Associate of Applied Science Degree
Purpose: The PVCC emergency medical services (EMS) program prepares graduates to provide pre-hospital care as a paramedic under structured guidelines in emergency situations. The problem-solving process is used to direct care outcomes. The curriculum consists of both general studies and EMS courses.
National Registry Exam: EMS program graduates are eligible to sit for the national registry exam, which is offered throughout the year. Upon successful completion of this examination, candidates receive their National Registry Paramedic certification. This is required prior to applying for the reciprocity as a Virginia paramedic. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services will only grant certification as a paramedic in Virginia through initial certification and reciprocity afforded through the National Registry.
Occupational Objective: Employment opportunities for National Registry/Virginia-licensed paramedics include hospital emergeny rooms, rescue squads, ambulance companies and other public and private agencies providing pre-hospital care.
Admission Requirements: In addition to admission to the College, there are specific admission requirements for this program. These requirements may change on an annual basis, and students can find the most up-to-date information in a booklet on the program’s web page or in the Admission and Advising Center, and in the Health and Life Sciences Division office.
Graduation Requirement: Students entering the Emergency Medical Services degree program are required to take one writing intensive course in order to graduate. The writing intensive course for this program is EMS 201 which has a prerequisite of ENG 111 and ENG 112 .
Students who are awarded transfer credit for this course from another institution may fulfill the writing intensive course (WIC) requirement for this degree program by completing another writing intensive course (WIC).
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