A45340B Total credit hours: 69
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.
- 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.
Bridging Option for Currently Credentialed Paramedics
Through the bridging program, currently credentialed Paramedics receive 47 semester hours of credit toward the A.A.S. degree. The remaining course work to complete the A.A.S. in Emergency Medical Science requires 26 additional semester hours of work outlined below. Students must take 25% from the required semester hours of the degree to meet the residency requirements of DCCC, or challenge exams in EMS prefix courses for residency hour requirements.
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 EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic educational program and hold either 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 122 , EMS 130 , EMS 131 , EMS 160 , EMS 210 , 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.
Paramedics satisfying the requirements for Advanced Standing will be admitted to the EMS Bridging program. Students admitted to the EMS Bridging program must complete at least 25% of the required semester hours in the EMS program at Davidson County Community College.
Transfer Credit
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.
Challenge Examinations for EMS Courses
State credentialed EMTs, Advanced EMT, or Paramedics who do not hold National Registry registration or a North Carolina credential may challenge EMS courses appropriate for their training 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.)
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 this program. Emergency Medical Science Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)
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