In order to be eligible for admission to the EMS: Paramedic program, students must complete the following eligibility requirements. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 22 students to complete the eligibility requirements will be accepted.
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet with an Admissions Advisor in Enrollment Services in Clark Hall.
- Complete an Application for Admission to Iowa Western Community College.
- Submit all official transcripts (high school and college).
- * Take a placement test: All new students need to complete a skills assessment test called the COMPASS. If a student has taken the ASSET or ACT recently, he or she can submit those scores in lieu of taking the COMPASS test. Students who have already completed math and/or English for college credit, should check with an Admissions Advisor before scheduling the COMPASS.
- * Submit proof of current and active Iowa EMT or EMT-Basic Certification.
* Scores expire after two years. In order to be valid, scores cannot be more than two years old at the start of the term for which you have applied. Students who do not have valid test scores may schedule a time to take the COMPASS test by e-mailing testing@iwcc.edu or by calling Enrollment Services at 800.432.5852 extension 3277 or 712.325.3277 (select option 5).
* In order to be current and active, the Iowa EMT-Basic Certification must not expire before the start of the term for which you have applied, and it must have an "active" certification status, as reported by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS.
Note: Beginning Spring 2012, current and valid CPR certification will be required for admission to the Paramedic program. Only the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR, American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor Card will be accepted. A copy of one of the approved CPR certifications must be on file with the Office of Admission.
The Paramedic program of study begins in the Spring semester. Students who want to take courses in the Fall semester are encouraged to enroll in the general education courses that are required for the degree and/or to complete the EMT-Basic course and then sit for Iowa EMT-Basic Certification, which is required for admission to the Paramedic program.
For acceptance purposes, students who apply to the EMS: Paramedic Certificate program will only be considered for admission into the EMS: Paramedic program. After beginning the first semester of enrollment, students may change their major to EMS: Paramedic Certificate.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all admissions requirements are documented in the Office of Admissions.
Updated 03/03/11: Admission requirements are subject to change.
Please contact the Office of Admissions with any questions:
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
admissions@iwcc.edu | 800.432.5852
or 712.325.3277 | www.iwcc.edu