Overview

The Emergency Medical Services Program offers three occupational opportunities, First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. Many students complete this program in a graduated format; starting with the First Responder course, followed by the EMT courses, and proceeding to the Paramedic Certificate program, and finally completing the additional general education and allied health science courses required for the Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Allied Health Sciences.

The EMT Basic courses are offered once per year starting every fall semester. The courses are offered 1 day a week or 2 nights per week each semester. Students must be accepted into the course by the EMS Program Director. Applications are accepted year-round.

The EMT Accelerated course is offered twice per year. It is a one semester course starting in the fall or spring semesters. The course is offered 2 days per week, or 3 nights per week. Students must be accepted into the course by the EMS Program Director. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Paramedic Program is offered twice per year. It is a 6 course program (3 didactic and 3 clinical) starting in the fall or spring semesters. The fall courses are offered 2 days a week each semester at the Knox county campus. The spring program is offered 2 days a week each semester at the Harriman campus. A spring evening program is offered 3 nights a week each semester, every other year at the Knox county campus. Fall application deadline is the 3rd Friday in May. Spring application deadline is the 3rd Friday in October. See paramedic packets for specific dates and times.

Work Settings

The first person to arrive at a medical emergency may be a First Responder. They have the knowledge and skills needed for the first few minutes of emergency care until more advanced help arrives.

Emergency Medical Technician education is the next level of training for the emergency medical service system. An EMT is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident, sudden illness, and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital. They are a vital member of both the healthcare delivery system and public safety.

Paramedic education is the highest level of training for the emergency medical service system. Paramedics receive extensive training in the use of advanced procedures, medications and specialized equipment to manage medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. Through careful patient assessment and team oriented medical care, paramedics help prevent and reduce death and disability from illness and injury.

EMT/Paramedic’s will generally work for ambulance or rescue services or fire, police, safety or health agencies. A few EMT/Paramedic’s are employed by private businesses such as oil companies, medical flight companies, schools and amusement parks.

Salary and Job Outlook

Emergency Medical Services is a new and rapidly changing field. As this area continues to upgrade and expand, there will be an increasing demand for trained personnel, especially at the advanced and associate degree levels. Paramedics with an A.A.S. degree are more marketable for educational and supervisory positions. Your salary as an EMT-IV will depend greatly on the region of the country where you work. According to the most recent survey conducted by The Journal of Emergency Medical Care, Tennessee EMT-IV salary ranges are $20,500-$24,000 per year and Paramedic salary ranges are $32,000-$40,000 per year.
2008 JEMS salary survey

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the EMT/Paramedic Program and clinical requirements, the graduate is eligible to take the National Registry Exam. The state of Tennessee requires licensure for EMT/Paramedics. For more information please visithttp://health.state.tn.us/EMS/personnellicensure.htm and http://www.nremt.org.

Location

The EMT courses are available at the Knoxville, Cumberland, and Scott county campuses. The Paramedic program is available at the Knoxville and Harriman campuses only.  View all RSCC Campus Locations.

Accreditation

The Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic course is a Nationally Accredited Program (#600041). Accreditation follows the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Division.

Costs, Books, and Application Process

Please see the individual checklists in the links below.