Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services
Associate of Applied ScienceVirginia Peninsula Community College
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Emergency Medical Services is designed to prepare students to be confident and competent entry-level emergency medical services providers wither in a volunteer and/or career department/agency and/or facility that provides emergency medical services. The curriculum is designed to develop the competencies needed to prepare the student to be certified as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Registry written and practical certification exam appropriate for their level of program completion (EMT or Paramedic). As a certified EMS provider, under the direction of an operational medical director, graduates can then function as Basic and/or Advanced Life Support providers with a rescue squad, either in a volunteer or career capacity; fire and rescue department; emergency department; ambulance transport entity; local, state or federal government agency; ski patrol; humanitarian relief organization; or other EMS-related role.
Program Credit Requirements

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This Degree Right For Me? | |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
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Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | |
Do More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights | Learn to save lives. The Emergency Medical Services program is designed to prepare students to be knowledgeable, competent, entry-level, pre-hospital providers. Prepares students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic exam while earning an associate of applied science degree. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Individuals who have already completed an associates degree should submit their transcripts for evaluation and transfer credit determination. The student development course requirement (SDV 100) is waived for those individuals. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | http://catalog.tncc.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=2128 |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Virginia Peninsula Community College makes college possible for members of our Peninsula community with affordable tuition, convenient locations, flexible schedules, and innovative programs designed in collaboration with our educational and industry partners in the region. Our outstanding faculty are renowned for high quality instruction; our small class sizes allow students to connect with faculty and receive personalized attention. We prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions as well as for sought-after careers in a variety of in-demand fields. We offer a range of scholarships, internships, articulated program agreements with four-year institutions, and we are nationally recognized for quality of service to members of our military and their families. Virginia Peninsula Community College is the first choice for students on the Peninsula for a high-quality, affordable education. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | The student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance and program placement. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance and program placement |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Virginia's community colleges offer students more than the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate; they provide a gateway to the Commonwealth's four-year colleges. Through system-wide negotiated agreements, students who graduate from a Virginia community college with an associate degree and the minimum grade point average required by the four-year college are guaranteed admission to many of the Commonwealth's colleges and universities. Students should review the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement for the four-year institution they wish to attend to learn more about the process: https://www.vpcc.edu/advising/transfer |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
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Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergengy Medical Services Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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29-2042.00 | Emergency Medical Technicians | Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-2043.00 | Paramedics | Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |