Assigned unit day for class
A dedicated class day built around your shift so you can train without leaving the job.
Cincinnati Fire Department Paramedic Program
Become a nationally certified paramedic.
Become a nationally certified paramedic — trained by one of the most respected fire-based EMS programs in the country.
You must hold a current Ohio EMT-B license or NREMT certification to apply.
477
National Registry candidates since 2008
1,100
Educational hours
1853
Serving Cincinnati since
Our mission
“To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.”
In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, Division of EMS.
Cincinnati Fire Department Paramedic Program with Enrollment and Outcomes
CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic educational programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Paramedic educational programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2025.
| Outcome | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retention | 97.4% | 100% | 100% |
| NREMT or State cognitive exam | 97.4% | 95.7% | 90.4% |
| Placement | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Why train here
A program built around working firefighters and EMTs.
Our schedule, faculty, and clinical partnerships are designed so you can earn your paramedic certification without stepping away from the job.
Experienced instructors
Faculty with decades of combined field and clinical experience, led by a 50-year veteran instructor.
Field internship
Ride-time with the Cincinnati Fire Department and approved partner departments.
Shift-friendly schedule
Structured so working firefighters and EMTs can attend.
Scheduled tutoring
Built-in tutoring sessions to keep every student on track.
Unique clinical opportunities
UCMC nurse preceptors, a cadaver lab, and physician-led rounds.
The program at a glance
1,100 hours of paramedic education.
A complete, CAAHEP-accredited course of classroom instruction, hospital clinicals, supervised field internship, and dedicated National Registry preparation.
See the full curriculum570
Classroom instruction
Lectures, labs, and hands-on skills in a shift-friendly schedule.
300
Field internship
Supervised 9-1-1 rotations with CFD and approved partner departments.
120
NREMT preparation
Dedicated National Registry exam prep, tutoring, and review.
110
Hospital clinicals
Rotations across leading Cincinnati teaching hospitals.
From our graduates
Graduates who hit the ground running.
“
My experience with the CFD Paramedic Program was fantastic. Great instruction and clinical experience — everyone involved went above and beyond. I came out of the program and hit the ground running with my career. Would absolutely recommend it!
“
I would highly encourage you to attend the CFD Paramedic Program. Dale is the best and will do everything in his power to help you succeed.
“
Hands down the best paramedic program in the area. You have a group of people leading and instructing you to do nothing but succeed. Don't pass up the opportunity to learn from the best program and instructors in the country!
Enrollment & outcomes
Proven results.
Program outcomes as reported to our accreditor, the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). Cohorts enrolled 2016 through 2025.
Cohorts enrolled 2016–2025, as reported to CoAEMSP: 96% retention · 81% pass the National Registry on the first attempt · 94% within three · 100% positive placement. CoAEMSP sets a minimum threshold of 70% for each outcome. See every year’s results →
Accreditation & certification
Accredited and nationally recognized.
Our program meets the standards of CoAEMSP and CAAHEP, and prepares you for National Registry (NREMT) certification.
Ready to advance your career?
The next step is simple: tell us about yourself and we'll help you understand the requirements, timeline, and how to reserve your seat.