First, complete the free Vol State Application for Admission. This will provide you with a Vol State student identification number, commonly called a V-number.
You must also complete the application process for the specific EMS program you wish to enter. Applying to Vol State does not automatically reserve a seat in an EMT, Advanced EMT, Accelerated AEMT, or Paramedic class.
No. Being admitted to Vol State makes you a Vol State student, but it does not mean that you have been accepted into an EMS class.
EMS programs have a separate application and selection process. You will receive confirmation from the EMS Department if you are selected for a seat.
- Apply for admission to Vol State.
- Select the appropriate EMS certificate or degree pathway.
- Attend a required EMS information session.
- Submit all required transcripts and program information.
- Complete an entrance assessment if one is required for the selected program.
- Complete an interview if required.
- Receive notification of selection from the EMS Department.
- Attend the class-specific orientation and complete all health and clinical requirements.
Paramedic applicants must follow the additional instructions and deadlines listed on the Paramedic program page.
Previous education or placement scores may satisfy the College’s reading or placement requirements. However, they do not replace an EMS entrance assessment when one is required for a particular program.
The standard EMT program does not currently require an EMS entrance assessment. Advanced EMT, Accelerated AEMT, and Paramedic applicants may be required to complete program-specific entrance testing.
College placement testing and EMS entrance testing are different.
College placement testing determines whether a student meets Vol State’s academic requirements in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Depending on your academic history, ACT or SAT scores, previous placement scores, college coursework, or successful completion of ENGL 1010 may satisfy these requirements.
An EMS entrance assessment is used as part of the selection process for certain EMS programs. Applicants will receive information about the test, registration process, and testing dates after completing the appropriate application steps.
Review basic reading comprehension, mathematics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and general science. Applicants to Advanced EMT or Paramedic should also review the knowledge and skills taught at their current EMS licensure level.
Be sure to read the testing instructions carefully and complete every required section by the deadline.
Yes. Applicants are required to attend an EMS information session as part of the application process. These sessions explain program expectations, schedules, clinical requirements, costs, selection procedures, and important deadlines.
Attending a general College advising appointment does not replace the EMS information session.
Not being selected does not prevent you from applying again. To improve your chances during the next selection period, you may:
- Reapply early and complete all requirements promptly.
- Retake the entrance assessment, if permitted.
- Complete recommended college courses.
- Strengthen your reading, mathematics, science, and study skills.
- Make sure all documents and transcripts are submitted by the deadline.
- Speak with an EMS faculty member about areas you can improve.
Courses that may support your EMS education include English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, communication, and other Health Sciences courses. An academic advisor can help you select courses that apply toward a degree.
The EMT program prepares students for entry-level EMT certification and licensure. It is completed in one semester.
The Accelerated AEMT program combines EMT and Advanced EMT education into a single semester. Students complete the EMT portion first and then continue directly into Advanced EMT content, including IV therapy, advanced airway procedures, and additional medications.
The accelerated program moves quickly and requires a greater weekly time commitment. It is intended for students with significant healthcare experience, who are prepared to complete both levels during the same semester.
No. Accelerated AEMT is one continuous program and does not have a planned exit point after the EMT portion. Students who enroll are expected to complete the entire semester and pursue Advanced EMT eligibility.
Students who only want to become licensed at the EMT level should apply for the standard EMT program.
EMS courses require substantial in-person instruction, laboratory practice, competency testing, clinical experiences, and field experiences. Online resources may be used to support the course, but students should plan to attend regularly scheduled classes and skills laboratories in person.
Currently, Vol State does not offer a completely online pathway to EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic licensure.
Vol State begins one Paramedic cohort at each of its two locations every year:
- Gallatin Campus: Begins during the summer semester.
- Cookeville Center: Begins during the fall semester.
Paramedic applicants must hold a current Tennessee Advanced EMT license and complete the competitive application process. Deadlines, testing dates, and interview dates are posted on the Paramedic program page.
All EMS programs require a significant commitment outside the classroom for studying, assignments, skills practice, clinical experiences, and field experiences.
Typical requirements include:
- EMT: Approximately 16 scheduled classroom or laboratory hours per week, plus approximately 96 clinical and field hours.
- Advanced EMT: Approximately 16 scheduled classroom or laboratory hours per week, plus approximately 144 clinical and field hours.
- Accelerated AEMT: Approximately 18 scheduled classroom or laboratory hours per week, plus approximately 144 clinical and field hours.
Schedules may vary by location and semester. Clinical shifts may occur during days, evenings, nights, or weekends.
Clinical locations vary depending on the student’s program level. Vol State has agreements with hospitals, fire departments, private ambulance services, and emergency 911 ambulance services throughout Middle Tennessee.
Students schedule their own clinical experiences throughout the semester using Platinum Planner. Each student is responsible for completing the required clinical hours and experiences for their program by the established deadlines.
A charge or conviction does not automatically prevent you from attending class, but it may affect your ability to participate in clinical experiences, complete the program, or obtain an EMS license.
All accepted students must complete a criminal background check. Clinical agencies and the Tennessee Office of EMS make their own decisions regarding eligibility. Because every situation is different, applicants with concerns should contact the EMS Program Director before enrolling. Vol State cannot guarantee clinical placement or licensure when an applicant has a criminal history.
Vol State does not currently require a COVID-19 vaccination solely for admission to the EMS program. However, individual hospitals, ambulance services, or other clinical partners may establish their own vaccination requirements.
Students must meet the requirements of the clinical sites to which they are assigned. Vol State cannot waive or override a clinical agency’s requirements. A student who cannot meet site requirements may have fewer clinical placement options, which could affect their ability to complete required experiences.
