of emergency
medicine.
Suggested Curriculum
This program is administered through a collaborative effort by Prairie State College
and the Region VII EMS system Resource Hospitals. The Paramedic Certificate is a comprehensive
training program focused on preparing graduates to be competent and confident entry-level
paramedics. Students will receive training in the assessment, treatment, and transportation
of victims. Instruction is focused on hand-on experiences using human patient simulators,
trainers, and other equipment used in the profession.
- EMS 241 EMS Foundations
- EMS 242 Respiratory
- EMS 243 Cardiovascular
- EMS 244 Medical
- EMS 245 Trauma
- EMS 246 OB/Pediatrics
- EMS 247 Field Experience
Students who received a Course Completion Certificate or Associates in Applied Science (AAS) in EMT-Paramedic are prepared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Examination. Examination fees are student responsibility. Instructions and important forms will be distributed at the end of program coursework.
The Illinois Administrative Code for EMR's EMT's and Paramedics was recently updated on 6/27/2025 and includes some important updates below. These can also be referenced under 77 IL Admin Code 515.530.
- All candidates shall hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and be 18 years of age or older to be licensed.
- After completion of an approved education program and a recommendation to test by the EMS MD or designee, candidates shall take the NREMT cognitive and an EMS System approved psychomotor examinations. (Our Paramedic Program meets this requirement)
- Candidates qualifying for licensure examinations may register for examinations through the NREMT. Application information may be found on the NREMT website. All candidates for licensure examinations shall be approved by the EMS System. Candidates shall register to take a licensure examination within 90 days after course completion, including all clinical and field requirements.
- Candidates shall follow the NREMT policy for initial licensure examination within 12 months after initial authorizations to test.
Questions about the process should be directed to course instructors and Program Coordinator Chad Vlietstra at cvlietstra@prairiestate.edu .
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Gainful Employment Disclosures - 2026
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Paramedic
This program is designed to be completed in X months.
This program will cost $XX if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.
Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $X of debt.
Faculty Contact Information
Chad Vlietstra
Associate Professor/Coordinator, HVAC and Coordinator, Fire Science
Email: cvlietstra@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708)709-2941
Office: T-145
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