So you want to become a paramedic and launch an exciting and meaningful career in emergency medical services? As the second largest city in Oklahoma, Oklahoma City offers several high-quality options to receive your paramedic certification.
Whether you prefer a traditional college program, accelerated technical school, or flexible online/hybrid format, OKC has a program to match your needs. By gaining your paramedic license, you‘ll be qualified to provide advanced medical care in critical field situations. This can lead to rewarding paramedic roles in settings ranging from ambulance services to hospitals to fire departments.
This guide provides an overview of the top paramedic programs in the OKC metro area to help you take the first step toward this essential and exciting profession.
Paramedic Training in Oklahoma City: An Overview
Oklahoma requires licensed paramedics to complete formal education and hands-on training to be eligible for certification. Standard paramedic programs take 9 months up to 2 years to fully prepare you for the challenges of the role.
Many options are available through EMS-focused trade schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year universities. Traditional paramedic programs combine classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience in hospitals, ambulance services, and fire departments. Recently, accredited hybrid/online programs have also emerged as flexible options in this field.
OKC‘s central location and role as an emergency response hub mean there are excellent opportunities in the area for paramedics. Whether you plan to work in emergency transport, as a firefighter EMT, or in a hospital ER or ICU, completing a local program allows you to train alongside the professionals and agencies you’ll engage with throughout your career.
The following sections profile the best paramedic certification programs in central Oklahoma, from large colleges to specialized academies, to help you identify the right fit.
OCCC: Leading Paramedic Education
If you‘re looking for a robust and reputable paramedic program, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) should top your list. OCCC‘s paramedic program has held accreditation since 1985 and has a proven track record of graduating well-prepared professionals.
Key Stats:
- 80+ students per year
- 21-month Associate‘s degree track
- 84 credit hours total
- 500+ hour clinical experience
Centrally located off I-40 and convenient for OKC residents, OCCC offers full-time and part-time enrollment tracks to fit different schedules. Students gain intensive hands-on practice in OCCC‘s high-fidelity simulation labs before applying skills through ambulance ride-alongs and trauma center rotations.
Experienced registered nurses and paramedics lead instruction in topics ranging from pharmacology to cardiology; trauma care; special populations; and more. The rigorous curriculum prepares you for advanced critical thinking, tech/computer skills, team communication and compassionate patient care required in EMS roles.
Upon completion, OCCC paramedic graduates have consistently strong pass rates of over 90% on national certification exams. Most secure paramedic jobs promptly with OCCC‘s hospital and employer connections. Whether you seek an Associate‘s degree or quick certification, OCCC provides a comprehensive paramedic education paired with the flexibility working students need.
Tuition Cost:
- In-state: $136/credit hour
- Out-of-state: $313/credit hour
- Additional course and exam fees
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 18 years old
- Clear background check
- Documentation of immunizations
- Healthcare experience recommended
Learn more and apply to OCCC‘s Paramedic Program
Moore Norman Technology Center: Specialized Paramedic Training
In addition to standard college programs, Oklahoma technical centers focus specifically on emergency responder training for faster certification. Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) is one of the state‘s top paramedic prep programs.
Conveniently located in South OKC, Moore Norman Tech‘s year-long program packs over 1,100 hours of specialized instruction. The center‘s state-of-the-art Public Services Training Center includes a mock ambulance bay and emergency room for applied scenarios. Students rotate through Metro-area ERs, EMS agencies and crisis sites for real-world experience.
The fast-paced program requires discipline and full commitment. However, small class sizes ensure individual support and preparation for the intense situations paramedics face. MNTC also incorporates ACLS, ITLS, and PHTLS certs to boost clinical expertise.
Strong relationships with regional employers like OU Medical, Mercy Hospital and Life Ambulance translate to strong job placement. MNTC prides itself on producing team-ready, compassionate EMTs equipped with latest technical and medical capabilities.
Program Details:
- Start dates in March and September
- Morning or evening sections
- 32 students per cohort
- 1,116 hour program
- ACLS, ITLS and PHTLS certifications
If you desire focused EMS education and prefer specialized trade programs, connect with Moore Norman Technology Center about their respected paramedic offering.
Explore Moore Norman Technology Center‘s Paramedic Program
Additional Paramedic Programs in the OKC Metro
Beyond the largest colleges, specialized EMS training centers and some universities also offer accredited paramedic programs in the OKC area:
Metro Technology Centers
Metro Tech has trained EMTs and paramedics for over 30 years from its S. OKC campus. The 12-month program mixes traditional instruction with rotations at EMSA ambulances and OU Medical Center.
Program Stats:
- Start dates in January and August
- Morning or evening sections
- 32 students per cohort
- 1,168 hour program
- ACLS, PALS, and ITLS certifications
Explore Metro Tech‘s Paramedic Program
Mednoc Training College
This dedicated EMT school provides accelerated 5-6 month paramedic programs combining classroom and clinical training for National Registry testing.
Program Overview:
- start dates every 1-2 months
- 500 hours total
- small class sizes
- ACLS included
- clinicals at EMSA, OU Medical
Learn more about Mednoc Paramedic Training Programs
OSU-OKC
OSU‘s OKC campus offers a Paramedicine AAS degree pathway plus continuing ed for paramedics.
Program Highlights:
- 5 semester paramedicine degree
- Gen ed requirements for advanced degrees
- credit for EMT-B license
- overt 100 hours clinical training
View OSU-OKC‘s Paramedic Degree Option
OU Health Sciences Center
OUHSC provides a 16-month technical paramedic certification for current EMTs through its EMS Academy. Graduates can apply credits toward a Bachelor‘s in Emergency Medical Sciences.
Key Details:
- Fall start date
- Didactic and clinical components
- Credit toward EMS Bachelor‘s degree
- OUHSC EMS Academy Certificate
Learn About OUHSC‘s Paramedic Program
With Oklahoma City‘s strong emergency response infrastructure, completing paramedic education locally positions you well for an in-demand career. When selecting the right OKC area program, consider your schedule, learning preferences and career aspirations.
If pursuing a college degree, OCCC‘s accredited Associate‘s option combines paramedic certification with broader coursework and general education. This allows the flexibility to continue studying nursing, health science or emergency management.
For focused, practical paramedic skills in a short timeframe, programs like Moore Norman Technology Center, Metro Tech and Mednoc accelerate training. Within 6-12 months, you‘re classroom and field-ready.
Ultimately, all accredited options in OKC provide education needed for paramedic licensure. Reach out to program coordinators with any questions and to tour facilities.
As you embark on this meaningful path, know that a rewarding career bringing urgent help to those in need awaits. Your commitment to become a licensed, life-saving paramedic will fill a vital role in Oklahoma‘s emergency response network.