EMS Education

Students interested in one of the Volunteer State Community College Health Sciences programs must follow the A.S. in Health Sciences curriculum. You must contact an advisor in your preferred area of emphasis to identify appropriate general education and elective courses for admission into your selected program. For more information about specific program deadlines and requirements, please refer to the program's information packet.

In October 2024, Dean Kim Christmon and EMS Director Erik Jesse had the opportunity to share information about the EMT profession, specifically related to our dual enrollment cohorts, via a live taping with WKRN's Newsmaker program. The two also discussed the shortage of EMTs in the local communities and how Vol State offers a program for high school students to earn an EMT certificate in 1 year. You can view their segment on WKRN's site.

EMS pregnant simulatorAbout the Program

It is hard to imagine the scene of a bad car accident, natural disaster, or medical crisis at home without an ambulance in the picture. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced EMTs, and Paramedics are vital parts of our healthcare system. Responding to emergencies and administering care is exciting but stressful. These important professions continue to be in high demand. The EMS Education department at Volunteer State Community College offers:

  1. The first step is to be licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician
  2. Upon successful completion an EMT can then progress to the Advanced EMT (AEMT) Level.
  3. Licensed AEMTs can then progress into the Paramedic Program
  4. Paramedics also have the opportunity to continue their education and earn their Associate of Applied Science Degree.

All interested students must:

  • First Apply to the College.  See the Get Started section below for full details.
  • (Recommended) You meet the reading requirement of a 12th-grade reading level by either:
    • ACT
    • SAT
    • Compass or Accuplacer Test Score
    • Successful completion of ENGL 1010
  • Submit all transcripts from previous college-level courses to Admissions (as applicable)
  • Contact the EMS Office to attend one of the monthly advising sessions

Classes are filled early so applicants can complete the required clinical paperwork prior to the start of the course. Priority due dates for:

  • Fall - June 15
  • Spring - November 15

General seating will continue until all seats are filled.

Get Started

To begin your journey, complete the Application for Admission.

To select your area of study on the application:

  • For EMT, EMT Accelerated, or EMT Advanced:
    • Choose the "certificate" option and pick the appropriate program.
    • Advanced EMT applicants will answer some additional questions. Note: You need a current National Registry or EMT license number to qualify.
  • For Paramedic Education:
    • Select the "earn a degree" option, even if you’re pursuing the Paramedic certificate.
    • Choose "I want to go straight to work" and then select "Health Sciences: EMT Paramedic." Note: You must hold an EMT Advanced license in Tennessee.

Accreditation

Volunteer State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

To contact CoAEMSP:
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org