20 Best Paramedic Programs in Des Moines, IA – 2026
Des Moines is home to some of the top paramedic programs in Iowa, offering comprehensive training and preparation for careers in emergency medical services. As the demand for qualified paramedics continues to grow nationwide, Des Moines provides a wealth of options to launch or advance your career.
This guide highlights the 20 best paramedic programs in Des Moines based on reputation, course offerings, facilities, cost, and graduate outcomes. Whether you‘re just starting out or looking to take your paramedic skills to the next level, you‘re sure to find a program that fits your needs.
1. Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College is one of Iowa‘s largest paramedic programs. Key highlights include:
- Accredited paramedic diploma and AAS degree options
- Strong focus on hands-on learning using industry-standard equipment
- Extensive clinical rotation opportunities at area hospitals
- High first-time pass rate on national paramedic exam
- Paramedic tutoring and advising services for students
With small class sizes and experienced instructors, Hawkeye creates a supportive learning environment focused on student success. Graduates are well prepared for paramedic careers.
Location: Waterloo, IA
Contact: (319) 296-2320
Website: www.hawkeyecollege.edu
2. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
DMACC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in paramedic services on its Ankeny campus. Key features include:
- Emphasis on critical thinking and decision making
- Hands-on training for medical, trauma, and cardiac emergencies
- Over 500 hours of clinical experience at regional hospitals
- Practice scenarios using advanced human simulators
- Continuing education for licensed paramedics
DMACC collaborates closely with regional EMS agencies to provide relevant, real-world paramedic education aligned with industry needs.
Location: Ankeny, IA
Contact: (515) 964-6200
Website: www.dmacc.edu
3. Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in paramedic science. Program highlights:
- Accredited by CoAEMSP
- Combines online coursework with in-person labs/clinicals
- Hands-on learning in a simulation ambulance
- Clinical rotations across multiple EMS/hospital settings
- Small class sizes for individualized attention
The program has a strong reputation for outstanding NREMT exam pass rates and job placement.
Location: Fort Dodge, IA
Contact: (515) 574-1974
Website: www.iowacentral.edu
4. American Medical Response (AMR)
AMR Iowa provides an intensive 5-month paramedic academy to train EMTs for advanced life support roles. Features include:
- Customized to AMR Iowa treatment guidelines/equipment
- Taught by experienced AMR medics
- Hands-on labs using functional ambulances
- 600+ clinical hours at Des Moines hospitals
- Guaranteed job placement with Iowa AMR
This accelerated program is free for students who commit to working for AMR Iowa for a set period following graduation.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 282-5151
Website: amr.net
5. Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College offers a paramedic certificate aligned with national standards for paramedic education. Key features include:
- Blend of online and in-person instruction
- Hands-on skill practice in a simulation ambulance
- Interprofessional education utilizing Mercy‘s simulation center
- 650+ hours of hospital/fire department clinical rotations
- Small class size with individualized support
Graduates have a 100% job placement rate over the past 5 years.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 643-6715
Website: mchs.edu
6. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
UnityPoint Health provides an intensive 1-year paramedic education program oriented toward prehospital critical care. Highlights include:
- Emphasis on critical care transport, trauma, and cardiac care
- Hands-on instruction utilizing a mobile simulation ambulance
- Over 700 hours of emergency department clinical time
- Ride-alongs with UnityPoint EMS and AirCare flight teams
- Guaranteed one-year employment commitment
This program has a strong job placement rate for critical care transport roles.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 241-6304
Website: unitypoint.org
7. Emergency Medical Training Associates
EMT Associates provides a diploma-level paramedic program focused on urban EMS response. Key features include:
- Prepare for National Registry certification
- Online components combined with hands-on labs
- Practice vehicle extrication and rescue simulations
- Clinical time in high volume Des Moines ER/ICUs
- Ride-alongs with Metro Area Ambulance Service
- Affordable tuition and flexible financing
This program has a good reputation for hands-on learning and job placement support.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 282-6150
Website: emtta.com
8. Central Iowa Health System EMS Education
Offered in Marshalltown, Iowa, this 12-month paramedic diploma emphasizes rural EMS response. Highlights include:
- Customized for critical access hospitals
- Specialized instruction in farm accidents and confined spaces
- Flight paramedicine education/clinical rotation
- Hands-on scenario training at Iowa EMS Association
- Focus on community health improvement
Graduates gain skills tailored to rural settings with emphasis on independent decision-making.
Location: Marshalltown, IA
Contact: (641) 754-5602
Website: unitypoint.org
9. Iowa Health EMS Learning Resources
Iowa Health provides a hybrid online/in-person program focused on critical thinking and leadership. Features include:
- Develop skills in EMS management and training
- Special topics like geriatric emergencies
- Interprofessional education with other health students
- Hands-on training at simulation centers statewide
- Emphasis on personal wellness and resilience
This program suits those seeking leadership roles in EMS systems.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 241-6877
Website: iowahealth.org
10. West Des Moines Emergency Medical Services
West Des Moines EMS operates an intense 5-month paramedic academy tailored to department protocols. Highlights include:
- Aligned with Iowa 2017 Scope of Practice
- Hands-on training using department apparatus
- Scenario-based skill practice at local training centers
- Clinical experience across variety of settings
- Conditional job offer with West Des Moines EMS
This pathway suits those seeking paramedic roles in suburban EMS systems.
Location: West Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 222-3652
Website: wdm.iowa.gov
11. Iowa EMS Association
Iowa EMS Association provides continuing paramedic education through its regional training centers. Offerings include:
- Specialized courses in critical care, pediatrics, etc.
- Workshops tailored to rural EMS
- Hands-on training utilizing simulation equipment
- Online modules for license renewal requirements
- Custom training for EMS agencies and medical directors
These flexible courses allow current paramedics to build specialty skills.
Locations: 9 training centers statewide
Contact: (515) 225-8079
Website: iemsa.net
12. Des Moines Fire Department
The Des Moines Fire Department operates an internal paramedic training program. Key details include:
- Customized to align with department guidelines
- Utilizes mobile simulation ambulance for scenario practice
- Clinical time spent with DMFD paramedic field units
- Develop skills in fireground rehab and firefighter health
Graduates fill open firefighter/paramedic roles within the department.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 283-4240
Website: dmgov.org
13. Mid Iowa Paramedic Specialists
Offered in Indianola, Iowa, this program focuses on critical care transport roles. Features include:
- Specialized coursework in neonatal/pediatric critical care
- Utilizes high-fidelity simulation manikins
- Clinical time with transport services and NICU/PICUs
- ACCTTP accredited for critical care exam access
- Partnership for employment with Metro Care Flight
Graduates gain skills for advanced critical care paramedic positions.
Location: Indianola, IA
Contact: (515) 961-5317
Website: midioparamedic.com
14. Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department
Johnston-Grimes offers an internal pathway to train firefighter/paramedic personnel. Details include:
- Customized to department protocols
- Focuses on fire-based EMS response
- Utilizes department training facilities and apparatus
- Clinical time spent with J-G fire/EMS crews
This program feeds qualified personnel into open J-G firefighter/paramedic roles.
Location: Johnston, IA
Contact: (515) 278-2025
Website: cityofjohnston.com
15. Ankeny Fire Department
Similar to Johnston-Grimes, Ankeny Fire Department provides internal paramedic education. Highlights:
- Tailored to city EMS guidelines and equipment
- Hands-on training at Ankeny FD training tower
- Clinical experience on AFD ambulances and medic units
- Develop specialized skills in cold weather/ice rescue
This pathway prepares candidates for firefighter/paramedic jobs with Ankeny FD.
Location: Ankeny, IA
Contact: (515) 289-5240
Website: ankenyiowa.gov
16. Paramedic Services of Iowa
PSI offers an online pathway for certified paramedics seeking to expand their knowledge. Features include:
- Fully online, flexible course delivery
- Specialty tracks in critical care, EMS management, etc.
- Cutting-edge instruction on new protocols/technology
- Continuing education credits for license renewal
- Respected industry faculty and medical directors
These courses allow current paramedics to upskill or transition into new roles.
Location: Online
Contact: (712) 303-9699
Website: psi-online.net
17. Boone and Scenic Valley Regional Paramedic Training
This consortium delivers paramedic education across several rural IA counties. Offerings include:
- Associate or diploma options
- Local medical directors guide curriculum
- Special topics in farm safety and rural EMS response
- Clinical rotations tailored to critical access hospitals
- Focuses on resourcefulness/independence
Graduates gain strong skills for rural EMS practice.
Location: Multiple campuses
Contact: Varies by location
Website: bscr.edu
18. Southeast Iowa Regional Paramedic Training
Similar to the program above, SEIRP provides regional paramedic training targeted at rural EMS systems across several counties. Details include:
- Options for an AAS degree or diploma credential
- Hands-on lab instruction via mobile simulation ambulance
- Clinical experience in small-town hospitals and clinics
- Special instruction in farm accident rescue, telemedicine, etc.
- Affordable tuition with financial aid available
This pathway prepares graduates for paramedic roles in rural settings.
Location: Multiple campuses
Contact: Varies by location
Website: grp.edu
19. Western Iowa Technical Community College
Offered on several campuses, WITCC provides an Associate degree track focused on rural EMS. Highlights include:
- Blend of online and in-person instruction
- Special topics like hazmat response, rescue ops, etc.
- Clinical time in critical access hospitals
- Interprofessional education with other health students
- Transfer options to 4-year EMS degree programs
This program creates strong generalist paramedics for rural EMS practice.
Locations: Multiple WITCC campuses
Contact: Varies by location
Website: witcc.edu
20. Southeast Polk Community School District Fire/EMS
This hybrid online/in-person program prepares firefighter/paramedic personnel for the district. Features include:
- Custom-designed curriculum matching protocols
- utilizes department ambulance and equipment
- scenario-based training mirrored to local terrain/industry
- clinical rotations with department EMTs/paramedics
- guaranteed employment placement with the district
Graduates fill firefighter/paramedic job openings across the jurisdiction.
Location: Runnells, Iowa
Contact: (515) 967-7819 x5220
Website: southeastpolk.org