EMT and Paramedic Program Additional Requirements

Students all students must be 18 years of age and must possess a regular high school diploma or or general high school equivalency credential to enroll in EMT courses.  AHA Healthcare provider CPR certification is required. 

For the assurance of patient safety, clinical facilities require a criminal background check and drug screen before a student begins any clinical lab experience involving patient contact. Based on the results of these procedures, an affiliated clinical site may prohibit a student’s presence at the facility. Such action will result in the student’s inability to successfully complete course and program requirements. Additionally, conviction of certain crimes may make applicants ineligible for licensure even if they successfully complete the EMT-Paramedic program. Students who have not completed the background check or paid for the drug screen within three working days after class begins will be withdrawn from the program. Costs of background check and drug screen are the student’s responsibility.

Healthcare insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, contact the EMT/Paramedic program director.

Option One: EMT I (EMT 101) and EMT II (EMT 102)
EMT I and EMT II are approved by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services. Upon successful completion of both courses and a passing score on the state examination, students may apply for state licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician. For more information, see Criteria: State of
Tennessee, Division of EMS Rule (1200-12-1.04 and 1200-12-1-.13) pursuant to T.C.A. Title 68, Chapter 140.
Prerequisites:
1. Must be at least 18 years of age;
2. Must possess a regular or academic high school diploma or general high school equivalency credential; Must hold a current CPR certification as an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider or must complete EMT 1000 with a “C” or better;
3. Must pass a criminal background check and a drug screen for all EMT courses. EMT 101 and EMT 102 must be completed in the same academic year. A minimum grade of “C” in EMT 101 is required to progress to EMT 102.

Option Two: AAS in Emergency Services Major with a Concentration in EMT
The prerequisites listed under Option One apply to this option unless transfer credit is awarded for EMT course work with a“C” or better.

Option Three: EMT-Paramedic Technical Certificate
Prerequisites:
1. Must undergo a psychological profile conducted by a licensed psychologist;
2. Must complete an EMT knowledge test;
3. Must complete an oral interview; Must complete the following Learning Support courses, if applicable: DSPR 0800, DSPW 0800, DSPM 0800; minimum grade of “C”
is required;
4. Must complete BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 or BIOL 1000 or equivalent with a “C” or better in each course.
5. Must pass a criminal background check and a drug screen for all PARA courses.

Option Four: AAS in Emergency Services Major with a Concentration in EMT-Paramedic
This program is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services. Upon successful completion of the required course work and a passing score on the state examination, the student may apply for state licensure as an EMTParamedic. For more information, see Criteria: State of Tennessee,
Division of EMS Rule (1200-12-1.04 and 1200-12-1-.13) pursuant to T.C.A. Title 68, Chapter 140.
Prerequisites:
1. The above prerequisites apply unless the student is transferring Paramedic program courses with a “C” or better.
2. Students must earn a “C” or better to progress to other PARA courses and to complete the program.
Note: The following criteria are required by clinical affiliates. These requirements may have different timelines than those of the state EMS rules and regulations.
3. Proof of satisfactory physical and mental condition – Cost is the student’s responsibility.
4. Proof of current immunizations – In addition to proof of other immunizations as required by Tennessee law, effective July 1, 2011, students expected to have patient
contact must present proof of protection against hepatitis B before patient contact begins.
5. Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest X-ray, as indicated. TB skin tests are required yearly.
6. Proof of background check and drug screen – Detailed instructions will be given during the first class meeting.