Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Technology, A.S.

Associate in Science

Health Sciences

About this Program

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Technology, A.S. degree is devoted to effectively training and further preparing registered paramedics who wish to pursue employment advancement opportunities that require an associate degree, such as management and teaching.

This is a limited-access and limited enrollment program. See all Healthcare Program requirements.

For information about the program including accreditation, program outcomes, and the advanced placement policy, click here.

Total Credit Hours:

Estimated Time to Complete Program:

5 terms*

*based on 15 credit hours per term

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Estimated Tuition Cost:

$7,360.59*

Eligible for Financial Aid:
Yes

Eligible for Veteran's Aid:
Yes

*based on current in-state tuition rate of $100.83 per credit hour

Program Overview & Requirements

Program Purpose:
To prepare competent entry-level paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.

Program Explanation:

The program is composed of three parts:

Emergency Medical Technician Applied Technology Diploma (B312)
Paramedic Certificate (6309)
Required college and General Education courses

To enroll in this program the applicant must do the following:

Meet the admission requirements of the Emergency Medical Technician Certificate (B312) program, apply for entry into the EMT program, be accepted and complete the EMT program
Meet the admission requirements of the Paramedic Certificate (6309) program, apply for entry into the Paramedic certificate program, be accepted and complete the Paramedic certificate program
Enroll in and complete required college and General Education courses, which may be completed at any time [except for BSC1084C , as this course is a prerequisite for the Paramedic Certificate (6309) program]

The Tallahassee Community College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 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, 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 15B, Clearwater, FL 33763, (727) 210-2350 (www.caahep.org)

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions: 8301 Lake View Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088, Phone: (214) 703-8445, Fax: (214) 703-8992 (www.coaemsp.org)

This program is also approved by the State of Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

Program Length:
73 credit hours

Admission Requirements:
A student may declare the A.S. degree in EMS as his or her program of study at any time through the TCC Admissions and Records office. The student is not officially admitted into the A.S. degree program until the student is enrolled in or has completed the TCC Paramedic program. The student must contact the Healthcare Professions Division to be officially admitted into the A.S. degree program.

See Additional Healthcare Program Requirements for more important information.

View Healthcare Program Application Deadlines.

Academic Division:
Healthcare Professions, Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education

Contact:
(850) 558-4500 or healthedu@tcc.fl.edu

View Information about Graduation Requirements and Year of Entry .

Related Careers

All career information is provided by Career Coach, and reflects data available for the Tallahassee area.

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Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedic

Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

$32,539.18 Average Annual Salary

22Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
Operate equipment, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators, in advanced life support environments.
Observe, record, and report to physician the patient's condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
Perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as stomach suction, airway management, or heart monitoring, during ambulance ride.
Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.

Administer drugs, orally or by injection, or perform intravenous procedures under a physician's direction.
Decontaminate ambulance interior following treatment of patient with infectious disease and report case to proper authorities.
Drive mobile intensive care unit to specified location, following instructions from emergency medical dispatcher.
Maintain vehicles and medical and communication equipment and replenish first aid equipment and supplies.
Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
Immobilize patient for placement on stretcher and ambulance transport, using backboard or other spinal immobilization device.
Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of victims, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
Coordinate with treatment center personnel to obtain patients' vital statistics and medical history, to determine the circumstances of the emergency, and to administer emergency treatment.
Comfort and reassure patients.
Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($22,538.51) to highly-experienced workers ($47,381.62). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

Annual Hourly

Annual Salary Range

Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Municipal Firefighter

Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.

$43,105.51 Average Annual Salary

37Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Search burning buildings to locate fire victims.
Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons.
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.

Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
Take action to contain hazardous chemicals that might catch fire, leak, or spill.
Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
Lay hose lines and connect them to water supplies.
Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls.
Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques.
Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.
Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness.
Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.
Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke.
Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
Establish firelines to prevent unauthorized persons from entering areas near fires.
Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.
Participate in courses, seminars and conferences, and study fire science literature, to learn firefighting techniques.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($27,275.20) to highly-experienced workers ($69,674.77). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

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Annual Salary Range

Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Ambulance Driver or Attendant, Except Emergency Medical Technician

Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.

$23,550.38 Average Annual Salary

1Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Remove and replace soiled linens or equipment to maintain sanitary conditions.
Drive ambulances or assist ambulance drivers in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons.
Report facts concerning accidents or emergencies to hospital personnel or law enforcement officials.
Place patients on stretchers and load stretchers into ambulances, usually with assistance from other attendants.
Accompany and assist emergency medical technicians on calls.

Replace supplies and disposable items on ambulances.
Perform minor maintenance on emergency medical services vehicles, such as ambulances.
Clean and wash rigs, ambulances, or equipment.
Earn and maintain appropriate certifications.
Administer first aid, such as bandaging, splinting, or administering oxygen.
Restrain or shackle violent patients.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($18,180.27) to highly-experienced workers ($40,266.08). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

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Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Emergency Management Director

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

$140,782.06 Average Annual Salary

1Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Keep informed of activities or changes that could affect the likelihood of an emergency, as well as those that could affect response efforts and details of plan implementation.
Prepare emergency situation status reports that describe response and recovery efforts, needs, and preliminary damage assessments.
Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks, and in recovery from these events.
Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.
Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.

Apply for federal funding for emergency-management-related needs and administer and report on the progress of such grants.
Design and administer emergency or disaster preparedness training courses that teach people how to effectively respond to major emergencies and disasters.
Inspect facilities and equipment, such as emergency management centers and communications equipment, to determine their operational and functional capabilities in emergency situations.
Consult with officials of local and area governments, schools, hospitals, and other institutions to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops related to emergency management to learn new information and to develop working relationships with other emergency management specialists.
Collaborate with other officials to prepare and analyze damage assessments following disasters or emergencies.
Propose alteration of emergency response procedures based on regulatory changes, technological changes, or knowledge gained from outcomes of previous emergency situations.
Develop and perform tests and evaluations of emergency management plans in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Keep informed of federal, state, and local regulations affecting emergency plans and ensure that plans adhere to these regulations.
Review emergency plans of individual organizations, such as medical facilities, to ensure their adequacy.
Develop instructional materials for the public and make presentations to citizens' groups to provide information on emergency plans and their implementation processes.
Maintain and update all resource materials associated with emergency preparedness plans.
Train local groups in the preparation of long-term plans that are compatible with federal and state plans.
Provide communities with assistance in applying for federal funding for emergency management facilities, radiological instrumentation, and other related items.
Conduct surveys to determine the types of emergency-related needs to be addressed in disaster planning or provide technical support to others conducting such surveys.
Study emergency plans used elsewhere to gather information for plan development.
Develop and implement training procedures and strategies for radiological protection, detection, and decontamination.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($78,638.47) to highly-experienced workers ($215,396.64). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

Annual Hourly

Annual Salary Range

Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisor

Supervise fire fighters who control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts.

$72,859.78 Average Annual Salary

5Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
Instruct and drill fire department personnel in assigned duties, including firefighting, medical care, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and related subjects.
Evaluate the performance of assigned firefighting personnel.

Direct the training of firefighters, assigning of instructors to training classes, and providing of supervisors with reports on training progress and status.
Prepare activity reports listing fire call locations, actions taken, fire types and probable causes, damage estimates, and situation dispositions.
Perform maintenance and minor repairs on firefighting equipment, including vehicles, and write and submit proposals to modify, replace, and repair equipment.
Attend in-service training classes to remain current in knowledge of codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Participate in creating fire safety guidelines and evacuation schemes for nonresidential buildings.
Compile and maintain records on personnel, accidents, equipment, and supplies.
Maintain required maps and records.
Evaluate fire station procedures to ensure efficiency and enforcement of departmental regulations.
Direct firefighters in station maintenance duties, and participate in these duties.
Recommend personnel actions related to disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves of absence, and grievances.
Direct investigation of cases of suspected arson, hazards, and false alarms and submit reports outlining findings.
Supervise and participate in the inspection of properties to ensure that they are in compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, and standards.
Coordinate the distribution of fire prevention promotional materials.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($39,607.47) to highly-experienced workers ($112,510.05). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

Annual Hourly

Annual Salary Range

Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatcher

Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment at emergency response centers. Receive reports from the public of crimes, disturbances, fires, and medical or police emergencies. Relay information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May maintain contact with caller until responders arrive.

$24,378.08 Average Annual Salary

8Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.
Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.
Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages.
Scan status charts and computer screens, and contact emergency response field units to determine emergency units available for dispatch.
Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, information, and after-hours calls for departments within a city.

Enter, update, and retrieve information from teletype networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles.
Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, to law enforcement agencies, and to all other individuals or groups requiring notification.
Maintain access to, and security of, highly sensitive materials.
Observe alarm registers and scan maps to determine whether a specific emergency is in the dispatch service area.
Monitor various radio frequencies such as those used by public works departments, school security, and civil defense to keep apprised of developing situations.
Read and effectively interpret small-scale maps and information from a computer screen to determine locations and provide directions.
Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls, such as personnel rosters, and emergency call-out and pager files.
Learn material and pass required tests for certification.
Answer routine inquiries, and refer calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($20,313.74) to highly-experienced workers ($33,371.89). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

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Annual Salary Range

Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Medical and Health Services Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$93,240.81 Average Annual Salary

43Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data, such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
Direct, supervise and evaluate work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel.
Direct or conduct recruitment, hiring, and training of personnel.
Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures for the facility or medical unit.
Conduct and administer fiscal operations, including accounting, planning budgets, authorizing expenditures, establishing rates for services, and coordinating financial reporting.

Maintain awareness of advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance changes, and financing options.
Plan, implement and administer programs and services in a health care or medical facility, including personnel administration, training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
Prepare activity reports to inform management of the status and implementation plans of programs, services, and quality initiatives.
Establish work schedules and assignments for staff, according to workload, space and equipment availability.
Maintain communication between governing boards, medical staff, and department heads by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental functioning.
Establish objectives and evaluative or operational criteria for units they manage.
Review and analyze facility activities and data to aid planning and cash and risk management and to improve service utilization.
Manage change in integrated health care delivery systems, such as work restructuring, technological innovations, and shifts in the focus of care.
Develop instructional materials and conduct in-service and community-based educational programs.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($58,741.66) to highly-experienced workers ($157,004.07). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

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Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Nursing Assistant

Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. May transfer or transport patients. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

$22,890.49 Average Annual Salary

217Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.

Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.
Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.
Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.
Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.
Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
Prepare or serve food trays.
Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
Record height or weight of patients.
Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.
Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.
Change bed linens or make beds.
Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($18,954.54) to highly-experienced workers ($29,542.67). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

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Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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Lifeguard, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes to provide assistance and protection to participants.

$19,020.42 Average Annual Salary

20Annual Openings

Sample Daily Tasks

Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.
Patrol or monitor recreational areas such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.

Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.

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Wages

See the range of wages earned in this career, ranging from new workers ($17,839.94) to highly-experienced workers ($22,245.64). View by annual salary or hourly wage.

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Hourly Wages

Employment Projections

A view of employment levels for the last 3 years, and projections for the next 7 years.

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