Emergency Medical Services
Students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technology Program may choose to earn a short certificate, long certificate or an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Technology. Upon successful completion of the first semester of the EMS Program (EMT level), the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry Examination. Successful completion of the certification examination allows the student to apply for licensure to practice in the State of Alabama as an EMT.
Upon successful completion of the second semester of the EMS Program (AEMT level), the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry Examination and apply for licensure to practice in the State of Alabama as an AEMT.
The Paramedic level is the third level of the EMS program and is three semesters in length. The three levels of EMS lead to a Short Certificate, Long Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The Long Certificate option requires the student to successfully complete all paramedic and general education courses in the curriculum, with the exception of PSY 200, SPH 107, and the Humanities elective. To earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree, all paramedic and general education courses in the curriculum must be completed. Upon successful completion of the Paramedic program, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry examination for Paramedics. Successful completion of the certification examination allows the student to apply for licensure to practice in the State of Alabama as a Paramedic.
The Emergency Medical Services Programs are fully approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Emergency Medical Services Division. The Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for EMS Professionals (CoAEMSP).
Admission Requirements
*Note: The admission requirements for the EMS program are subject to change. Please contact Health Sciences Admissions for additional information or visit www.suscc.edu.
EMT Level requires:
- Unconditional admission to the College.
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and enter College on clear academic status.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA at Southern Union
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
- Eligibility for ENG101, MTH 100 and meet the reading requirement of the College.
- Age of 18 years or older within one (1) year of course completion.
- Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook and EMS Student Handbook.
- Application for the Emergency Medical Technology Program.
AEMT Level requires:
- Completion of 1-7 as listed for EMT level.
- Current National Registry license for EMT.
- Unencumbered Alabama licensure as an EMT
- Application for the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Program.
- Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
*Transfer students: Students who completed EMT training from a non-accredited program and plan to transfer in as a licensed EMT must take EMS108, Directed Students in EMS I, as a co-requisite with EMS 156, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Clinical. Upon completion of EMS108 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 10 hours of academic credit.
Paramedic Level requires:
- Completion of 1-8 listed above for EMT and AEMT level admission requirements.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on last semester credit hours of coursework completed at a regionally accredited college.
- A current Alabama license as an AEMT, or successfully completed AEMT from an accredited college by SACSCOC or one of the six regionally accrediting agencies. (Students who took EMT/AEMT from a non-accredited program should see *note below)
- If seeking a long certificate, completion of BIO 111 – Survey of the Human Biology (previously EMS189) or BIO 201 Anatomy and Physiology I with a minimum grade of C.
- ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
- Application to the Paramedic Program.
- *NOTE: Students transferring into the paramedic level who have graduated from a non-accredited AEMT program must take EMS 156, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Clinical, as a corequisite to EMS 244. Upon completion of EMS156 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 10 hours of academic credit. If a student has attended a non-accredited program for both EMT and AEMT, the student must take EMS 156 and EMS 108 as a co-requisite to EMS 244. Upon completion of EMS 108 and EMS 156 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 20 hours of academic credit.
Progression Requirements
- A 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Acceptance by ALL clinical agencies for clinical experience.
- Updated health records by deadline.
- Minimum grade of “C” in all required courses as listed in curriculum.
- Fulfillment of all course prerequisites.
- If seeking a long certificate, completion of ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher math, and BIO 202 (if BIO 201 elected) with a minimum grade of “C” prior to the final semester of the Paramedic level.
- No more than a 12 month interruption in matriculation through the Paramedic level course sequence
Students who do not meet progression requirements will be administratively withdrawn from the program and must apply for readmission.
Readmission Requirements
Students who interrupt the specified progression through the program of study must apply for readmission to the program. Readmission requires:
- A 2.0 cumulative grade point average at Southern Union.
- No more than one grade of “D” or “F” is earned in a course which has a clinical component (whether the course is the same course or two different courses). If a student withdraws from an EMS course, the withdrawal will be treated, for readmission purposes only, as a course failure (even if the withdrawal is before the official College “last day to withdraw with a ‘W’ date”).
- Readmission will depend on classroom and clinical space availability and is not guaranteed.
- Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
- Completed program readmission form, submitted by deadline.
- No more than a 12 month interruption in matriculation through the Paramedic level course sequence.
Transfer Policy
Students desiring to transfer into the any level of the EMS program must meet minimum admission/progression standards for Southern Union’s program.
- Must possess a grade of C or better in all required general education taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of transfer.
- Previous Southern Union students must have a minimum 2.0 at SUSCC.
- Must be a student in good standing and eligible to return to the EMS program.
- Provide a letter of eligibility from the Dean/Director of the previous program.
- Complete at least 25% of the total program at the accepting institution.
- Acceptance of transfer students into the EMS program is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
- Students transferring into the paramedic level who have completed a non-accredited AEMT program and are pursuing the long certificate OR degree route, must take EMS 156, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Clinical, as a corequisite to EMS 244. Upon completion of EMS 156 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 9 hours of academic credit.
- If a student has attended a non-credit program for both his/her EMT and AEMT, and are pursuing the long certificate OR degree route, the student must take EMS 156 and EMS 108 as a corequisite to EMS 244. Upon completion of EMS 108 and EMS 156 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 19 hours of academic credit
Degrees and Certificates
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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) -
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic, Certificate (CER) -
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Advanced, Short Term Certificate -
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic, Short Term Certificate -
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic, Short Term Certificate
Classes
EMS 100: CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION I
EMS 105: FIRST RESPONDER
Determined by instructor.
EMS 107: EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATOR AMBULANCE
Must present a valid driver's license and program approval.
EMS 108: DIRECTED STUDIES IN EMS
This course offers independent study or computer assisted instruction under faculty supervision and/ or theory in an EMS subject relevant to the student's interest and need. Specific cognitive competencies required by the student are defined in writing at the first class period. Students transferring into the AEMT level who have completed a non-accredited EMT program must take EMS 108 Directed Studies in EMS I as a corequisite to EMS 156. Upon completion of EMS 108 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 10 non-traditional hours of credit.
EMS 118: EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
This course is required to apply for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. This course provides students with insights into the theory and application of concepts related to the profession of emergency medical services. Specific topics include: EMS preparatory, airway maintenance, patient assessment, management of trauma patients, management of medical patients, treating infants and children, and various EMS operations. This course is based on the NHTSA National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards.
Admission to program.
EMS 119
EMS 119: EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CLINICAL
Admission to program.
EMS 120: VEHICLE EXTRICATION
EMS 121: VEHICLE RESCUE
Program approval
EMS 150: EMT-BASIC REFRESHER
Completion of a NSTC course for EMT-Basic or program approval.
EMS 153: EMS DISPATCHER
Program approval.
EMS 155: ADVANCED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
This course is required to apply for certification as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT). This course introduces the theory and application of concepts related to the profession of the AEMT. The primary focus of the AEMT is to provide basic and limited advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Topics include: extending the knowledge of the EMT to a more complex breadth and depth, intravenous access and fluid therapy, medication administration, blind insertion airway devices, as well as the advanced assessment and management of various medical illnesses and traumatic injuries. This course is based on the NHTSA National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards. Requires licensure or eligibility for licensure at the EMT level and EMS 156 must be taken as a co-requisite.
Admission to program.
EMS 156
EMS 156: ADVANCED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CLINICAL
This course is required to apply for certification as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT). This course provides students with clinical education experiences to enhance knowledge and skills learned in EMS 155. This course helps prepare students for the National Registry AEMT Exam. The student will have the opportunity to use the basic and advanced skills of the AEMT in the clinical and field settings under the direct supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. Requires licensure or eligibility for licensure at the EMT level and EMS 155 must be taken as a co-requisite. Students transferring into the paramedic program who have completed a non-accredited AEMT program must take EMS 156, Advanced Emergency Technician Clinical, as a corequisite to EMS 244. Upon completion of EMS 156 with a grade of 75 or higher, the student will be awarded 10 non-traditional hours of credit.
Admission to program.
EMS 189: APPLIED ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR THE PARAMEDIC
Completion of all required developmental classes (English, reading, or math).
EMS 241: PARAMEDIC CARDIOLOGY
This course introduces the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular electrophysiology, and electrocardiographic monitoring. This course further relates pathophysiology and assessment findings to the formulation of field impressions and implementation of treatment plans for specific cardiovascular conditions. Content areas include: cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular electrophysiology, electrocardiographic monitoring, rhythm analysis, and prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring and interpretation, assessment of the cardiovascular patient, pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and techniques of management including appropriate pharmacologic agents and electrical therapy.
Admission to program. BIO 111 (EMS 189) or BIO 201
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257.
EMS 242: PARAMEDIC PATIENT ASSESSMENT
Admission to program. BIO 111 (EMS 189) or BIO 201 with C or higher.
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257.
EMS 244: PARAMEDIC CLINICAL I
This course is directed toward the application of knowledge and skills developed in didactic and skills laboratory experiences to the clinical setting. Theory and skills are applied to a variety of patient situations in the clinical setting, with a focus on patient assessment and management, advanced airway management, electro-therapy, I.V./I.O. initiation and medication administration.
Admission to program. BIO 111 (EMS 189) or BIO 201 with C or higher.
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257.
EMS 245: PARAMEDIC MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
This course relates pathophysiology and assessment findings to the formulation of field impressions and implementation treatment plans for specific medical conditions. Content areas include: pulmonology, neurology, gastroenterology, renal/urology, toxicology, hematology, environmental conditions, infectious and communicable diseases, abuse and assault, patients with special challenges, and acute interventions for the chronic care patient.
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257
EMS 245, 246, 247 & 248.
EMS 246: PARAMEDIC TRAUMA MANAGEMENT
This course relates pathophysiology and assessment findings to the formulation of field impressions and implementation of treatment plans for trauma patients. Content areas include the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of trauma as related to: trauma systems; mechanisms of injury; hemorrhage and shock; soft tissue injuries; burns; and head, facial, spinal, thoracic, abdominal, and musculoskeletal trauma.
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257.
EMS 245, 246, 247 & 248.
EMS 247: PARAMEDIC SPECIAL POPULATIONS
This course relates pathophysiology and assessment findings to the formulation of field impressions and implementation of treatment plans for specific medical conditions. Content areas include: endocrinology, allergies and anaphylaxis, behavioral/psychiatric conditions, gynecology, obstetrics, neonatology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. In the clinical setting, theory and skills are applied to a variety of medical situations across the life span of the patient, with a focus on communication with and management of cardiac, acute care, psychiatric/behavioral, obstetrical, newborn, pediatric, geriatric, and acute interventions for chronic care patients, and patients with special challenges.
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257.
EMS 245, 246, 247 & 248.
EMS 248: PARAMEDIC CLINICAL II
This course is directed toward the application of knowledge and skills developed in didactic and skills laboratory experiences to the clinical setting. Theory and skills are applied to a variety of medical and trauma situations across the life span of the patient, with a focus on communication with and management of trauma, cardiac, acute care, psychiatric/behavioral, obstetrical, newborn, pediatric, geriatric, and acute interventions for chronic care patients, and patients with special challenges.
EMS 241, 242, 244, & 257.
EMS 245, 246, 247 & 248.
EMS 253: PARAMEDIC TRANSITION TO THE WORKFORCE
This course is designed to meet additional state and local educational requirements for paramedic practice. Content may include: prehospital protocols, transfer medications, topics in critical care and transport, systems presentation, and/or national standard certification courses as dictated by local needs or state requirement.
EMS 245, 246, 247 AND 248. BIO 201, BIO 202 or BIO 111 (EMP 189).
EMS 254, 255 AND 256.
EMS 254: ADVANCED COMPETENCIES FOR PARAMEDIC
This course is designed to assist students in preparation for the paramedic licensure examination. Emphasis is placed on validation of knowledge and skills through didactic review, skills lab performance, and/or computer simulation and practice testing. Upon course completion, students should be sufficiently prepared to sit for the paramedic licensure examination.
EMS 245, 246, 247 AND 248. BIO 201, BIO 202 or BIO 111 (EMP 189).
EMS 253, 254, 255 AND 256.
EMS 255: PARAMEDIC FIELD PRECEPTORSHIP
This course provides field experiences in the prehospital setting with advanced life support EMS units. Under the direct supervision of a field preceptor, students synthesize cognitive knowledge and skills developed in the skills laboratory and hospital clinical to provide safe and effective patient care in the prehospital environment. Upon course completion, students should have refined and validated their patient care practices to provide safe and effective patient care over a broad spectrum of patient situations and complaints.
EMS 245, 246, 247 AND 248. BIO 201, BIO 202 or BIO 111 (EMP 189).
EMS 253, 254, 255 AND 256.
EMS 256: PARAMEDIC TEAM LEADERSHIP
This course is designed to evaluate students' ability to integrate didactic, psychomotor skills, clinical, and field internship instruction to serve as a competent entry-level paramedic. This final evaluative (rather than instructional) course focuses on students' professional attributes and integrative competence in clinical decision-making and team leadership in the prehospital setting. Upon course completion, students should have demonstrated adequate knowledge and skills, professional attitudes and attributes, clinical decision-making and team leadership abilities to effectively function as a competent entry-level paramedic.
EMS 245, 246, 247 AND 248. BIO 201, BIO 202 or BIO 111 (EMP 189).
EMS 253, 254, 255 AND 256.
EMS 257: PARAMEDIC APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
This course introduces basic and advanced pharmacological agents and concepts, with an emphasis on drug classifications and the knowledge and skills required for safe, effective medication administration. Medication pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be evaluated for most medicines used in the pre-hospital setting. Students will also learn how to establish various routes of medication administration and procedures for administering medications via these routes. Students will also demonstrate mathematic computations for various drug and solution dose administration problems.
Admission to program. BIO 111 (EMP 189) or BIO 201.
EMS 241, 242, 244 & 257.
EMS 265: PARAMEDIC REFRESHER
Completion of a NSTC course for the Paramedic or program approval.
EMS 266: ADVANCED CV LIFE SUPPORT
Program approval.
EMS 267: INTERNATIONAL TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT
Program approval.
EMS 269: PEDIATRIC MEDICAL LIFE SUPPORT PROVIDER
LPN, RN, Paramedic, or program approval.
EMS 273: EKG INTERPRETATION
This course is designed for students in health related professions desiring the knowledge to interpret singular lead electrocardiograms. The course provides concepts in the interpretation of electrocardiograms to include an overview of the electrical conduction of the heart as well as the identification of all categories of dysrhythmias. Upon course completion, students should be able to identify various types of cardiac rhythms.
Program approval.
EMS 275: PRE-HOSPITAL ALS PROTOCOLS
Program approval.
EMS 280: BASIC LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR
Successful completion, with the past 12 months, of all areas of basic life support training (CPR).
EMS 281: ADVANCED CV LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR
EMS 266 and program approval.
EMS 282: BASIC TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR
EMS 267 and program approval.
EMS 284: PEDIATRIC MEDICAL LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUCTOR
EMS 269 and program approval.