Paramedic Program

Become a Paramedic through the Kansas City Fire Department’s CAAHEP‑accredited Paramedic Program. Our comprehensive curriculum prepares students for National Registry Paramedic (NRP) certification through classroom instruction, hospital clinical rotations, and supervised EMS field internship.

✅ Open to the public
✅ Accredited by CAAHEP upon recommendation of CoAEMSP
✅ Aligned with National EMS Education Standards and Missouri Bureau of EMS

🔔 Interested in the Next Paramedic Class?

The Paramedic Program application is not currently open.

Individuals interested in a future Paramedic cohort are encouraged to submit an EMS Course Interest Form. Those who do will be notified when:

• Applications open
• Admissions timelines are announced
• New preparatory or pilot offerings become available

👉 Submit a Paramedic Interest Form

Submitting an interest form does not guarantee placement or acceptance.

⚠️ Important Program Clarification

The Kansas City Fire Department operates a separate EMT academy for newly hired firefighters as part of the employment onboarding process.

The Paramedic Program offered through the KCFD School of EMS is an education program, open to eligible participants both within and outside of the Kansas City Fire Department. Participation in the Paramedic Program does not constitute employment with KCFD.

🧠 What Does a Paramedic Do?

A paramedic is a healthcare professional whose primary focus is to respond to, assess, and manage emergent, urgent, and non‑urgent medical conditions. Paramedics apply advanced clinical knowledge and psychomotor skills to assess patient needs, administer medications, interpret diagnostic findings, and implement treatment plans.

Paramedics may serve:

• On EMS response units
• In hospital or healthcare settings under appropriate supervision
• In community‑based roles focused on prevention, monitoring, and care coordination

Paramedics also play an important role in patient education, public health, and injury prevention, supporting individuals and communities across the continuum of care.

🎓 Program Overview

The KCFD Paramedic Program is a selective, modular education program designed to prepare competent, ethical, and patient‑centered paramedics.

Program Components

• Didactic & Lab Instruction
  Classroom learning, hands‑on skills labs, and high‑fidelity simulation
• Hospital Clinical Rotations
  Supervised patient care experiences in diverse clinical environments
• EMS Field Internship (Capstone)
  Supervised field experience where students function as Team Lead under preceptor oversight

Students must successfully complete each phase in sequence to progress and graduate.

Schedules, start dates, and rotation timing vary by cohort and are provided to accepted students prior to matriculation.

📝 Admissions Overview (When Applications Are Open)

Admission to the Paramedic Program is competitive and selective.

Typical Admissions Timeline

• Applications open approximately 3–5 months prior to course start
• Interviews conducted 60–90 days before the course begins
• Acceptance notifications sent 2–4 weeks prior to the start date

Minimum Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a current Missouri EMT license
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Meet technology requirements (computer, internet, camera, email)
• Maintain personal health insurance
• Meet health, background, and drug screening requirements

Additional prerequisites, readiness assessments, and interviews are completed during the admissions process.

Important: Completion of the Paramedic Program does not guarantee certification or licensure. The National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) may deny certification for certain criminal convictions.

🧭 NEW: Paramedic Prep Course (Pilot Program)

Based on feedback from the EMS Education Advisory Committee, KCFD plans to introduce a pilot Paramedic Prep Course to support prospective applicants.

Purpose of the Prep Course

The Paramedic Prep Course is intended to:

• Strengthen foundational knowledge and study skills
• Improve applicant readiness for the paramedic curriculum
• Support student success and retention
• Increase transparency around program expectations

Important Notes

• Participation in the prep course is optional
• Completion does not guarantee admission to the Paramedic Program
• The prep course may be recommended for some applicants based on readiness assessments
• Details, eligibility, and timelines will be announced as part of the pilot rollout

Updates will be posted on the EMS Education page and shared with individuals who submit an interest form.

✅ Compliance & Participation Requirements

To protect patient safety and meet accreditation and clinical site requirements, all accepted students must complete:

• Background screening
• Drug screening (includes marijuana regardless of legal status)
• Health clearance and immunization documentation
• Required compliance and onboarding training
• Professional liability insurance (as applicable)

Full requirements, deadlines, and documentation instructions are provided during admissions and onboarding.

💵 Tuition & Estimated Costs

Tuition and estimated additional expenses are published for each cohort prior to enrollment.

Costs may include:

• Tuition
• Textbooks and digital resources
• Uniforms and equipment
• Background and drug screening
• Immunizations and health clearance
• Certification and testing fees

Additional expenses such as travel, lodging, or off‑site clinical rotations may apply.

🤝 Sponsored Seats & Employer Support

The Paramedic Program is open to the public. Many students attend with support from an employer or sponsoring agency.

Sponsorship may include:

• Tuition assistance
• Shift relief or schedule accommodations
• Educational leave or workforce funding

Sponsorship availability and terms vary by agency. Applicants should consult their employer directly.

Participation in the Paramedic Program does not guarantee employment with KCFD or any other agency.

🔮 Program Evolution & Future Opportunities

The KCFD School of EMS continuously evaluates opportunities to expand access to EMS education through:

• Workforce development grants
• Earn‑while‑you‑learn apprenticeship models
• Partnerships with public safety agencies, healthcare systems, and educational institutions

Program delivery models may evolve based on funding availability, accreditation requirements, and workforce needs. Participation is based on current offerings, and future models are not guaranteed.

✅ Short FAQ – Paramedic Program

❓ Is the Paramedic Program open to the public?
Yes. The Paramedic Program is an education program open to eligible participants both within and outside of the Kansas City Fire Department.

❓ Does the Paramedic Program lead to employment with KCFD?
No. Participation in the Paramedic Program does not constitute employment with the Kansas City Fire Department and does not guarantee a job.

❓ Are Paramedic applications currently open?
Paramedic applications are offered during designated periods. When applications are not open, individuals may submit an EMS Course Interest Form to receive updates when the next application cycle begins.

❓ What is the Paramedic Prep Course?
The Paramedic Prep Course is a pilot offering being developed to support applicant readiness. Participation is optional and does not guarantee admission to the Paramedic Program.

📞 Contact the KCFD School of EMS

📧 Email: firedepartment-emseducation@kcmo.org
📞 Phone: 816‑513‑4129

📍 Address:

KCFD EMS Headquarters
6750 Eastwood Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64129

🕘 Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday