Wake Tech EMS Program
General Information
The process to become an EMS professional starts with taking the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. These courses are typically one semester (or about 4½ months) in length. Upon successful completion of the EMT course, the student is eligible to take the North Carolina and/or National Registry credentialing exam.
Once credentialed, an EMT can seek employment with an EMS agency, fire department, or medical facility.
EMTs that are interested in progressing further can take courses to obtain their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Paramedic credential. Upon successful completion of either of those courses, the EMT will be eligible to take the North Carolina and/or National Registry credentialing exam.
Wake Tech offers two pathways to become a credentialed EMS professional: Non-Degree (CE) and Degree (CU).You can apply for any of the courses at the bottom of this page.
Pathway Considerations
Use the toggle below to view details for the CE Pathway (Non-degree) and CU Pathway (Degree).
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Also Known As: Non-degree, non-credit, or workforce
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What It Means:
This pathway is offered through Workforce Continuing Education (Public Safety Division) and does not lead to an initial degree. However, after earning a credential from the NC Office of EMS or the National Registry of EMTs, you can receive credit toward an Associate Degree in Applied Science: Emergency Medical Science based on specific criteria and processes. -
Courses Include:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- AEMT-to-Paramedic Bridging
- Paramedic
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Key Considerations:
- Schedule: Courses offer flexibility and can start at any time throughout the year.
- Financial Aid: Fee waivers are available for eligible NC fire department, 9-1-1, and law enforcement personnel. Federal Financial Aid does not apply to CE courses.
- Expense: Typically less expensive than the CU pathway. Students pay for the entire course as one unit.
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Also Known As: Degree or credit
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What It Means:
This pathway applies to the Associate Degree Paramedic and Paramedic Bridge Option. It is offered through Curriculum Education Services (Public Safety Division) and leads to an Associate Degree in Applied Science: Emergency Medical Science. -
Key Considerations:
- Schedule: Semester-based courses begin in January, May, or August.
- Financial Aid: Federal Financial Aid can be applied to CU courses. Fee waivers do not apply.
- Expense:
- The CU pathway typically costs more because it includes a collection of courses leading to a credential and incorporates general education courses.
- Students pay per credit hour for these courses.
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Use the tabs below to read each course description.
Overview: This course introduces basic emergency medical care. Topics include preparatory, airway, patient assessment, medical emergencies, trauma, infants and children, and operations.
Eligibility: The following criteria must be met prior to entering the EMT course. Candidates should submit all of the information listed below prior to registering for the class. Registration will not be considered complete without fulfilling each eligibility requirement.
The candidate MUST:
- Be at least 17 years of age on or before the official end date of the course. High School students who are under 18 years of age may have to complete a minor release form.
- Complete the current reading and writing assessment test and score basic reading comprehension at the eleventh grade level. (Students producing a high school or college transcript illustrating successful completion of an English course beyond the eleventh grade level are exempt from the reading and writing assessments.)
Overview: This course is designed to provide the essential information on pre-hospital management techniques appropriate to the level of the Advanced EMT. Topics must meet current credentialing and/or regulatory guidelines for the Advanced EMT as outlined by the NC Office of EMS.
Eligibility: The following criteria must be met prior to entering the AEMT course. Candidates should submit all of the information listed below prior to registering for the class. Registration will not be considered complete without fulfilling each eligibility requirement.
The candidate MUST:
- Possess certification as a North Carolina EMT or present proof of a reciprocity request through the North Carolina Office of EMS. (Wake Tech EMT students that have successfully completed the EMT course within the last 30 days are waived of this requirement; however, must possess EMT certification prior to starting field-clinical rotations.)
- Complete the current reading and math assessment tests and score reading comprehension and math skills at the post-secondary level. (Candidates producing an official college transcript illustrating successful completion of a college-level English and/or Math course are exempt from the reading and/or math assessment.)
- Provide a copy of a current credential in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
Overview: This course is designed to provide the essential information on pre-hospital management techniques appropriate to the level of the Paramedic. Topics must meet current credentialing and/or regulatory guidelines for the Paramedic as outlined by the NC Office of EMS and/or Committee of Accreditation for the EMS Profession (CoAEMSP).
Eligibility: The following criteria must be met prior to entering the Paramedic course. Candidates should submit all of the information listed below prior to registering for the class. Registration will not be considered complete without fulfilling each eligibility requirement.
The candidate MUST:
- Possess certification as a North Carolina EMT (or AEMT) or present proof of a reciprocity request through the North Carolina Office of EMS.
- Complete the current reading and math assessment tests and score reading comprehension and math skills at the post-secondary level. (Candidates producing an official college transcript illustrating successful completion of a college-level English and/or Math course are exempt from the reading and/or math assessment.)
- Provide a copy of a current credential in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
- Submit verification of successful completion of an eligible Anatomy & Physiology course prior to starting field-clinical rotations. (Courses may include EMS-3163, BIO-163, or BIO-165 & 166, or BIO-168 & 169.)
How to Apply
Use the links provided to apply to the program of your choice.
CU pathway
EMT CE pathway
AEMT CE pathway
Paramedic CE pathway
Requirements & Orientation
Program costs are listed.