The Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Program and the accelerated paramedic diploma program from Northeast give students the skills they need to be successful professionals in the paramedic field. The two program options give students the flexibility to earn a credential that helps them achieve their goals in a format that fits in their life. Evening classes and self-scheduling clinical and field time provide working students with access to a high-quality paramedic program. Upon graduation, students have the required knowledge and skills to care for patients who are injured due to trauma or suffer from medical problems.
- The Accelerated Paramedic Diploma program is designed to be completed in one year. Students start the program in August and are done and ready to sit for the National Registry Paramedic exam the following August. Upon completion of the accelerated diploma program, students have the opportunity to continue on and receive their Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paramedicine by completing an additional 15 credit hours of general education courses.
- The Associate of Applied Science Degree can be completed in two years. In addition to paramedic coursework, students complete 21 credit hours of general education courses which allows them to earn an associate degree.
Why Students Choose This Program
Northeast’s Paramedic programs offer more clinical and field training hours than any other program in Nebraska, providing students with extensive hands-on experience and preparation for licensure. The curriculum is designed to build competence in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) domains, with optional exit points at the Emergency Medical Responder, EMT, or Advanced EMT levels. Students benefit from dedicated instruction in test-taking strategies for the written National Registry Exam, as well as three to five full mock psychomotor exams that mirror the national testing experience. With a zero academic drop rate, Northeast’s faculty are committed to student success, offering individual support and ensuring every graduate is fully prepared to enter the field with confidence.
Northeast offers flexible learning options, including an accelerated program and a two-year degree pathway, allowing students to choose what best aligns with their academic and personal goals. To support students financially, several scholarships and incentives are available, including Career Scholarships (up to $5,000 per school year) for first-time freshmen and transfer students. The GAP Program offers income-based support, while EMT/Paramedic Scholarships help cover education costs. Additionally, the state provides Paramedic Tuition Reimbursement ($1,500 - $5,100) and EMT Tuition Reimbursement ($220 - $775) for successful National Registry exam passes, with no income guidelines.
Our instructors are certified professionals with real-world experience, offering guidance, mentorship, and valuable insights to help students excel both in the classroom and in the field. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention, detailed feedback, and continuous support. Committed to each student’s success, our expert faculty are qualified, licensed instructors who actively work in the 911 field and Critical Care Paramedicine, ensuring students gain relevant, up-to-date knowledge and skills.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
Northeast Community College’s Paramedic program offers more clinical and field training time than any other program in Nebraska. One-third of the training takes place in the classroom, one-third in clinical settings, and one-third through real-world fieldwork. Students learn and practice skills using two fully stocked ambulances, high-fidelity mannequins, and a fully equipped EMS lab that includes a dispatch center and emergency department environment. The Simulation by Immersion Room delivers highly realistic training with simulated sights, sounds, and smells—enabling students to perform rescues in scenarios like burning buildings, cattle yards, and water emergencies, all while maintaining safety. Additional training includes cat intubation labs to simulate infant airway management, OR intubations, and landing zone training with LifeNet, the local air medical service. Every class session includes scenario-based learning, ensuring students apply what they learn immediately under the guidance of expert faculty. The program culminates in a large-scale mock mass casualty incident involving community fire, aircraft, and rescue teams—giving students the skills and confidence to respond effectively in high-pressure emergency situations.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students a foundational knowledge, including:
- Paramedic Field Practicum
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support
- Comprehensive Medical Terminology
Program Details
Associate of Applied Science Degree: 2 years (62.25-64.25 credits)
Diploma: 1 year (43.25-48.25 credits)
Courses are offered in-person.
Enrollment in this program is limited and based on the date of completed requirements for acceptance into this program, including the date of application and date of obtaining National Registry EMT Certification.
- Entrance into the program requires students to:
- hold an active BLS for Health Care Provider CPR card
- have completed EMT training (Get more information on EMT/EMR courses.)
- hold a valid National Registry EMT certification and/or a current EMT state license
- License age requirement for EMT or Paramedic in Nebraska is 18 years old. Students may take the courses and test before becoming 18.
- Many health care providers require a criminal background check prior to employment. Students will be required to submit to a criminal background check prior to the Paramedic clinical courses. Individuals with a criminal record may not be eligible to complete clinical education in some settings based on the results of their criminal background check.
- The Paramedic programs follow Northeast Community College’s policies on advanced placement, transfer of credits, and experiential learning.
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
After successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians –Paramedic exam, and acquire a Nebraska license to practice as an advanced provider. This program is approved through the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will also have earned the following certifications:
-
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
Dr. G. Tom Suber, Retired
Dr. Lisa Yosten, FRHS
Mike Wanke, Norfolk Ambulance
Tim Wragge, Norfolk Fire Division
Wendy Snodgrass, Department of Health & Human Services
Adele Anderson, Madison Rescue (Retired Elementary Teacher)
Trever O'Brien, Norfolk Fire Division
Don Zeman, LifeNet
William Perrigan, Norfolk Rescue Mission
Karmen Rotherham, Antelope Memorial Hospital
Carol Rodenborg, Director of EMS/Paramedic Program
R. Scott Crawford, EMT/Paramedic Instructor
The Northeast Community College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
To contact CAAHEP:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
FAX (727) 210-2354
www.caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Annual Outcomes
|
Year: 2022 |
Program |
|---|---|
|
1 year Diploma |
|
|
Retention |
60% |
|
Positive Job Placement |
66.7% |
|
National Registry Cognitive Pass Rate |
33% |
|
Paramedic Student enrollment |
3 |
|
Year: 2023 |
Program |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 year Diploma |
2 year AAS Degree |
Total Program |
|
|
Retention |
66.7% |
75% |
71.4% |
|
Positive Job Placement |
100% |
66.7% |
80% |
|
National Registry Cognitive Pass Rate |
66.7% |
50% |
60% |
|
Paramedic Student enrollment |
2 |
3 |
5 |
