Program Details
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology
Associate of Applied ScienceMountain Empire Community College
The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent, entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics who can service the community with advanced life support care via the Emergency Medical Services infrastructure. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Perform current techniques in pre-hospital emergency care to include signs and symptoms of illness, injuries,
medical emergencies, appropriate medical techniques, and ambulance operations.
2. Assess, extricate, and care for victims of trauma incidents utilizing the following management skills; scene sizeup,
disentanglement, victim stabilization for single and multi-victim situations, hazardous materials incidents,
integration of local emergency medical services (EMS) for patient assessment and management, and standard
operating procedures.
3. Describe the basic pharmacological background and actions of drugs, regulations, human body systems, pharmacokinetics,
and drug calculations.
4. Demonstrate the advanced life support skills approach to emergency care of the emotionally disturbed to include
emotional aspects, approach to the patient, psychiatric emergencies and techniques of management.
5. Perform an advanced physical assessment on an emergency patient to include the physical exam, integrative and
on-going exams, and communicate/document the findings to the patient and others.
6. Recognize and intervene in medical emergencies related to toxicology, hazardous materials, infectious disease,
and hematology. Include poisoning, drug overdose, and transmission of infectious diseases.
7. Identify pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the
treatment plan for the patient with cardiovascular disease/injury based on 3-lead and 12-lead cardiac monitoring
and interpretation. Define cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular pathologies and management,
and adjunctive diagnostics.
8. Utilize assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for obstetric, neonatal,
pediatric, geriatric, and chronic-care patients.
Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This Degree Right For Me? | The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Paramedics who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification. This credential leads to Paramedic licensure or certification in Virginia and most other states. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students should have English and Mathematics skills assessed. Deficiencies in these areas may be corrected by completing the appropriate developmental studies courses. Admission to the program will be governed by the requirements for general admission to the College and the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. Individuals who have a felony conviction may not be eligible to take the certification exam. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
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Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | Admission to the program will be governed by the requirements for general admission to the College and the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. Individuals who have a felony conviction may not be eligible to take the certification exam.The paramedic curriculum is an academically rigorous program, but one having the potential to provide a rewarding career for participants. Applicants for the advanced life support component of the program must meet the following:Be at least 18 years of age by the beginning of the program pursuant to Section 12VAC5-30-270A.1. of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health Governing Emergency Medical Services. Be a high school graduate or have satisfactorily completed the GED.Have a current and valid certificate evidencing Emergency Medical Technician certification in Virginia pursuant to Section 12VAC5-30-290 of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health Governing Emergency Medical Services.Possess and maintain current CPR certification. |
Do More With Your Degree | Opportunities for paramedics include employment by fire and rescue service providers, hospitals, school systems, industry, ambulance and transportation services, local, state and federal government agencies, humanitarian relief organizations, and the military. |
Program Successes & Highlights | This program is accredited by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services and is offered in conjunction with Southwest Virginia and Virginia Highland Community Colleges. The program is also nationally accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 U. S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763, phone 727-210-2350. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1 |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Mountain Empire Community College's mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce. Mountain Empire Community College's mission is fulfilled through the following avenues: General Education, Career-Technical Education, Transfer Education, Developmental Studies, Dual Enrollment, Distance Education, Student Services, Workforce Development, and Community Services. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services | 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 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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 |