Program Overview

Program Description

The EMS program at Aiken Technical College focuses on helping students enter EMS careers by emphasizing knowledge application, skills-based learning, and certification acquisition. This will be done by focusing on what we like to call “EMS Theory.” When our future EMS professionals understand the “why” of how they treat their patients, the “how”, “what, and “where” are easier to apply in the real world.

The courses we are currently offering is EMT only, though AEMT (Advanced EMT), and Paramedic courses are coming in the near future. Check back for updates on those advanced certifications.

Program Philosophy

The primary goal of any EMS System is to serve those in our community who call upon us.  Dial three simple numbers, 911, and we arrive, without question, without judgement, and we arrive to serve, to care for the sick and the injured with compassion, with high-level knowledge and skills to match that knowledge.

Graduates of our programs will have acquired the required knowledge and skills to perform in the field, and also have a robust understanding of the “why” of EMS.  The “why” we treat our patients the way we do, not just adhere to a flowsheet. Critical thinking is crucial in this profession, and Aiken Tech EMS students will learn to think critically and accurately so that the care they provide meets or exceeds national standards.

Program Purpose

The Emergency Medical Technician Program is dedicated to:

• Preparing the graduate to fill the role of a team leader in the delivery of quality pre-hospital health care.
• Prepare the graduate to be productive, responsible, and professional employee within the EMS systems.
• Promote ethical behaviors, social diversity, empathetic patient care and professionalism.
• Provide a learning environment which places extreme emphasis on effective education and professionalism.

Program Admission and Application

Students may enter the EMS program upon admission to Aiken Technical College and will be placed in the Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician: Basic; with considerations that:

• Applicants must possess either a high school diploma or GED if they are over the age of 18 and not a dual enrollment student.
• Applicants will need to be at least 17 years of age upon completion of the second semester (EMT).
• Applicants will need to have a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License and provide a driving record from the state of issue.
• Once admitted, students will be required to complete and pass a criminal background check and drug test prior to clinical rotations. Depending on the result of the background check and drug test, a student may not be able to participate in clinical and will be withdrawn from the program.
• Once admitted to the program, students must submit documentation for each of the following: A physical exam (college form to be provided), 2-step TB skin test or chest X-ray, Hepatitis B vaccine series, titer, or declination statement, proof of current immunizations, to include seasonal flu
• Once admitted, students are required to have reliable transportation for clinical rotations located throughout the community and must be physically able to meet the clinical requirements.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official TOEFL scores. A minimum score of 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL is required to be eligible to apply to the program. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are strongly recommended.
• Students who hold current NREMT certifications can opt to receive exemption credits by examination through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy.

Program Accreditation

Aiken Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).

The Aiken Technical College EMS-Paramedic program’s accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) is currently voluntarily inactive due to the program’s low enrollment.  The College may reactivate when students enroll in the program.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
www.caahep.org
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350