Northeast paramedic students practice patient care inside a training ambulance, using advanced monitoring equipment and hands‑on techniques as part of a simulated emergency response scenario.
Northeast Community College’s paramedicine program continues to prepare students for high demand careers in emergency medical services through rigorous training, extensive clinical experience, and nationally aligned standards.
On Thursday, March 19, the paramedicine program was presented to the Northeast Community College Board of Governors for a continuation of the paramedicine program, with approval sought for submission to and consideration by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE).
The program offers both a two-year associate of applied science degree and an accelerated pathway, providing flexible options while maintaining consistent academic and clinical expectations.
“Our program is designed to prepare students for the realities of emergency medicine,” said Curtis Smith, director of EMS/paramedic programs at Northeast Community College. “Students are trained to think critically, lead patient care, and meet national standards from the classroom to the field.”
Students complete 64 credit hours of coursework, 45 hours of clinical preparation, and approximately 70 hours of hands-on clinical experience each semester in emergency and hospital settings. The program culminates in a 192 hour internship, during which students serve as the lead provider on emergency calls under instructor supervision.
“This is where students truly step into the paramedic role,” Smith said. “They are responsible for patient care decisions while building confidence before entering the workforce.”
The curriculum aligns with state and national certification standards, and student outcomes are closely monitored through accreditation reviews, including first attempt pass rates on national examinations. The 2024-25 graduates had a 90% pass rate on their national examinations.
“With ongoing workforce shortages across rural Nebraska, this program plays a critical role in preparing skilled emergency responders,” Smith said. “Our graduates are ready to serve their communities when it matters most.”
The board unanimously approved the program for continuation of the paramedicine program.
For more information about the paramedic program, visit northeast.edu.
