Applications are being taken as soon as possible for the next session of Blessing Hospital’s nationally accredited paramedic program. Classes will meet Monday and Wednesday beginning August 2 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm for 14 months.

The application interview and exam will be conducted on June 11 and June 24.

Those who meet the following requirements are encouraged to apply:

  • Minimum age of 18 years old
  • Hold an Illinois Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licenses or a similar licensure in another state and has applied for reciprocity
  • Hold a current CPR card, and
  • Six months of EMT experience preferred.

Blessing’s Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (www.caahep.org). To take the National Registry Examination for Paramedics, the first step toward licensure, a person must be graduate of a CAAHEP accredited program. Illinois, Missouri and Iowa require passage of the National Registry Exam in order to apply for a state paramedic licenses and be able to work.

The Blessing Paramedic program is also recognized and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, meets all requirements of the National EMS Education Standards and is affiliated John Wood Community College. Students earn college credit toward a Certificate or an Associate Degree.

For an application or more information contact the Blessing Hospital EMS Department at 217.223.8400, ext. 6590.