Hennepin Technical College’s Community Paramedic Certificate and Community Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepare licensed paramedics to expand their impact beyond emergency medical response and become leaders in community-based healthcare.
Unlike traditional paramedic programs, which focus primarily on emergency assessment, treatment, and transport, HTC’s Community Paramedic programs emphasize care coordination, patient education, health monitoring, and resource navigation. Community paramedics work closely with physicians, nurses, case managers, behavioral health professionals, and social service agencies to support patients with chronic conditions, complex healthcare needs, and barriers to accessing care.
What You’ll Learn
Students in HTC’s Community Paramedic Certificate and AAS degree programs develop the skills needed to improve patient outcomes and strengthen community health through:
- Community health and population health principles
- Social determinants of health
- Chronic disease management
- Prevention and wellness strategies
- Care coordination and patient advocacy
- Home-based patient assessment and monitoring
- Primary care support services
- Healthcare systems and community resources
- Quality improvement and evidence-based practice
- Interprofessional collaboration
Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical application, students gain the knowledge and experience needed to support patients in their homes, clinics, and community settings.
Community Paramedic Certificate
The Community Paramedic Certificate is designed for licensed paramedics seeking specialized training in community-based healthcare delivery. This focused credential helps students build on their EMS experience and qualify for community paramedic positions within healthcare systems, ambulance services, clinics, public health agencies, and community health organizations.
Community Paramedic AAS Degree
The Community Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree combines advanced community paramedicine coursework with general education and professional development courses. The degree provides a broader academic foundation for career advancement, leadership opportunities, and continued education while preparing graduates for emerging healthcare roles throughout Minnesota.
Why Choose Hennepin Technical College?
Hennepin Technical College’s Community Paramedic programs are guided by industry partnerships and regional workforce needs. Students benefit from curriculum informed by healthcare and EMS leaders across the Twin Cities and Minnesota, ensuring graduates are prepared for today’s evolving healthcare environment.
Industry Partners
Emergency Medical Services advisory committee meets twice yearly to review current courses and promote or develop new courses to help our students grow in the ever-changing job market. Students completing our program are able to become certified through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. These are agencies that oversee our training standards and certify students after completing the national evaluations.
- Mike Wilcox, MD – Medical Director
- Mike Oliverius, Allina Transportation, Manager
- Dan Baumgardner, Laerdal Medical
- Eric Davis, Toro Company
- Eric Graff, Clinical Nurse Manager, Methodist Hospital
- Jim Levi, Paramedic Outreach Education, Children’s Hospital & Clinics
- Amber Braun, Health East Ambulance FTO, HTC EMS Program Alumni
- HTC EMS Student Representative