EMT Program Overview

An EMT (emergency medical technician) is a trained clinician that operates as part of an EMS (emergency medical services) system and provides care to patients who are experiencing a medical emergency. Rather than working in a hospital or health care center, EMTs often perform their duties in an ambulance, which allows them to remain mobile. EMTs perform a variety of non-invasive treatments to assist their patients and improve or stabilize their condition until they reach the hospital. Many EMTs also perform transport of patients between healthcare facilities where they provide ongoing medical assessments. An EMT certification is typically the starting point for many EMS professionals and is a requirement to become a paramedic.

Currently, there is no accrediting body for EMT programs. All qualified School of EMS EMT programs are approved by the state in which they are held. All School of EMS graduates are eligible to attempt the National Registry exam.

Please note that a high school diploma or GED as well as a state ID or driver’s license is required, except for the specifically designated dual-enrollment programs with our partner high schools. All students must pass a drug screen as well as a background screening.

Paramedic Program Overview

The School of EMS is proud to say the Paramedic Course has a pass rate of 80.2%, a retention rate of 82.2%, and positive placement rate of 97.4% for the year of 2023. These numbers represent 675 new paramedics becoming nationally registered and entering the workforce!

The paramedic level is the highest pre-hospital certification obtainable. Paramedics practice the art and science of pre-hospital medicine in conjunction with medical direction. Paramedics are an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as links in the chain of various health resources. The emerging roles and responsibilities of the paramedic include public education, health promotion, participation in injury and illness prevention programs, and functioning as a facilitator of access to care as well as an initial treatment provider. Applicants must be a current EMT prior to admission to the paramedic program.

Our paramedic program is accredited by CAAHEP (CoAEMSP program 600463). All qualified School of EMS graduates are eligible to attempt the National Registry Exam.

Please note that a high school diploma or GED as well as a state ID or driver’s license is required. All students must pass a drug screen as well as a background screening.