EMS
& Paramedicine
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Launch your Emergency Medical Service (EMS) career with a Paramedicine Degree!
Begin as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and complete a paramedicine degree program as a fully-qualified Paramedic. We have the training to get you there! Thrive in a fast-pace environment. Each shift is unique, this career path is fast-paced and comes with a ton of versatility. First responders work as firefighters, in ambulance companies, in hospitals, as trainers and more. Work in a rural setting, busy metropolis or even travel around the world. Southwestern’s unique environment allows hand-on training to prepare you for multiple rescue scenarios.
- Basic EMT: Get the basic credentials to start your career in just 3-7 months.
- EMT Pathway: Get job-ready. This one-year certificate serves as a bridge to the paramedicine program.
- Paramedicine: Become a fully certified paramedic with this two-year degree.
Enroll now! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a student.
Apply Now
Get helpful updates on programs, deadlines, and other tips about enrolling.
Request Info
Come see why Southwestern Oregon Community College is a great place to learn.
Visit
CONTACT
Text or Call: 541-240-8227
Email
Save Money
Tuition & fees at Southwestern are half that of major state universities.
Need help with costs?
Ask about possible support through SNAP Training & Employment Program (STEP)
Degrees & Certificates
Specific overview, class descriptions and courses you’ll take for each degree/certificate.
Paramedicine
A REWARDING CAREER SAVING LIVES
This fast-track training gets you into the workforce quickly.
Find employment as a firefighter, in an ambulance company, or in a hospital.
Hands-on training in sand, water, urban, and wilderness rescue.
MEET OUR STUDENTS
“Southwestern gave me the skills required to be successful in the EMS field. Instructors taught me to think critically during stressful situations. The self-confidence I gained from training translated great into my career as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Every day on the job I lean on the foundation SWOCC helped me build.”
–Trenton McGahan, Paramedic Graduate
JOB INFO
$36,000 is the average annual southwestern Oregon EMT wage.
$46,700 is the average annual U.S. Paramedic wage.
Increase of 240 EMT jobs in Oregon between 2022 and 2029
Increase of 146 Paramedicine jobs in Oregon between 2022 and 2029
7% increase in job openings in the EMS field over the next 10 years.
Source: Oregon Employment Department, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Lightcast
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Julie Ryan
Julie Ryan is returning to Southwestern as the EMS Program Director and Assistant Professor of Paramedicine. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Linfield University and is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and an Oregon Licensed Paramedic. With 30 years of EMS experience spent mostly working as a transport paramedic for American Medical Response (AMR) she brings invaluable knowledge and lived experience to the table. Previously she was a member of the Reach and Treat Team, providing advanced life support and technical rescue in wilderness environments, and holds Rope Rescue Technician and Advanced Swift Water Rescue certifications.
Outside of AMR, Ryan served as a Flight Paramedic, a Paramedic for Bay Cities Ambulance, and most recently as a Firefighter/Paramedic for Cascade Locks Fire and EMS. Ryan also served as a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years combined between Willamina Fire District and Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department.
In her spare time, she enjoys all things outdoors, especially if water is involved, and riding her Arabian gelding on the vast trails of the Northwest.
“I’m happy to be returning to SWOCC as the EMS Program Director and look forward to educating our next generation of EMS providers. It’s very important to me to provide an education that prepares our students for the real world through critical thinking, collaboration, and teamwork,” said Ryan.
