The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) landscape is constantly evolving, demanding higher levels of expertise and specialized skills from its professionals. The increasing complexity of medical treatments and the rise of specialized care centers have created a critical need for paramedics equipped to provide advanced care during patient transport. Simply possessing basic paramedic training is no longer sufficient to meet these growing demands. Advanced Care Paramedic Programs are essential for bridging this gap and ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care during critical moments.
The University of Florida’s Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) program is designed to meet this need head-on, offering comprehensive, high-level instruction in all facets of critical care transport. Our program distinguishes itself through a combination of rigorous academic learning, hands-on laboratory sessions, and invaluable clinical rotations. Taught by seasoned clinicians, physicians, and esteemed professors—all recognized leaders in their respective fields—our program provides an unparalleled educational experience.
For paramedics seeking to advance their careers, particularly within critical care and flight programs, advanced training is not just beneficial—it’s often a prerequisite. Top-tier programs frequently mandate Critical Care Certification as a fundamental requirement for applicants. The UF CCP Program is meticulously structured to not only meet but exceed the minimum training standards for critical care paramedics, making our graduates highly competitive and exceptionally prepared for the challenges of advanced EMS roles.
Course Prerequisites
NewShandsCair
Alt text: ShandsCair helicopter landing at UF Health, highlighting advanced care paramedic transport services.
To enroll in the University of Florida CCP program, a current paramedic certification is mandatory. We accept certifications from any state or national registry. International applicants should hold equivalent training from their certifying country, and may need to provide additional documentation to verify their qualifications. A prerequisite for enrollment is having at least one year of experience post initial paramedic training, ensuring a foundational understanding of EMS practices.
While not mandatory, the following certifications are strongly recommended to enhance your preparedness for the rigorous curriculum:
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification *
- Current Trauma Certification such as ITLS or PHTLS *
Our live stream course is offered biannually, during the Spring and Fall semesters. For any inquiries or further information, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 352-273-1170. Upon successful registration, you will receive a comprehensive course information packet detailing all aspects of the program.
Upcoming Course Schedule
Fall 2025 Critical Care Paramedic Program
- Start Date: August 21, 2025
- On-Campus Intensive Dates:
- Skill/Cadaver Labs: To Be Determined (TBD)
- Clinical ICU Rotations: Two 12-hour shifts will be required. Various dates will be available around the skill lab dates. Flexible clinical dates may be arranged for students within driving distance.
- Bob Page Seminars (Virtual via Zoom):
- Bob Page’s renowned Multi-Lead Medics 12 Lead, Enhanced Multi-Lead Medics 12 Lead, and Comprehensive Capnography Course: Dates TBD
- Program End Date: December 16, 2025
Enrollment and Program Costs
Critical Care Paramedic Program
Alt text: Albert ShandsCair helicopter illustrating critical care transport capabilities of the UF Health program.
The tuition for the live stream Critical Care Paramedic course is $1,500.00. Departments planning to enroll five or more individuals within a single academic year are encouraged to contact us for information on special group pricing. Please note that enrollment is limited, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enroll Now for Fall 2025 CCP Program
Spring 2025 Multi-Lead Medic/Enhanced Multi-Lead Medic/Capnography Seminars with Bob Page via Zoom
Spring 2025 dates: March 3-4, 2025. Attendance is mandatory for all currently enrolled CCP students and is included within the course fees. These highly valuable seminars are not recorded to ensure an interactive and engaging learning environment.
Recertification Process
Alt text: Emergency medical personnel attending to a trauma patient, representing critical care paramedic skills in action.
The University of Florida Critical Care Paramedic Certification remains valid for four years. Recertification can be achieved through one of two pathways:
- Accumulate a total of 100 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) specifically in Critical Care topics.
- Hold a current Flight Paramedic Certification (FP-C) or Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C) from the Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC) with at least two (2) years of validity remaining beyond the UF CCP expiration date. UF CCP certification holders are eligible to apply for recertification within six (6) months prior to their certification expiration date.
Recertification via Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
For UF CCP certified paramedics opting for recertification through CEUs, documentation of 100 contact hours focused on critical care subjects is required. Please note that standard certifications such as ACLS, PALS, PEPP, CPR, ITLS, PHTLS, ASLS, and AMLS do not qualify as critical care contact hours. However, attendance at lectures during conferences like AMTC or other dedicated critical care conferences will be considered eligible. If you have any uncertainty about the eligibility of a specific class or conference for critical care CEUs, we strongly encourage you to contact us for clarification before enrollment.
Recertification via FP-C or CCP-C Exams
UF CCP certified paramedics choosing to recertify by leveraging their FP-C or CCP-C certifications must ensure that their BCCTPC certification remains valid for at least two (2) years beyond the expiration date of their UF CCP certification. Submission of documentation verifying the exam completion and its expiration date is required. This information will be rigorously verified with the BCCTPC to ensure accuracy. It’s important to note that no other certifications offered by the BCCTPC are accepted for UF CCP recertification.
Recertification Application Process
When you are prepared to begin the recertification process, please send an email to Judy Johnson at [email protected]. Once your submitted information is verified, a new certification will be issued to you. Your previously assigned UF CCP number will remain the same. The recertification fee is $50.00. Please allow up to 14 business days for processing your recertification request.
Replacement Certification Requests
To request a replacement certification, email Judy Johnson at [email protected], including your name as it appears on your certification, your UF CCP number, and current contact information. A $25.00 fee is applicable for replacement certificate processing. Payment details will be provided to you upon request submission. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing. You will receive an email notification when your replacement certificate is mailed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Paramedic certification a prerequisite for this course?
Yes. Enrollment is exclusively for state or nationally registered paramedics. While Registered Nurses have their own critical care certifications, RNs who also hold paramedic certification are welcome to enroll.
If I already possess another critical care certification, can I challenge the UF CCP exam?
No, direct exam challenges are not permitted. While numerous critical care certification courses are available, the UF CCP program distinguishes itself with over 160 hours of comprehensive instruction, combining didactic learning with practical clinical applications. All paramedics seeking UF CCP certification must complete the full course curriculum.
Can I attend specific lectures to earn critical care CEUs if I hold another critical care certification?
No. The current live stream format necessitates formal registration with the University of Florida, including the creation of a GatorLink account for course access.
What additional certifications are recommended?
While not mandatory, current certifications in AHA ACLS, AHA PALS or PEPP, and ITLS or PHTLS are highly recommended to enhance your preparedness for the course material.
Is it possible to enroll immediately after graduating from paramedic school?
Generally, no. Experience indicates that paramedics with at least one year of field experience demonstrate a higher success rate in this rigorous program. The course delves into advanced topics beyond basic paramedic training, assuming a solid foundation in 911 emergency response. However, exceptions may be considered for candidates nearing the one-year experience mark.
What is the total cost of the program?
The tuition fee for the Critical Care Paramedic course is $1,500. Departments enrolling five or more participants in a single academic year may be eligible for special pricing. Please contact us for details.
What is the refund policy?
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, refund requests must be submitted in writing at least 10 days prior to the course commencement date. A $25.00 processing fee will be applied. For cancellations made within 10 days before the course start through the first week, a 10% fee will be charged. No refunds will be issued after the first week of class. Refund requests can be sent via mail, email, or fax to the contact information provided. The University of Florida reserves the right to modify or cancel courses due to unforeseen circumstances, including insufficient enrollment. In the event of cancellation or postponement, registered participants will receive full refunds and be notified by telephone and/or written communication. The University of Florida is not responsible for any ancillary expenses incurred by registrants.
UF CCP Contact Information:
Tel: (352) 273-1170
336 Rinker Hall
Fax: (352) 846-2772
Gainesville, FL 32611
Email: [email protected]
Can a spot be reserved with payment at a later date?
Unfortunately, we cannot reserve spots without full payment. Enrollment is confirmed upon receipt of complete tuition payment.
What is the recertification frequency required to maintain active certification?
The UF CCP certification is valid for four years and can be recertified through two options: obtaining 100 CEUs in Critical Care topics or maintaining a current FP-C or CCP-C certification through the BCCTP with at least two years of validity remaining.
Is a computer required for the course?
Yes, a laptop or tablet with internet access is necessary. Students can utilize the UF Wi-Fi network while on campus. All lectures, assignments, quizzes, and examinations are administered online.
Are skills practiced during clinical rotations?
Yes, under the guidance of a preceptor, you will have the opportunity to perform skills within the scope of practice for a critical care paramedic, including arterial line insertion, chest tube management, rapid sequence intubation, and advanced medication administration. However, as UF Health Shands Hospital is a teaching institution, skill availability may vary.
Will this course adequately prepare me for the FP-C or CCP-C exams?
The FP-C and CCP-C exams, administered by the BCCTPC, are designed to assess the knowledge of experienced flight and ground critical care paramedics. Certification is often a prerequisite for competitive critical care transport program applications. While this course is not explicitly tailored to exam preparation, it is meticulously designed to impart fundamental critical care concepts and cultivate advanced clinical reasoning. Successful UF CCP graduates who achieve these objectives are well-prepared for real-world practice and have historically demonstrated high success rates on these certification exams. The primary focus of the course is to develop robust clinical thinking skills, not solely exam success.
When can I enroll and commence the live stream course?
Enrollment for future courses typically opens approximately 5 months prior to the desired course start date. Enrollment for all courses closes at the end of the first week of class. Please be aware that class capacity is limited to 150 students, and enrollment will close once this limit is reached. A waiting list is not maintained.
Is on-campus attendance required for distance learning students?
Yes, distance learning students are required to complete the same curriculum as live, in-person students, including mandatory on-campus labs and clinical rotations. Three days of on-campus presence are required:
- Day 1: Cadaver and Skills Laboratories
- Day 2: ICU Clinical Rotations at UF Health Shands Hospital
- Day 3: ICU Clinical Rotations at UF Health Shands Hospital
The two-day Bob Page seminar requirement can be fulfilled at any location where he offers the program. However, it must be the full two-day course and completed during your enrollment in the UF CCP program. Bob Page will also present sessions virtually via Zoom at UF.
The cadaver lab component is integral to each UF CCP course, and attendance at the University of Florida Shands Health hospital in Gainesville is mandatory during the designated time. Students unable to attend their initially scheduled live session may attend the live session of the subsequent course to fulfill this requirement and pass the program.
What is the typical lecture schedule for the live stream course?
Specific days and times for live stream lectures will be announced at the course outset. For instance, lectures may be scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST. While we strive to adhere to this schedule, occasional deviations may be necessary due to instructor availability. Any schedule adjustments will be communicated well in advance.
What if a live lecture is missed?
All live stream lectures are recorded and made available for on-demand viewing. If you miss a live session, you can access the recording at your convenience.
Is there a mandatory attendance policy for live stream lectures?
No, live lecture attendance is not mandatory. While real-time participation is beneficial for direct interaction and Q&A, we recognize that adhering to a fixed schedule may not always be feasible for all students.
How do I replace a lost UF CCP certification?
Email Judy Johnson at [email protected] with your name as it appeared on your certificate, your UF CCP number, and current contact details. A $25.00 fee is required for processing a replacement certificate. Payment information will be provided to you. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing. You will be notified via email once your replacement certificate has been mailed.
Who can I contact for unanswered questions?
For any further inquiries not addressed in this FAQ, please contact Judy Johnson via email at [email protected] or by phone at 352-273-1170. If leaving a voicemail, please include your name and a contact phone number for a prompt response.
