Program Completion and Capstone Eligibility Policy
The Paramedic Program is designed to progress through a structured sequence of didactic, laboratory, clinical, field, and capstone experiences. Due to limited availability of clinical and field internship placements, AEMT and Paramedic students must meet all program requirements before entering the Capstone Phase.
Note: this policy only applies to AEMT and Paramedic students. EMT's should follow guidance available on their syllabus and/or EMT program manual.
Eligibility for the Capstone Phase
To be eligible to enter the Capstone Phase, students must successfully complete all of the following:
- All didactic coursework, including all required unit examinations, quizzes, practical examinations, and comprehensive testing requirements;
- All laboratory, simulation, and psychomotor skill requirements;
- All required clinical and field internship experiences scheduled prior to the Capstone Phase;
- All program documentation and administrative requirements; and
- Payment of all outstanding tuition, fees, and other financial obligations owed to the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education (CTCCE).
Additional details regarding academic, clinical, and skills requirements are outlined in the Paramedic Program Student Manual or AEMT Student Manual.
Students who have not satisfied all Capstone eligibility requirements by the time their cohort enters the Capstone Phase will not be permitted to progress into Capstone. Such students will be administratively withdrawn from the Program with no refunds.
Pre-Capstone Extension
Students who are not eligible to enter the Capstone Phase when their cohort advances may apply for a one-time extension of up to sixty (60) days to complete outstanding requirements.
Approval of an extension is not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on available resources, program capacity, and the student's progress toward completion.
Approved extensions are subject to a $500 administrative and program continuation fee. During the extension period, students must complete all outstanding academic, clinical, laboratory, and financial requirements necessary to become eligible for Capstone.
Capstone Completion Requirements
Once a student enters the Capstone Phase, all Capstone requirements must be completed within sixty (60) days.
Students who are unable to complete the Capstone Phase within the initial sixty-day period may submit a written request for an extension. If approved, the Capstone Phase may be extended for up to an additional sixty (60) days.
Approved Capstone extensions are subject to a $500 extension fee.
Students who do not successfully complete all Capstone requirements within the approved timeframes may be administratively withdrawn from the program and may be required to reapply for admission in accordance with program policies then in effect.
Exemptions to this Policy
The program may grant exemptions to this policy only for significant extenuating circumstances. Exemptions must be approved by both the Paramedic Program Director and Paramedic Program Medical Director. If granted, a timeline will be given to the student to complete all outstanding program requirements.