Purpose
The Associate in Science (AS) in Emergency Medical Services Technology [EMST] is designed primarily for those holding Florida licenses in Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic who want to advance their education from the certificate to the associate degree level. If not previously completed, students will earn the Emergency Medical Technician CCC and Paramedic CCC as a part of EMST, AS degree completion.
This program allows for continued growth and opportunities in the health professions, and provides a career pathway to a baccalaureate degree in a related field of study such as supervision or management.
People’s lives often depend on the quick reactions and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics. Paramedics have additional advanced training to perform more difficult pre-hospital medical procedures. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, drownings, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. EMTs and paramedics provide this vital attention as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. Current occupational employment and wage data for emergency medical technicians and paramedics are published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292041.htm.
Program Structure
This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 73 credit hours in the following areas: 20 credit hours of General Education Requirements, 12 credit hours of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Requirements, 34 credit hours of Paramedic Requirements, and 7 credit hours of Electives.
Admission Requirements
The criteria for admission are available at www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asems. Please contact the School of Health Professions EMS Office at (239) 489-9392 with questions about the program or application process.
Baccalaureate Degree Opportunity
Florida SouthWestern State College also offers a Bachelor in Applied Science (BAS) in Public Safety Administration and a Bachelor in Applied Science (BAS) in Supervision and Management. Graduates of the Emergency Medical Services Technology, AS program may enroll in either of these degree programs and complete remaining courses to earn a baccalaureate degree. For more information, please contact the School of Business and Technology.
Course Prerequisites
Many courses require prerequisites. Check the description of each course in the list below for prerequisites, minimum grade requirements, and other restrictions. Students must complete all prerequisites for a course prior to registering for it.
Graduation Requirements
Students must fulfill all requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Requirements for completion of the Emergency Medical Services Technology, AS degree program also include obtaining Florida EMT license and Paramedic Certificate completion. Students must indicate their intention to attend commencement ceremony by completing the Commencement Form by the published deadline.
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