The Emergency Services Division is home to training and education for Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Science (EMS), and Fire Service. Programs generally offer two types of training. Curriculum programs are college classes that lead to a degree. Continuing Education programs are stand-alone courses that usually qualify the student to take an exam for state certification or other credentials. Continuing education classes do not result in college credit and usually cannot be transferred to a college degree program of study.
Basic Law Enforcement Training
Certificate Program
Join the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Program and get the essential skills required for entry-level employment as a law enforcement officer with the state, county, or municipal governments, or with a private enterprise. BLET is the program required for certification as a law enforcement officer in NC.
For more information, contact Daryl Fisher, Coordinator of Law Enforcement Training, at (828) 782-2841 or robertdfisher@abtech.edu
Criminal Justice Technology
A.A.S. Degree Program
Are you looking for a career as a police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer, or loss prevention specialist? This curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations as well as increase employment opportunities in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields.
For more information, please contact Sarah Benson at (828) 782-2395 or sarahabenson@abtech.edu
Law Enforcement In-Service and Continuing Education Program
Our Law Enforcement Continuing Education Program provides specialized training programs for sworn officers. Select the link below for more information and access to the program web page.
- Visit Law Enforcement Training
Fire Service Training
Our Fire Service Education department provides courses toward NC OSFM firefighter certification. Courses are available individually and also in an academy format.
- Firefighter Academy Information- Link to page: Firefighter Academy Information
- Check the Facebook page "Buncombe County Fire & Rescue Training" for updated schedules.
- Visit Buncombe County Fire Training Calendar
- Visit Fire Services Training
Emergency Medical Service Online CE Training
EMT, AEMT, Paramedic Non-Degree Courses
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is proud to announce the development of online continuing education. This training is currently at the EMT level, with advanced-level provider classes being developed. The department also offers non-degree EMT and advanced courses.
Emergency Medical Science AAS Degree
A.A.S. Degree Program
Become a paramedic, where you will do something different every day, for every call. Become well-versed in rescue skills, knowledge of fire scene operations, hazardous materials response, vehicle extrication, and self-defense. This curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce as paramedics. Additionally, the program can provide an Associate Degree for individuals desiring an opportunity for career enhancement. Further education can lead to careers with rescue teams and supporting law enforcement or in wildland fire suppression, critical care, incident command, and many other opportunities.
For more information, contact Madelyn Johnson at (828) 782-2359 or madelyndjohnson@abtech.edu
Good to know
If you are enrolled in an Emergency Services program, use this list to find your program advisor's contact information:
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
Daryl Fisher
- Phone: (828) 782-2841
- Email: robertdfisher@abtech.edu
Criminal Justice Technology
Sarah Benson
- Phone: (828) 782-2395
- Email: sarahabenson@abtech.edu
Emergency Medical Science
Madelyn Johnson
- Phone: (828) 782-2359
- Email: jasonacinotti@abtech.edu
Advanced Placement
At this time, the A-B Tech Paramedic Program does not offer or accept advanced placement for any level of EMS education. All students are required to complete the full sequence of coursework and clinical experiences as outlined in the program curriculum, regardless of prior training or experience.
Our program partners with multiple active clinical and field internship sites. All sites are vetted via formal affiliation agreements that outline expectations for student supervision, safety, and educational roles.
Students are always under direct supervision by qualified preceptors, who receive orientation and are evaluated annually. Students serve strictly in a learning capacity, never replacing paid staff or meeting agency minimum staffing. They function as “third riders,” with no expectation of patient billing or independent work.
Prior to placements, all students complete training in HIPAA, OSHA bloodborne pathogens, patient safety, and are informed of clinical-site risks. Any injury/exposure is reported via our formal incident reporting system and is tracked by program leadership.
Students are oriented on their rights, grievance procedures, and non-retaliation policies. They participate in scheduled debrief/reflection sessions after clinical and field shifts to integrate learning, provide feedback on the experience, and identify any safety concerns.
These safeguards ensure that experiential learning is both educational and protective, meeting CoAEMSP expectations for high-quality, safe field internships.
- Bloodborne Pathogens & Infectious Diseases
- Exposure to HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) from needlesticks, bodily fluids, and mucous membrane contact.
- Airborne infections like tuberculosis (TB), influenza, and COVID-19.
- Exposure to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
- Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
- Improper handling or disposal of needles and other sharps.
- Risk during emergency procedures or patient transport.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Lifting and moving patients (especially bariatric patients).
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) from patient handling, carrying equipment, or awkward body positioning.
- Risk of back injuries, especially without proper equipment or team lifting.
- Vehicle-Related Incidents
- Ambulance crashes or injuries while loading/unloading patients.
- Working near traffic or in hazardous roadway conditions (e.g., highway accidents).
- Violence and Assaults
- Aggressive or combative patients, bystanders, or family members.
- Working in unsafe environments (e.g., drug scenes, domestic violence incidents).
- Psychological Stress & Mental Health Risks
- Exposure to traumatic events (mass casualties, pediatric deaths, suicides).
- Risk of PTSD, burnout, anxiety, and depression.
- Cumulative stress from shift work, sleep deprivation, and emotionally taxing scenarios.
- Chemical Exposure
- Exposure to hazardous materials (HAZMAT), including during industrial accidents or chemical suicides.
- Accidental contact with narcotics or fentanyl during overdose calls.
- Environmental Hazards
- Heat/cold stress, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, or inclement weather during fieldwork.
- Exposure to toxic gases, smoke, or fire in rescue operations.
- Noise Hazards
- Siren and engine noise in ambulances can contribute to hearing loss over time.
- Radiation Exposure
- Potential exposure when working in or near medical imaging or nuclear facilities.
- Accidental exposure during hazmat or terrorist events.
