Students performing emergency tasks to prepare for life-saving emergencies such as loading and unloading patients into an ambulance.

Paramedic Science

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Paramedics care for injured or sick people in emergency settings, such as at the scene of an accident, in a home, or in another non-clinical location. They work with 911 dispatchers to respond to emergency calls, perform medical services and transport hurt or ill patients to medical facilities.

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Hands-On Training from Experienced Instructors

Hands-on Training: Right away, Southeast Tech students start with not only classroom training, but hands-on training that continues through the five-semester program. When it is time for a clinical experience, Southeast Tech students have already been working on their skills for nearly a year. 

Experienced Instructors: Students at Southeast Technical College are taught by experienced, professional instructors, and will develop the skills to perform comprehensive patient assessments, using critical thinking, provide advanced cardiac life support, administer various medications and perform advanced skills and interventions.

Why Study Paramedic Science at Southeast Tech?

Sanford Health LogoIndustry Partnership: The Paramedic Science associate degree is offered in partnership with the Sanford USD Medical Center and consists of classroom lectures, practical skills labs, laboratory simulations, and hospital and pre-hospital clinical experiences.

Pathways for Growth: Since graduates of the Paramedic Science program at Southeast Tech earn an associate degree, the path to continuing their education and farthing their job opportunities is wide open. The AAS lays the groundwork for careers in other healthcare professions for students that wish to obtain a bachelor or even a master's degree down the road.

Additional Certifications: Graduates of Southeast Tech’s Paramedic Science program will receive additional certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Advanced Medical Life Support.

What is the Difference Between a Paramedic and an EMT?

The basic difference between EMTs and paramedics lies in their level of education and the kind of procedures they are allowed to perform. While EMTs can administer CPR, glucose and oxygen, paramedics can perform more complex procedures such as giving medications orally and intravenously, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs) and using other monitors and complex equipment.

Ashton Dykstra headshot

Southeast Technical College provided me with a ton of on-the-job experience, and I was ready to go to work in the field when I graduated. I loved having the option to stay in my hometown and still get an education.

– Ashton Dykstra, Paramedic Science, '23

Job Outlook

Paramedic Technicians can find a career in a variety of healthcare settings such as ambulance services, dispatch centers, first responder units, hospitals/emergency departments, industrial safety departments, rescue squads and urgent care facilities. 

Additionally, since the Paramedic Science training program at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is offered in partnership with Sanford Health, students may have a head start on finding a job after graduation. 

Explore Classes

Southeast Tech's program for Paramedic Science includes courses in Cardiology, Medical Emergencies, Patient Assessments, EMS and General Education.

View Curriculum   Admission Criteria

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Paramedic Degree Completion Pathway

Earn Credit for What You Already Know

For licensed paramedics with nationally recognized certifications, Southeast Tech's Paramedic Science degree completion option can help students earn an associate degree without repeating paramedic coursework that has already been completed and mastered.

Through Credit for Prior Learning, qualifying certifications and demonstrated competencies may be applied toward degree requirements, helping you advance your education and career while building on your existing professional experience.

Required Certifications for Prior Learning Credit:

  • ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • PHTLS – Prehospital Trauma Life Support
  • AMLS – Advanced Medical Life Support
  • GEMS – Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services
  • NRP – Nationally Registered Paramedic
  • BeHeard/CPR/EVOC
    • BeHeard — This component emphasizes effective communication skills in emergency situations, crucial for patient care and teamwork.
    • CPR — Stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, a vital skill for paramedics to provide life-saving care during cardiac emergencies.
    • EVOC — Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, which trains paramedics in the safe operation of emergency vehicles under various conditions.

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Cost

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $282 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Cost   Cost and Fee Breakdown

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Faculty

Ryan Sittig

Adjunct Instructor
Paramedic Science
Sanford Stevens Center

Other Programs Related to Paramedic Science

If a career as a paramedic interests you, you may also want to consider:

Emergency Medical Technician Course   Surgical Technology   Registered Nurse

Healthcare News at Southeast Tech