The Emergency Medical Science curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce as paramedics. Additionally, the program can provide an Associate degree for individuals desiring an opportunity for career enhancement.
The course of study provides the student an opportunity to acquire basic and advanced life support knowledge and skills by utilizing classroom instruction, practical laboratory sessions, hospital clinical experience, and field internships with emergency medical service agencies.
Students progressing through the program may be eligible to apply for both state and national certification exams. Employment opportunities include ambulance services, fire and rescue agencies, air medical services, specialty areas of hospitals, industry, educational institutions, and government agencies.
The Emergency Medical Science student should:
- Perform rapid systematic patient assessment to patients of any age and diverse cultural backgrounds to determine and implement safe, ethical, legal, and appropriate care, utilizing basic and sophisticated medical devices, and the therapeutic pharmacology at entry-level competence.
- During lab simulations, clinical and field internship experiences safely utilize situational appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with current infection control policies at entry-level competence.
- Demonstrate professional and effective use of verbal, non-verbal and written communications techniques at entry-level competence.
- Outside of classroom assignments, seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Through lab simulations and actual driving evolutions build a foundation for the safe operation of emergency vehicles in routine and emergency situations.
- Perform as a competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Technical Standards:
In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability, and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of Emergency Medical Science. These technical standards are published in the Student Handbook.
Admission Requirements:
Policies Regarding EMS Admission with Advanced Standing
The general admission requirements of the College and of the EMS program apply to persons seeking admission into the EMS program with advanced standing. Those applying for advanced standing must have previously completed an Emergency Medical Technician- Basic, EMT-Intermediate, or EMT-Paramedic educational program and hold National Registry registration, or a credential from the North Carolina Medical Care Commission. Credit may be granted for the following courses, dependent on the level and combination of credentials:
EMS 110 , EMS 150 , EMS 121, EMS 122 , EMS 130 , EMS 131 , EMS 160 , EMS 220 , EMS 221 , EMS 231 , EMS 240 , EMS 241 , EMS 250 , EMS 260 , EMS 270 , EMS 285 .
Students will be awarded a grade of “T” and credit hours for the courses are awarded. No quality points are awarded and the grade is not included in the grade point average.
Transfer Credit for EMS Courses
The decision regarding transfer credit for EMS courses is made by the Program Director and Associate Dean, Health, Wellness, and Public Safety, in consultation with members of the Emergency Medical Science faculty.
Paramedics satisfying the requirements for Advanced Standing will be admitted to the EMS Bridging program. Students admitted to the the EMS Bridging program must complete at least 18 hours of the required courses in the EMS program at Davidson County Community College.
Challenge Examinations for EMS Courses
State credentialed EMTs, EMT-Intermediates, or Paramedics who do not hold National Registry registration or a North Carolina credential may challenge EMS courses appropriate for their certification level. Specific information regarding challenge examinations for these courses will be provided to applicants upon request. (Refer to general requirements for more information about requesting Credit by Examination.)
Progression Requirements
A student must meet all prerequisite and corequisite EMS course requirements with a grade of “C” or better in order to progress in the program.
Probation and Suspension
EMS students are subject to the same probation and suspension policies as all other students enrolled in the College. Additional criteria for EMS apply.
Since requirements for progression in the EMS program are in addition to the general requirements of the College, a student suspended from the program is not necessarily suspended from the College.
Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check and drug screen testing are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.
If any clinical facility refuses to allow the student to participate in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.
NOTE: Special legal requirements exist which may limit the ability of an individual to obtain clinical experience, employment, or certification in this field. Prospective students should obtain additional information from an enrollment counselor or program faculty member prior to seeking admission.
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