91¿´Æ¬Íø

2027 Paramedic Program Application Information

The application period for the 2027 program will begin August 1, 2026.  Instructions to apply will be updated mid-July 2026.

BIOLOGY PRE-REQUISITE ANNOUNCEMENT:
For the first time ever, 91¿´Æ¬Íø College is offering Human Biology (BIO 212) as on online, asynchronous (not live lecture at a scheduled time) course from 6/8 through 7/17 for Summer Semester.  This class meets the Biology pre-requisite for the Paramedic Program and is perfect for busy EMTs needing the Biology pre-requisite before applying to the 2027 program.  Summer registration is open now.  Apply for Admission for Summer 2026 from the home page of 91¿´Æ¬Íø.edu and register for BIO 212, CRN 50052.  Contact Admission/Registration for assistance at 805-546-3140 or admission@cuesta.edu/register@cuesta.edu.

Questions regarding application process can be directed to Claire Hawkins, Allied Health Program Specialist, at claire_hawkins@cuesta.edu or (805) 592-9283.  Questions regarding transcript receipt can be addressed to Evaluations at eval@cuesta.edu


2027 Program Paramedic Application Requirements:

  1. High school or college degree or GED certificate, as verified by official, sealed high school transcripts with graduation date posted, GED report (or equivalent), or college transcripts.
  2. Completed college-level academic pre-requisites of English (previously ENGL 156 or above),  Basic Algebra (previously Math 123) or above, and Bio 205, 206 or 212 (or equivalent), with a grade of "C" or better, as verified by official, sealed college transcripts or college Placement Assessment results (Math/English only). Pre-requisites must be completed at the time of application. See announcement re online BIO 212 course during Summer 2026 above.                                           Please note: courses taken at other colleges, particularly Biology courses, should have their equivalency to 91¿´Æ¬Íø courses determined BEFOREHAND via the Substitution Waiver process:  
    1. Apply for admission to 91¿´Æ¬Íø College.
    2. Submit official transcripts to 91¿´Æ¬Íø.
    3. Request transcript evaluation for a Substitution Waiver via your my91¿´Æ¬ÍøPathways and the "Links" tab or contact Counseling for help locating.
    4. Complete the form and select "Paramedic Prerequisite" as the reason for request.
    5. A counselor will meet with you and evaluate the course, submitting a Substitution Waiver if appropriate.
  3. Current California EMT certification.
  4. 1,000 hours of 9-1-1 experience based in an ambulance or fire engine that responds to medical and trauma related incidents at a minimum rate of 75% of call volume/time spent.  Lifeguard, emergency room, wildland firefighter, or other experience does not meet application requirements.

NOTE:  If you have concerns about a background issue, contact Michael Smiley, Paramedic Program Director at michael_smiley@cuesta.edu to discuss any concerns before applying.

 

2027 Paramedic Program Minimum Prerequisite Coursework:

Course 91¿´Æ¬Íø equivalent
1.
Human Biology, Anatomy or Physiology*
BIO 212, 205 or 206**    
2.
College Reading and Writing
ENGL 156 or above equivalent
3.
College-Level Elementary Algebra or above
MATH 123 or above equivalent

*A combination Anatomy/Physiology class of one semester is not equivalent.  It must by Anatomy OR Physiology.

**While BIO 212 is accepted, BIO 205 (Human Anatomy) or BIO 206 (Human Physiology) is strongly recommended.

 

Questions? 

For information about eligibility, application process/status or general program questions, contact the Allied Health Program Specialist, Claire Hawkins, at claire_hawkins@cuesta.edu or (805) 592-9283.

For information on how to become a student at 91¿´Æ¬Íø or register for classes, contact Admissions and Records at (805) 546-3140 or admission@cuesta.edu.

For questions about program prerequisites, substitution waivers for pre-requisites taken elsewhere, student education plans, degrees, or transferring to/from 91¿´Æ¬Íø, contact Counseling at (805) 546-3140. Counselors are also available for appointments through the online scheduling portal for a 15-minute drop-in or a 45-minute full planning appointment (select "Nursing and Allied Health students" in the list of appointment types).

For detailed questions about course material, licensure or other curriculum-related questions, please contact the Program Director, Michael Smiley, at michael smiley@cuesta.org.