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Paramedic Application Information

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, Cuesta 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 Cuesta.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 Cuesta courses determined BEFOREHAND via the Substitution Waiver process:  
    1. Apply for admission to Cuesta College.
    2. Submit official transcripts to Cuesta.
    3. Request transcript evaluation for a Subsitution Waiver via your myCuestaPathways 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 麻豆视频 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 Cuesta 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 麻豆视频 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 Cuesta or register for classes, contact Admissions and Records at (805) 546-3140 or admission@cuesta.edu.

For questions 麻豆视频 program prerequisites, substitution waivers for pre-requisites taken elsewhere, student education plans, degrees, or transferring to/from Cuesta, 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 麻豆视频 course material, licensure or other curriculum-related questions, please contact the Program Director, Michael Smiley, at michael smiley@cuesta.org.