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About Emergency Medical Sciences

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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Emergency Medical Sciences

Program History

The Emergency Medical Sciences (EMS) program was founded in July of 1975 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences through a joint venture of the State of Arkansas and an EMS grant from the Federal Government. The first class completed its education in the summer of 1976 and the program has been in continuous operation since that time. In January of 2019, the EMS program was transferred to UA - Pulaski Technical College where it continues to provide a progressive educational experience in academic, clinical, and field internship environments to prepare qualified students to perform as competent and compassionate health care providers.

The Profession

The paramedic is the highest level emergency medical services health care professional in the pre-hospital setting. The paramedic must be able to work independently and as a team leader rendering care to people under stressful conditions. The paramedic must demonstrate proficiency in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced airway management, intravenous therapy, and medication therapy. Paramedics must also rapidly apply problem-solving skills to formulate and implement rapid care plans for a wide array of situations including cardiac, trauma management, pediatric, geriatric, and other medical and behavioral emergencies.

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the entry-level professional in the emergency medical services system. The EMT is concerned primarily with basic life support pre-hospital care of acutely ill and injured patients.

Paramedics and EMT's can find career opportunities with ambulance services, fire departments, and industrial companies. In addition, paramedics are employed by emergency helicopter services, offshore oil companies, and as military combat medics.

Academic Information

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program consists of 6 semester credits of course work in EMS 1602 – Introduction to Emergency Medical Technology. Students can take this course in one of two pathways.  Only seeking the academic credit, or those seeking academic credit and licensure/certification.  Historically, those enrolled in this course for credit and licensure/certification are interested in working as a licensed EMT, fulfilling the primary prerequisite for the paramedic program, embarking on a fire service career, or establishing patient care skills for another health profession such as physician assistant or medicine. Students who are licensure/certification bound that successfully complete all program requirements may be eligible to challenge the EMT credentialing examinations offered by the National Registry of EMT's (NREMT). EMT Classes are held two days per week.

The Paramedic program has two completion options: Certificate or Associate’s degree. The certificate program requires 43 hours of professional coursework, while the associate’s degree program requires 35 hours of Core Curriculum coursework in addition to the 43 hours of professional coursework. Successfully completing all program requirements for licensure/certification satisfies the eligibility requirements to apply for the paramedic credentialing examinations offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Graduates who complete the certificate program are eligible to complete the associate’s degree requirement in a future semester as long as all requirements of the degree plan are met.

Students are accepted into the paramedic program as either a fall or spring entry. Approximately 40% of the paramedic program course work is delivered online. Paramedic classes are held in a mirrored format with classes being offered each Monday or Wednesday with the same material being covered both days. Students may schedule their clinical time within program guidelines including weekends and weekdays.

Admission Factors

Admission to the program is competitive and based on the following criteria:

  • Academic achievement
  • Academic aptitude
  • Leadership and professionalism
  • Written and oral communication
  • Interpersonal skills

For additional information, contact EMSprograms@uaptc.edu.