Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions and the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services.

The EMT-Paramedic certificate program is designed to prepare individuals to serve as paramedics in the pre-hospital and hospital environments. The paramedic’s duties include the recognition, assessment and management of medical and traumatic emergencies under the direction of a physician. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the State of Tennessee EMT-Paramedic licensure examination.

Individual counseling and assessment may result in the scheduling of additional courses to overcome all remedial deficiencies in English and mathematics. Upon completion of the EMT-Paramedic certificate program and attainment of licensure, students may apply for admission to the associate of applied science in Allied Health degree program.

All courses in the EMT-Paramedic certificate program will articulate into the associate of applied science degree program in Allied Health with a concentration in EMT-Paramedic.

Admission, Retention, and Graduation Requirements

Admission Requirements (General)

A student desiring to pursue the technical certificate in EMT-Paramedic must:

1. Apply, meet the general admission requirements, and be accepted by Northeast State Technical Community College.
2. Indicate EMT-Paramedic as the desired major on the Northeast State application form.
3. See a faculty advisor from the Health-Related Professions area prior to registering for classes and obtain faculty approval to register.
4. Complete all required remedial and developmental courses in math and writing prior to completion of the EMT-Paramedic program.

EMT-Paramedic Program Application Requirements

A student who has completed the above referenced requirements is eligible to apply for admission to the EMT-Paramedic program. The student must be currently licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic or higher by the State of Tennessee. To apply for admission into the EMT-Paramedic program, the student must complete and return to the EMT-Paramedic Program Director a “Request for Admission into the EMT-Paramedic Program” form. The student should attach to the form a current transcript of all the college courses taken.

Admission to the EMT-Paramedic Program

1. Appear for a personal interview with the Emergency Medical Technology Program Advisory Board whose membership consists of:
   1. Division Chair of Health-Related Professions.
   2. Program Director of the EMT-Paramedic Program.
   3. Representatives from the local communities of interest.
   4. EMT-Paramedic Program Medical Director.
   5. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (ex officio).
   6. A local EMS Service Director.
   7. A registered nurse from a local health care facility.
2. Demonstrate to the EMT-Paramedic Program Director the ability to lift a stretcher into an ambulance and to take vital signs on a simulated patient.
3. Submit to the EMT-Paramedic Program Director evidence of a psychological examination conducted by a licensed psychological examiner. The evaluation must state emotional stability and show fitness to perform duties of an EMT-Paramedic.
4. Successfully complete the EMT-Basic assessment examination.
5. Successfully complete EMTP 2200.
6. Transfer students - Individuals who have attended other colleges and desire to transfer into the Northeast State EMT-Paramedic program will be considered on an individual basis. Transfer requests should be directed to the Division Chair of Health-Related Professions. Transfer students must meet the same standards and criteria as others desiring to pursue a technical certificate in EMT-Paramedic at Northeast State.

Readmission Policies

A student who has been dismissed or has withdrawn from the EMT-Paramedic program may be readmitted. The following apply:

1. Only one readmission to the EMT-Paramedic program is permitted. This readmission must occur within a one year time frame.
2. A student must apply to the EMT-Paramedic Program Director for readmission at least one semester before the desired date of return.
3. A student must request readmission in writing and appear before the EMT-Paramedic Advisory Board.
4. A student repeating an EMT-Paramedic course must repeat both the theory and clinical components of the course.
5. A student may be readmitted only if space is available.
6. If additional readmissions are sought, the entire admission requirements must be completed.

Retention

To remain in good standing once admitted to the EMT-Paramedic Program, the student must:

1. Adhere to Northeast State, EMT-Paramedic Program, department, and clinical affiliate policies.
2. Maintain a “C” or better in each EMT-Paramedic course.
3. Satisfactorily complete the theory, clinical, and/or skills requirements of each EMT-Paramedic course. Failure in either segment will result in a grade of “F” for the entire course.
4. Submit to the EMT-Paramedic Program Director written evidence, on the appropriate form, of a physical examination taken within the past six months showing the applicant is in good physical health and possesses no physical disabilities that would impede the applicant’s ability to fulfill the functions and responsibilities of the EMT-Paramedic. Any limitations in the individual’s ability to perform adequately will require additional documentation.
5. Exhibit safe clinical behavior.
6. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal conduct.
7. Purchase professional liability insurance ($1,000,000/ $3,000,000).
8. Maintain CPR certification.
9. Sign a statement prior to admission indicating he/she is drug free and submit to a drug test if requested by the Division Chair of Health-Related Professions at any time during the program. A positive drug test is grounds for immediate dismissal.
10. Students must comply with policies of clinical affiliates concerning criminal background checks and must assume associated costs.

Graduation

Program graduation requirements include the successful completion of all courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.