🚑 So You Wanna Be a Paramedic? Here's How It Works (Without the Panic)

Welcome to the Mt. SAC Paramedic Program

🧰 Step 1: Come Prepared (Like, Really Prepared)

Before you even apply, you need:

• A valid California EMT certification

• At least 1,000 hours of field experience (yes, that’s a lot of sirens)

• Proof you can handle college-level reading, writing, and math (via placement or degrees)

Think of this as your “Are you sure you’re ready?” checkpoint.

• In order to succeed you must be present for all lecture and lab days.

• I will follow up with you if you are not able to make it to class to see what arrangements we can make.

• Uniforms are selected to display our Paramedic program with pride. We have a local shop we partner with to get you the materials you will need.

I believe every student brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the classroom—kind of like a paramedic team rolling up to a chaotic scene, each with their own skills, caffeine levels, and opinions about which energy drink is superior. My job is to create an environment where everyone’s voice is heard, valued, and occasionally accompanied by the sound of a defibrillator charging (just metaphorically… usually).

I design my courses to be accessible, relevant, and reflective of the full human experience—because let’s face it, medicine isn’t just about vitals and ventilations; it’s about people. I use a range of materials and teaching methods because no one wants to sit through a 3-hour lecture with 100 slides that all say “see textbook.”

I am extremely passionate about Paramedicine—whether we’re talking meds, patient presentations, or the squiggly mysteries of the ECG. If you don’t yet find the P wave exciting, don’t worry—I fully intend to infect you with my enthusiasm ( it’s not airborne… mostly).

To support all learning styles, I incorporate hands-on simulations, interactive lectures, group discussions, and case studies—because some students learn by doing, others by discussing, and a few by awkwardly pretending to be unconscious in a trauma scenario (you know who you are).

Learning isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you learn it best. I’m here to help you figure that out and succeed, whether that means understanding the difference between preload and afterload or navigating financial and basic needs like housing or groceries. And don’t forget—you’ve got your peers, your instructors, and a whole support team behind you. We’re in this together. (And yes, we carry snacks.)

Expectations of Me:

• I will function as a facilitator in this course—think of me as your academic GPS. I may not always take the shortest route, but I’ll help you avoid dead ends and reroute when things get confusing.

• I’ll respond within 24 hours. Weekends and holidays can get a little wild (even paramedics need naps and tacos), but I’ll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. If it’s urgent, don’t be shy about sending a follow-up message—just no smoke signals or carrier pigeons, please.

• Your thoughts, opinions, and words matter—yes, even the ones you’re not sure are “right.” I’m committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where you can bring your full self. If you’re not feeling 100% supported, tell me—I’ll grab my metaphorical stethoscope and figure out what’s going on.

• Life happens. Flat tires, sick pets, weird allergic reactions to homework… whatever it is, I get it. I’m here to support you when things go sideways. Just reach out—I’m not psychic, I just play one in medical scenarios.

Expectations of You:

• Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn the skills that literally save lives. Paramedicine is serious business—but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun while learning how to read ECGs and outsmart hypotension.

• Be respectful—to each other, to the process, and yes, to the Wi-Fi. I know your phone is basically an extension of your body, but let’s keep tech use focused during class. (TikTok will still be there later.)

• Complete coursework on time—or let me know if you’re running behind. We’re all human. I can bend when life throws curveballs—just not like a yoga instructor, more like a medic trying to treat a patient in a compact car. Communication is key.

• Work with your peers! Some of the best learning happens in discussion, collaboration, and the occasional “wait, did you see that on the monitor?” moment. And ask questions—seriously, even the weird ones.

Contact Michelle Navarro at mnavarro62@mtsac.edu or Tracy Chen at tchen@mtsac.edu 

Class in session: You can always reach me through GroupMe. This will be the fastest way to get a hold of me.

Do not hesitate to message on the GroupMe chat with your peers as they may be able to answer your question as well, unless it is a personal matter.

During the week I respond to emails/messages within 24 hours, excluding holidays. If I do not respond withing that time frame, please do not hesitate to send a follow up email.

email: princon@mtsac.edu

Office location 28B-Rm214

Apply for the Paramedic Program 

Canvas Login for those in class.