Emergency Medical Science
The Emergency Medical Science curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers as entry-level paramedics. The program can provide students with an associate degree, allowing them to advance their emergency medical services (EMS) careers.
The curriculum is divided into two paths: traditional and bridge
- Traditional path: Students that have no EMS background.
- Bridge path: Currently credentialed paramedics
While in the program, students acquire basic and advanced life support knowledge and skills in cutting-edge learning environments, including classroom and laboratory instruction. Students have unique hospital clinical opportunities at a regional level one trauma center. The field internship portion is completed at one of the nation’s top EMS providers.
The core EMS curriculum focuses on EMS management, rescue operations management, and EMS education methods, giving graduates experience in all facets of EMS leadership.
Students who complete the program are eligible for North Carolina and National Paramedic certification examinations.
Employment opportunities include Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies, fire and rescue agencies, critical care transport services, special events, and government agencies.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in emergency medical science employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Emergency Medical Science (A45340)*
Degree Awarded
The Associate of Applied Science Degree - Emergency Medical Science is awarded by the college upon completing this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Central Piedmont placement tests are required in English and mathematics. Developmental Studies for English and mathematics classes are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- Consult with advisement counselor and attend an orientation session following placement testing.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Emergency Medical Science Program is in the Public Service & Transportation Division of Central Piedmont. For more information, contact the Program Chair by phone at 704.330.2722, ext. 3274 or by email at emergency.medicalservices@cpcc.edu.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Required Course: | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Research English | ||
| Take 3 credits: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Communication | ||
| Take 3 credits: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts | ||
| Take 3 credits: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Behavioral/Social Sciences | ||
| Take 3 credits: | 3.0 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Take 3 credits: | 3.0 | |
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| EMS 110 | EMT | 9.0 |
| MED 120 | Survey of Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| BIO 168 & BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II (Students may complete BIO 163 in lieu of BIO 168 and BIO 169) | 5.0 |
| Paramedic | ||
| EMS 122 | EMS Clinical Practicum I | 1.0 |
| EMS 130 | Pharmacology | 4.0 |
| EMS 131 | Advanced Airway Management | 2.0 |
| EMS 160 | Cardiology I | 3.0 |
| EMS 220 | Cardiology II | 3.0 |
| EMS 221 | EMS Clinical Practicum II | 2.0 |
| EMS 231 | EMS Clinical Practicum III | 3.0 |
| EMS 240 | Patients With Special Challenges | 2.0 |
| EMS 241 | EMS Clinical Practicum IV | 4.0 |
| EMS 250 | Medical Emergencies | 4.0 |
| EMS 260 | Trauma Emergencies | 2.0 |
| EMS 270 | Life Span Emergencies | 4.0 |
| EMS 285 | EMS Capstone | 2.0 |
| Select 4.0 credits from the following: | 4.0 | |
| EMS Instructor Methodology | ||
| Emergency Vehicles and EMS Communication | ||
| EMS Management | ||
| Rescue Scene Management | ||
| EMS Bridging Course | ||
| Total Credits | 75 | |
Emergency Medical Science Certificates (C45340)
Emergency Medical Science Certificate Specialization in Emergency Medical Science (C45340-C1)
Students must qualify for ENG 111 by standardized testing (pre-ACT, ACT, SAT, RISE Placement Test) within 12 months of registering for EMS 110. Students must also be 17 years of age prior to the last day of class of EMS 110. Students who successfully complete this certificate program will have the opportunity to take the North Carolina and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification exam. They will then be eligible to be employed as an EMT and will have met the prerequisites to enter into Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Science (A45340).
| Major Requirements | ||
| EMS 110 | EMT | 9.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Emergency Medical Science Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2023-2024 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EMS 110 | EMT | 9.0 |
| COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| BIO 168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term II | ||
| BIO 169 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3.0 |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| MED 120 | Survey of Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C45340-C1. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term III | ||
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| EMS 140 | Rescue Scene Management | 2.0 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Term IV | ||
| EMS 130 | Pharmacology | 4.0 |
| EMS 131 | Advanced Airway Management | 2.0 |
| EMS 160 | Cardiology I | 3.0 |
| EMS 122 | EMS Clinical Practicum I | 1.0 |
| EMS 235 | EMS Management | 2.0 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term V | ||
| EMS 221 | EMS Clinical Practicum II | 2.0 |
| EMS 250 | Medical Emergencies | 4.0 |
| EMS 220 | Cardiology II | 3.0 |
| EMS 231AB | EMS Clinical Practicum III | 1.5 |
| Credits | 10.5 | |
| Term VI | ||
| EMS 231BB | EMS Clinical Practicum III | 1.5 |
| EMS 260 | Trauma Emergencies | 2.0 |
| Credits | 3.5 | |
| Term VII | ||
| EMS 240 | Patients With Special Challenges | 2.0 |
| EMS 270 | Life Span Emergencies | 4.0 |
| EMS 241 | EMS Clinical Practicum IV | 4.0 |
| EMS 285 | EMS Capstone | 2.0 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 78 | |
Courses
EMS 110AB. EMT. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 110BB. EMT. 5.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 110. EMT. 9.0 Credits. Class-6.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 122. EMS Clinical Practicum I. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-3.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 125. EMS Instructor Methodology. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the information needed to develop and instruct EMS courses. Topics include instructional methods, lesson plan development, time management skills, and theories of adult learning. Upon completion, students should be able to teach EMS courses and meet the North Carolina EMS requirements for instructor methodology.
EMS 130. Pharmacology. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 131. Advanced Airway Management. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 140. Rescue Scene Management. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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 upon initial and follow-up scene assessment.
EMS 150. Emergency Vehicles and EMS Communication. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the principles governing emergency vehicles, maintenance of emergency vehicles, and EMS communication equipment. 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.
EMS 160. Cardiology I. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 220. Cardiology II. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an in-depth study of cardiovascular emergencies and is required for paramedic certification. Topics include assessment and treatment of cardiac emergencies, cardiac pharmacology, and patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to manage the cardiac patient.
EMS 221. EMS Clinical Practicum II. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-6.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides clinical experiences in the hospital and/or field. Emphasis is placed on increasing the proficiency of students' skills and abilities in patient assessments and the delivery of care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate continued progress in advanced-level patient care.
EMS 231. EMS Clinical Practicum III. 3.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-9.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 231BB. EMS Clinical Practicum III. 1.5 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-4.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 231AB. EMS Clinical Practicum III. 1.5 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-4.5. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 235. EMS Management. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course stresses the principles of managing a modern emergency medical service system. Topics include structure and function of municipal governments, EMS grantsmanship, finance, regulatory agencies, system management, legal issues, and other topics relevant to the EMS manager. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the principles of managing emergency medical service delivery systems.
EMS 240. Patients With Special Challenges. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 241. EMS Clinical Practicum IV. 4.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-12.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 250. Medical Emergencies. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize, assess and manage the care of frequently encountered medical conditions based upon initial patient assessment.
EMS 260. Trauma Emergencies. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides 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 upon patient assessment and should adhere to standards of care.
EMS 270. Life Span Emergencies. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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.
EMS 280. EMS Bridging Course. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course is designed to provide currently credentialed state or national Paramedic students with the most current education trends in Paramedic Practice. Emphasis is placed on transitions in healthcare. Upon completion, students should be able to integrate emerging trends in pre-hospital care.
EMS 285. EMS Capstone. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
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.