Curriculum

A complete paramedic education, one module at a time.

Over 1,100 hours, the program moves from foundational science through advanced medical and trauma care, special populations, EMS operations, and a comprehensive National Registry review.

570
Classroom hours
4
Academic terms & a capstone
9
Content areas
What you'll learn

The content areas.

Each area is delivered across multiple classes with labs, scenarios, and scheduled review, then reinforced by hospital clinicals and field internship.

01Foundations & Anatomy
Medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, EMS systems, workforce safety and wellness, public health, medical/legal/ethics, communications, documentation, pathophysiology, and lifespan development.
02Pharmacology
Principles of pharmacology, medication administration, emergency medications, and drug math.
03Airway & Respiration
Airway management, respiration, and ventilation across a multi-class hands-on sequence.
04Patient Assessment
Systematic patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and critical thinking.
05Trauma
Trauma systems and mechanism of injury, bleeding, soft-tissue and burns, head and spine, chest and abdominal, orthopedic, and environmental emergencies.
06Medical Emergencies
Respiratory, cardiovascular and ACLS, neurology, endocrine, gastrointestinal and renal, toxicology, hematology, and infectious disease.
07Special Populations
Psychiatric emergencies, obstetrics and gynecology, neonates, pediatrics, geriatrics, and patients with special challenges.
08EMS Operations
Transport operations, vehicle extrication and special rescue, incident management and mass-casualty incidents, terrorism and disasters, crime-scene awareness, and hazardous materials.
09NREMT Review & Capstone
A comprehensive review across every domain, culminating in the course final and National Registry preparation.
How the year is organized

Terms, reviews, and a capstone.

The sequence is divided into academic terms, each ending in a term final, with midterms and scheduled tutoring throughout. The final block is a comprehensive review across every domain that culminates in the course final and National Registry preparation.

Reinforced by

Hospital clinicals

Rotations at leading Cincinnati teaching hospitals.

Reinforced by

Field internship

Supervised 9-1-1 rotations with CFD and partner departments.

Reinforced by

Scheduled tutoring

Built-in sessions to keep every student on track.

Reinforced by

NREMT prep

120 dedicated hours of National Registry preparation.

Clinical partners

Train in the region's leading hospitals.

Hospital rotations place you inside top Cincinnati teaching hospitals. At the University of Cincinnati Medical Center you work alongside paid nurse preceptors, with access to a cadaver lab and physician-led rounds.

University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UC Health)
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Student handbook

Know exactly what to expect.

Preview a sample of the Paramedic Program Student Handbook — the mission, program overview, and full table of contents. Admitted students receive the complete handbook.

View the sample handbook (PDF) →
Cincinnati Fire Department Paramedic Program Student Handbook cover page

See where the curriculum leads.

Learn how the program prepares you for the National Registry cognitive and psychomotor exams.

National Registry (NREMT) Apply