Emergency Medical Services

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program, in accordance with the goals and mission of Northeast Alabama Community College, is committed to providing quality education and preparation to those seeking education in Emergency Medical Services.

It is the goal of the EMS education program at NACC to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychometer (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel treat millions of patients annually in the United States. Many of these patients have complicated medical and/or trauma conditions. Paramedics are required to have considerable knowledge, skill, and judgment to treat patients in the out-of-hospital setting. High quality out-of-hospital emergency care is an important part of the United States health care system. 

Based on the National EMS Scope of Practice model, the four levels of nationally recognized providers are Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) and Paramedic.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) renders on-scene emergency care while awaiting additional EMS response. In many communities, EMRs provide care as first responders in the workplace and industry, fire responders and rescue organizations. EMR courses are organized on request. Upon successful course completion and certification by examination through the National Registry of EMTs, candidates may apply for licensure with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Office of EMS. EMR certification and licensure is not required to enter the EMS Program.

Those seeking to enter the EMS program of study have options of earning short term certificates at the EMT and Advanced EMT level, and a certificate at the Paramedic level or an Associate in Applied Science Degree-Emergency Medical Services.

The Emergency Medical Technician’s (EMT) scope of practice includes basic, non-invasive interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with acute out-of-hospital medical and traumatic emergencies. The Emergency Medical Technician level is the minimum licensure level for personnel transporting patients in ambulances.

The Advanced EMT (AEMT) scope of practice includes basic, limited advanced and pharmacological interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with acute out-of hospital medical and traumatic emergencies. A current Alabama EMT license is required to enter the AEMT program. 

Paramedics are the most advanced level of EMS care providers licensed by the state of Alabama. The Paramedic’s scope of practice includes basic and advanced life support education and skills focused on the acute management and transportation of the broad range of patients who access the emergency medical system. A current EMT license is required for program admission along with specific academic prerequisite courses.

EMS Program Admission Requirements:

• Unconditional admission to the College.
• Complete appropriate placement examinations.
• Schedule an advising appointment with an EMS advisor.
• Complete the EMS Program application (obtained at advisor meeting).
• Meet essential functions required for EMS (page 108-109).
• Meet pre-clinical requirements for EMS.
• Meet all additional requirements outlined in the EMS Program Handbook.

In addition to classroom and lab sessions, EMS students are required to complete course appropriate clinical activities at various healthcare and EMS organizations. Prior to clinical participation, students must meet specific agency requirements. These include a physical examination, documentation of vaccinations, satisfactory criminal background check, drug screen, orientation to policy and procedures for each agency, including appropriate dress, hygiene, patient confidentiality, and expectation of professional behaviors.

Successful program completion is met in each EMS course with a minimum letter grade of “B” and satisfactory lab and clinical competencies. A grade of less than a “B” in any EMS course is considered unsuccessful and will not result in certificate or AAS awards, unless retaken and completed with a grade of “B.”

Anticipated Additional EMS Program Costs 

• Textbooks and learning resources
• Exam and licensure fees
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Clinical uniforms and supplies
• Transportation to and from clinical sites
• Physical Examination, vaccinations
• Drug Screen and Criminal Background Check
• Test Prep, Testing, and Competency Tracking Programs

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendations of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Emergency Medical Services Program Essential Functions

Students entering and participating in the EMS Program (primary training) must:

Physical Demands

1. have the physical ability necessary to walk, climb, crawl, bend, push, pull, and lift and balance over less than ideal terrain;
2. have good physical stamina and endurance which would not be adversely affected by having to lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance);
3. see different color spectrums;
4. have good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment, instrumentation, and medications;

Problem Solving Abilities

5. be able to send and receive verbal messages as well as operate communication equipment appropriately;
6. be able to collect facts to organize data accurately and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, in the English language at the ninth grade level or higher;
7. be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in human physical conditions using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile observations;
8. be able to make good judgment decisions and exhibit problem solving skills under stressful situations;
9. be attentive to detail and aware of standards and rules that govern practice;
10. implement therapies based on mathematical calculations;

Worker Characteristics

11. possess emotional stability to be able to perform duties in life-or-death situations and in potentially dangerous social situations, including responding to calls in districts known to have high crime rates;
12. be able to handle stress and work well as part of a team;
13. be oriented to reality and not be mentally impaired by mind altering substances;
14. not be addicted to drugs or alcohol;
15. be able to work shifts 24 hours in length, if necessary;
16. be able to tolerate being exposed to extremes in the environment including variable aspects of weather, hazardous fumes, and noise;
17. possess eyesight in a minimum of one eye correctable to 20/20 vision and be able to determine directions according to a map. Students who desire to drive an ambulance must possess approximately 180 degrees peripheral vision capacity, must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license, and must be able to safely and competently operate a motor vehicle in accordance with state law; and
18. have the ability to follow established criteria even in the absence of direct supervision.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program Experiential Learning/Credit for Prior Learning Policy

The Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program recognizes that students may have acquired relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through prior education, non-credit EMS training, state or national EMS certification programs, military training, or occupational experience. In accordance with Northeast Alabama Community College, Alabama Community College System (ACCS) policies, and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), the EMS Program may award Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) through the evaluation of experiential learning.

The NACC EMS Program does not offer advanced placement or advanced standing into the Paramedic Program. Students seeking recognition of prior learning are evaluated only through the College's Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process as described in this policy. The awarding of Credit for Prior Learning does not constitute advanced placement and does not guarantee placement into a specific point within the EMS curriculum.

Experiential Learning/Credit for Prior Learning is intended to recognize learning that has occurred outside a traditional college credit course when that learning is determined to be equivalent to the learning outcomes of a course within the NACC EMS curriculum. Credit may also be awarded for general education or support courses completed at another accredited institution when those courses meet established College transfer and course equivalency requirements.

Credit for Prior Learning is awarded only after a formal review and evaluation by the EMS Program and is not automatically granted based upon certification, licensure, employment experience, military experience, or prior training.

To be considered for Experiential Learning/Credit for Prior Learning, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Admission Requirements
   Be admitted to Northeast Alabama Community College and meet all current admission requirements for the EMS Program.
2. Application and Documentation
   Students requesting Credit for Prior Learning must submit a completed request along with all supporting documentation necessary to evaluate prior learning. Documentation may include official transcripts, course descriptions, training records, certificates of completion, military education records (if applicable), EMS certification documentation, or other materials requested by the EMS Program. A non-refundable fee of $25.00 per course submitted for evaluation must be paid in accordance with College procedures.
3. Current Certification or Licensure
   When applicable, maintain current state and/or national EMS certification or licensure appropriate to the course(s) for which Credit for Prior Learning is requested.
4. Evaluation of Competency
   Demonstrate achievement of the required course learning outcomes through one or more evaluation methods as determined by the EMS Program. Evaluation methods may include written examinations, psychomotor skills assessments, simulation, oral examinations, portfolio review, or other approved assessment methods.
5. Program Review and Approval
   The EMS Program Director will review all submitted documentation and competency assessments to determine whether prior learning is equivalent to the learning outcomes of the applicable NACC course(s). Recommendations for the awarding of Credit for Prior Learning must be approved by both the EMS Program Director and the Dean of Healthcare Programs before credit is awarded.
6. Clinical and Laboratory Competency
   For EMS courses that include laboratory or clinical components, applicants may be required to demonstrate competency in psychomotor skills, clinical judgment, and patient care before Credit for Prior Learning is awarded.
7. General Education and Support Courses
   General education or support courses (such as Medical Terminology, Speech, Psychology, or other required coursework) completed at another accredited institution will be evaluated according to College transfer credit policies. Equivalent coursework may satisfy program requirements when approved by the College and the EMS Program.
8. Residency Requirement
   Students receiving Credit for Prior Learning must satisfy all Northeast Alabama Community College residency requirements by completing the minimum percentage of coursework required by College policy for the certificate or degree.
9. Program Requirements
   Students awarded Credit for Prior Learning remain subject to all EMS Program policies regarding academic progression, attendance, clinical performance, professionalism, competency achievement, and graduation requirements.
10. Final Determination
    The awarding of Credit for Prior Learning is based upon documented evidence that the applicant has achieved learning outcomes equivalent to those required by the NACC EMS curriculum. Credit for Prior Learning is awarded only after approval by the EMS Program Director and the Dean of Healthcare Programs. The EMS Program reserves the right to determine course equivalency and the applicability of prior learning. Decisions regarding Credit for Prior Learning are final.

Credit for Prior Learning may not be available for all EMS courses and is subject to current College policies, Alabama Community College System requirements, and applicable accreditation standards.

The College reserves the right to record awarded Credit for Prior Learning on the student's transcript in accordance with ACCS Board Policy and College procedures.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program Transfer Policy

Students seeking admission to the Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program through transfer from another accredited institution will be considered on an individual basis. Transfer applicants must satisfy all College and EMS Program admission requirements. Acceptance is contingent upon available resources and space within the program.

To be eligible for consideration, transfer applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Admission Requirements
   Meet all current admission requirements established by NACC and the EMS Program.
2. Transfer Credit Requirements
   Have earned a grade of "B" or higher in all EMS and required supporting courses requested for transfer and have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
3. Evaluation of Transfer Credit
   Transfer credit will be evaluated in accordance with NACC policies. The EMS Program reserves the right to determine the applicability and equivalency of all transfer coursework.
   
   EMS courses are eligible for transfer only if they were completed within two (2) years preceding the student's admission to the EMS Program. EMS courses completed more than two (2) years prior to admission are generally not eligible for transfer due to the rapidly changing nature of emergency medical science, national educational standards, and clinical practice. The Program Director may require competency validation, skills assessment, written examination, simulation, or repetition of coursework to determine placement within the curriculum.
   
   This two-year limitation applies only to EMS program courses and does not apply to general education or support courses. Transferability of general education coursework will be evaluated according to current NACC transfer credit policies.
4. Program Requirements
   Comply with all current EMS Program policies, procedures, technical standards, and progression requirements upon acceptance into the program.
5. Residency Requirement
   Students must complete a minimum of 25% of the EMS curriculum required for the certificate or degree at NACC to satisfy graduation requirements per College policy.
6. Clinical Eligibility
   Meet all requirements for participation in laboratory and clinical education, including eligibility for placement at affiliated clinical agencies. This includes completion of all required health documentation, immunizations, background screening, drug screening, certifications, and any additional requirements established by the College, the EMS Program, or clinical affiliates.
7. Space Availability 
   Admission of transfer students is contingent upon available space in the appropriate cohort and is dependent upon faculty resources, laboratory capacity, clinical placement availability, and other program resources.
8. Admission Decision
   Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to the EMS Program. All transfer applications are reviewed individually, and acceptance is based upon the applicant's qualifications, available program capacity, and successful evaluation of transfer coursework.