Emergency Medical Services

Mr. Greg Lawrence, EMS Program Director
256.352.8335
gregory.lawrence@wallacestate.edu

At a Glance

People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics). Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, slips and falls, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. EMTs and paramedics provide this vital service as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. Following medical protocols and guidelines, EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics provide appropriate emergency care (under the medical direction of physicians) and, when necessary, transport the patient. In an emergency, EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics are typically dispatched by a 911 operator to the scene, where they often work with police and firefighters. Working conditions tend to be indoors and out, in all types of weather. EMS professionals are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. The specific responsibilities of EMS professionals depend upon their level of qualifications and training. 

Program Description

The purpose of the Emergency Medical Services Program is to prepare competent entry-level paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels. Currently, Alabama recognizes three levels of providers; EMT, AEMT, and paramedic. The EMS program provides students with options to earn a short-term certificate in EMT, or AEMT, a certificate in paramedic or an Associate in Applied Science Degree in EMS. Students who complete all required general education and EMT courses can earn the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services. To receive this degree, the student must meet all WSCC graduation requirements and either complete the paramedic-level courses at WSCC or meet the current criteria for EMS degree-seeking transfer students as set forth by the WSCC-EMS Department. 

The WSCC Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org), 9355 - 113 St. North, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775 (727) 210-2350. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (COAEMSP), 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088, (214) 703-8445 (coaemsp.org). Students are eligible to make an application to the National Registry of EMTs examination for Alabama Licensure after completing each of the levels and meeting current examination requirements (current requirements include attaining a 75% average in all core course work; completing ENG 101, Math 100 or higher with a grade of 75 or better, and must be 18 years of age). License requirements for other states will be addressed individually.

All courses meet or exceed standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Training Curriculum and by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Admission Requirements

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
(4 semesters) 

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE w/ADVANCED OPTION
(5 semesters) 

APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Unconditional admission to college. College applications must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Students must be in good standing with the college.
3. Submit the complete online health division program application with all required attachments by the published application deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. 
4. The EMS program online application is located on the program’s webpage at www.wallacestate.edu. The online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration. 
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded.
6. Students must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division and see Physical Form Essential Functions and EMS Handbook. DO NOT complete physical form until acceptance into the program. 
7. A minimum of 17 ACT composite score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of the score must be uploaded. 
8. Be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 according to ACCUPLACER or ACT English scores or have completed ENG 101 with a grade of 75 or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
9. Be eligible to enroll in MTH 100 according to ACCUPLACER or ACT Math scores or have completed MTH 100 with a grade of 75 or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
10. Possess current certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or enroll in EMS 100 upon program acceptance. Proof of active/current CPR certification for healthcare providers will be required. (American Heart Association - BLS-Health Care Provider). This certification can also be obtained by registering for EMS 100 at WSCC. (Online CPR courses WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).
11. If already completed Advanced EMT course work, the student must possess a current Alabama Advanced EMT License (supply copy with program application). Active Status.
12. Schedule an appointment with the Program Director.
13. To receive college credit for non-credit EMT, the student must provide the following documentation:
    1. Copy of current unencumbered Alabama EMS provider license
    2. Documentation of up-to-date National Registry Certification at the requested level
    3. Proof of six (6) months of recent in-field experience as an EMT as documented by the employer (volunteer service accepted with appropriate documentation)
    4. Copy of current CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level

NOTE: Completing all program entry requirements does not guarantee program admittance. 

EMT (Short-Term Certificate - 1 semester)

APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College applications must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Students must be in good standing with the college.
3. Submit the complete online health division program application with all required attachments by the published application deadline.  Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. 
4. The online application is located on the program’s webpage at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division . The online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration. 
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded.
6. Students must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division and see Physical Form Essential Functions and EMS Handbook. DO NOT complete physical form until acceptance into the program. 
7. Be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 according to ACCUPLACER or ACT English scores or have completed ENG 101 with a grade of 75 or better. 
8. Possess current certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or enroll in EMS 100 upon program acceptance. Proof of active/current CPR certification for healthcare providers will be required. (American Heart Association - BLS for Health Care Providers). This certification can also be obtained by registering for EMS 100 at WSCC. (Online CPR courses WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).
9. Schedule an appointment with the Program Director.

NOTE: Completing all program entry requirements does not guarantee program admittance. 

Advanced EMT (Short-Term Certificate - 1 semester)

APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College applications must be submitted by the program application deadline.
2. Students must be in good standing with the college.
3. Submit the complete online health division program application with all required attachments by the published application deadline.  Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. 
4. The online application is located on the program’s webpage at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division . The online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration. 
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded.
6. Students must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division and see Physical Form Essential Functions and EMS Handbook. DO NOT complete physical form until acceptance into the program. 
7. Be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 according to ACCUPLACER or ACT English scores or have completed ENG 101 with a grade of 75 or better. 
8. Be eligible to enroll in MTH 100 according to ACCUPLACER or ACT Math scores or have completed MTH 100 or a higher Math with a grade of 75 or better. 
9. Possess current certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or enroll in EMS 100 upon program acceptance. Proof of active/current CPR certification for healthcare providers will be required. (American Heart Association - BLS for Health Care Providers). This certification can also be obtained by registering for EMS 100 at WSCC. (Online CPR courses WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).
10. Have completed an approved Emergency Medical Technician course and possess current NREMT certification and Alabama EMT license - Active Status.
11. Schedule an appointment with the Program Director.

• Students currently enrolled in an EMT class may receive conditional admission dependent on successful course completion.

NOTE: Completing all program entry requirements does not guarantee program admittance. 

Paramedic (Certificate - 3 semesters)

APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Unconditional admission to the college – College application must be submitted by the program application deadline of June 1.
2. Students must be in good standing with the college.
3. Submit the complete online health division program application with all required attachments by the published application deadline.  Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. 
4. The online application is located on the program’s webpage at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division . Online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all necessary documentation for consideration. 
5. Official transcripts from each college attended must be provided to the Admissions Office and all unofficial transcripts must be uploaded.
6. Students must meet the essential functions and technical standards required for the program as documented on the required WSCC physical form at wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division and see Physical Form Essential Functions and EMS Handbook. DO NOT complete physical form until acceptance into the program. 
7. A minimum of 17 ACT composite score (National or Residual) is required for admission consideration. Proof of the score must be uploaded to the online application. 
8. Possess a current Alabama EMT or Advanced EMT License (supply copy with program application) - Active Status.
9. Be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 according to ACCUPLACER, or ACT English scores or have completed ENG 101 with a grade of 75 or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
10. Be eligible to enroll in MTH 100 according to ACCUPLACER, or ACT Math scores or have completed MTH 100 or higher with a grade of 75 or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
11. Possess current certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or enroll in EMS 100 upon program acceptance. Proof of active/current CPR certification for healthcare providers will be required. (American Heart Association - BLS-Health Care Provider). This certification can also be obtained by registering for EMS 100 at WSCC. (Online CPR courses WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).
12. Schedule an appointment with the EMS program director.

NOTE: Completing all program entry requirements does not guarantee program admittance. 

Selection and Notification

1. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Written notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via the information supplied on the program application. 
2. Following acceptance into the program, students must respond confirming their intent to enroll by using the link provided on their letter by the indicated deadline. A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class.

Program Expectations

Students admitted into the Emergency Medical Services program are expected to comply with the Health Science Program Regulations and Expectations as published in the Programs of Study section of the Wallace State College catalog.

Upon Acceptance

1. Submit a physical exam currently within 1 year, completed by a licensed medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy. Immunization history must be accurate and complete; Titer test results are preferred.
2. Present evidence of current health/hospitalization accident insurance.
3. Provide signed consent to drug testing. The policy can be found on the college’s website: (www.wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division).
4. Emergency Service students are required to undergo Background Screening according to Health Science Division policy. A positive result from the drug screen or background check may result in immediate dismissal from the EMS program. 

Progression

A student enrolled in the Program must:

1. Maintain a grade of 75% or better in core courses and a Satisfactory rating in cognitive psychomotor and affective domains. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.
2. Carry liability and accident insurance while enrolled in the program.
3. Submit annual completed physical examination forms, including required vaccinations or titers, certifying that the student is in good health, is able to meet the requirements for clinical performance, and is in compliance with the Essential Functions for an EMT as defined in the student handbook.
4. Maintain current certification in Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider.
5. Possess a current State of Alabama EMS license for the previous level under which you are enrolled. The student will not be allowed to register for any Advanced EMT or Paramedic-related courses without the appropriate state license. Without this license, a student will not be allowed to participate in any clinical function and will therefore be dismissed from the program.
6. EMT and Advanced EMT must be completed within 1-year from the beginning of coursework and Paramedic must be completed within a two (2) year period of beginning coursework. Students not completing within this time frame will be required to re-apply to the program.
7. To obtain the AAS in EMS degree, the student must meet graduation requirements within five years of the date of their first admission. Those who do not meet these requirements must meet the requirements in effect at the time of their graduation. Students readmitted to WSCC and the EMS program must meet the graduation requirements at the time of their readmission. 
8. Enrolled students are expected to be competent in all knowledge and skills learned in previous EMS courses. Written/practical evaluation instruments utilized may assess knowledge and skills from previous EMS courses.

Re-Admission Policy

1. A student failing to complete a course may repeat that course once with the submission of the Re-Enrollment Statement Form.
2. A student wishing to re-enroll in the program after withdrawing for one semester or more must demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and skills from previously completed coursework. If unable to prove proficiency, the student will be admitted to the beginning of the failed certificate level. The student must submit a Re-Enrollment Form, update a background check, and update their physical.
3. A student failing to pass a course on the second attempt will be required to re-enter the program at the beginning of the failed certificate level. 

Career Path 

Graduates qualify for employment with air and ground ambulance services, fire and rescue departments, industrial safety departments, and emergency departments within medical facilities. Earnings of EMTs and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location of their jobs, as well as their training and experience. The median annual wage for EMTs was $43,100 and paramedics was $57,450 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,430. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics) 

*** Possess current certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider or enroll in EMS 100 upon program acceptance.

NOTE: All clinical hours for all clinical courses are minimum clock hours. Students are still required to achieve minimum competencies in each class. Additional time may be required to achieve the minimum competency.