By Fabio Nascimento, MHA
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at Miami Dade College equips graduates to work in pre-hospital emergency medical care and other acute care settings. This EMS Associate program adheres to both national and state standards, culminating in three college credit certificates: Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic. A significant asset of our Paramedic Program is the exceptional faculty, which includes Battalion Chiefs, Captains, and Lieutenants from the tri-county area, all bringing vast experience and expertise in emergency services. Notably, Division Chief Willie Williams was honored as the 2024 First Responder Health Care Hero by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, underscoring the high caliber of our instructors, and providing our students with unparalleled learning opportunities.
The Paramedic program at Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus spans three semesters and requires 42 credits for completion. Students are trained to deliver advanced medical and trauma care in pre-hospital environments. Paramedics perform critical on-scene emergency treatments, life-saving stabilization, and transport patients to acute care facilities. They also offer direct patient care in emergency rooms, clinics, and through ambulance services. Upon successfully passing the State board examination, students are awarded a Florida Paramedic license. This program is accredited by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). The Paramedic program is available every semester at the Medical Campus.
Fabio Nascimento is Chairperson, School of Health Sciences, Miami Dade College – Medical Campus. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/medical
