Emergency Medical Science A.A.S.

The Emergency Medical Science curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to provide advanced emergency medical care as a paramedic for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system and prepares graduates to enter the workforce.

Students will gain complex knowledge, competency, and experience while employing evidence-based practice under medical oversight, and serve as a link from the scene into the healthcare system.

Graduates of this program may be eligible to take state and/or national certification examinations.

Employment opportunities include providers of emergency medical services, fire departments, rescue agencies, hospital specialty areas, industry, educational, and government agencies.

Specific Requirements

General college admission requirements:
- Complete the application for admission.
- Meet with your advisor to discuss placement options.
- Official transcript of any prior college credit on file with the admissions office.
Must be 18 years of age by the end of the first semester of the program.
Current N.C. driver’s license.
Acceptable reports of medical examinations and immunizations.
Criminal background checks will be required prior to admission to clinical sites.

Courses requiring a grade of C or better: ACA, BIO, EMS, MED

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ACA-115		1
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals. View course details for Success & Study Skills ‌‌
EMS-110		9
This course introduces basic emergency medical care. Topics include preparatory, airway, patient assessment, medical emergencies, trauma, infants and children, and operations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve North Carolina State or National Registry EMT certification View course details for EMT ‌‌
EMS-150		2
This course examines the principles governing the maintenance of emergency vehicles and EMS communication equipment and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include applicable motor vehicle laws affecting emergency vehicle operation, defensive driving, collision avoidance techniques, communication systems, and information management systems. Upon completion, students should have a basic knowledge of emergency vehicles, maintenance, and communication needs. View course details for Emergency Vehicles & EMS Communication ‌‌
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌
MAT-110		3
This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems and to analyze and communicate results. View course details for Math Measurement & Literacy ‌‌
MED-120		2
This course introduces the vocabulary, abbreviations, and symbols used in the language of medicine. Emphasis is placed on building medical terms using prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Upon completion, students should be able to pronounce, spell, and define accepted medical terms. View course details for Survey of Medical Terminology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
BIO-163		5
This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a pre-major and/or elective course requirement. View course details for Basic Anatomy and Physiology ‌‌
EMS-122		1
This course provides the introductory hospital clinical experience for the paramedic student. Emphasis is placed on mastering fundamental paramedic skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency with fundamental paramedic level skills. N.C. EMT certification is required for students enrolling in this course. View course details for EMS Clinical Practicum I ‌‌
EMS-130		4
This course introduces the fundamental principles of pharmacology and medication administration and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include medical terminology, pharmacological concepts, weights, measures, drug calculations, vascular access for fluids and medication administration and legislation. Upon completion, students should be able to accurately calculate drug dosages, properly administer medications, and demonstrate general knowledge of pharmacology. View course details for Pharmacology ‌‌
EMS-131		2
This course is designed to provide advanced airway management techniques and is required for paramedic certification. Topics must meet current guidelines for advanced airway management in the pre-hospital setting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly utilize all airway adjuncts and pharmacology associated with airway control and maintenance. View course details for Advanced Airway Management ‌‌
EMS-160		3
This course introduces the study of cardiovascular emergencies and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, electrophysiology, and rhythm interpretation. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and interpret rhythms. View course details for Cardiology I ‌‌

Course Code

Course

Credit Hours

EMS-210

This course covers advanced patient assessment techniques and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include initial assessment, medical-trauma history, field impression, complete physical exam process, on-going assessment, and documentation skills. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize basic communication skills and record and report collected patient data.

‌‌

EMS-220

This course provides an in-depth study of cardiovascular emergencies and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include the assessment and treatment of cardiac emergencies, cardiac pharmacology, and patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to manage the cardiac patient.

‌‌

EMS-221

This course provides clinical experiences in the hospital and/or field. Emphasis is placed on increasing the proficiency of students' skills and abilities inpatient assessments and the delivery of care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate continued progress in advanced-level patient care.

‌‌

EMS-240

This course includes concepts of crisis intervention and techniques of interacting with patients with special challenges and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include appropriate intervention and interaction for neglected, abused, terminally ill, chronically ill, technology-assisted, bariatric, physically challenged, mentally challenged, or assaulted patients as well as behavioral emergencies. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and manage the care of patients with special challenges.

‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
EMS-231		3
This course provides clinical experiences in the hospital and/or field. Emphasis is placed on enhancing the students' skills and abilities in providing advanced-level care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate continued progress in advanced-level patient care. View course details for EMS Clinical Practicum III ‌‌
EMS-250		4
This course provides an in-depth study of medical conditions frequently encountered in the prehospital setting and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include appropriate interventions/treatments for disorders/diseases/injuries affecting the following systems: respiratory, neurological, abdominal/gastrointestinal, endocrine, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and immunological as well as toxicology, infectious diseases and diseases of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. View course details for Medical Emergencies ‌‌
EMS-260		2
This course provides an in-depth study of trauma including pharmacological interventions for conditions frequently encountered in the prehospital setting and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include an overview of thoracic, abdominal, genitourinary, orthopedic, neurological, and multi-system trauma, soft tissue trauma of the head, neck, and face as well as environmental emergencies. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and manage trauma situations based on patient assessment and should adhere to standards of care. View course details for Trauma Emergencies ‌‌
EMS-270		4
This course covers medical/ethical/legal issues and the spectrum of age-specific emergencies from conception through death required for paramedic certification. Topics include gynecological, obstetrical, neonatal, pediatric, and geriatric emergencies and pharmacological therapeutics. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and treat age-specific emergencies. View course details for Life Span Emergencies ‌‌
ENG-114		3
This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Students entering this course should be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a technical field and should anticipate interdepartmental evaluation of course projects. View course details for Professional Research and Reporting ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
EMS-140		2
This course introduces rescue scene management. Topics include response to hazardous material conditions, incident command, and extrication of patients from a variety of situations. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and manage rescue operations based on initial and follow-up scene assessment. View course details for Rescue Scene Management ‌‌
EMS-241		4
This course provides clinical experiences in the hospital and/or field. Emphasis is placed on mastering the skills/competencies required of the paramedic providing advanced-level care. Upon completion, students should be able to provide advanced-level patient care as an entry-level paramedic. View course details for EMS Clinical Practicum IV ‌‌
EMS-285		2
This course provides an opportunity to demonstrate problem-solving skills as a team leader in simulated patient scenarios and is required for paramedic certification. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, integration of didactic and psychomotor skills, and effective performance in simulated emergency situations. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and appropriately respond to a variety of EMS related events. View course details for EMS Capstone ‌‌
PHI-240		3
This course introduces theories about the nature and foundations of moral judgments and applications to contemporary moral issues. Emphasis is placed on utilitarianism, rule-based ethics, existentialism, relativism versus objectivism, and egoism. Upon completion, students should be able to apply various ethical theories to individual moral issues such as euthanasia, abortion, crime and punishment, and justice. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Introduction to Ethics ‌‌
SOC-225		3
This course provides a comparison of diverse roles, interests, opportunities, contributions, and experiences in social life. Topics include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and religion. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze how cultural and ethnic differences evolve and how they affect personality development, values, and tolerance. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for Social Diversity ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.