Emergency Medical Services Technology
Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Emergency Medical Services Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree at Valencia College is a two-year program that prepares you to go directly into a specialized career as an EMT or paramedic.
Considered one of the most progressive programs available in Florida, Valencia’s EMS program offers advanced training in out-of-hospital emergency medicine and prepares students for State Board certification as emergency medical technicians and paramedics. EMTs and paramedics assess injuries, administer advanced emergency medical care and transport injured or ill people to medical facilities. Valencia’s program teaches theory and clinical applications, and provides hands-on field internships to assure that students gain the skills necessary to offer the most extensive emergency life support services available. If you are good at making split-second decisions and staying calm in a crisis, then this may be the career for you.
Program Overview
Review course descriptions, important dates and deadlines and other programs details in the official college catalog.
Program Length
Program lasts for 5 semesters, after all the pre-admission course requirements have been met.
Alternative Credit
Did you know that you may already be eligible to receive college credit toward this program? You may receive college credit for approved Industry Certifications.
Average Salary & Placement
Valencia’s A.S. Degree and Certificate programs placement rate ranges between 90% - 95%. Emergency Medical Services Technology AS Degree average salaries ranges from $38,000 – $45,000
Career Center
Explore Health Science related careers, salaries and job listings.
Information Sessions
Attend a Health Sciences Information Sessions for an overview of the limited access Health Science programs at Valencia College and the procedures for enrolling in them.
Progression to EMS Associate in Science Degree
In September of 2013 Valencia College’s EMT Program was named one of the nations top forty programs. More than 1,100 colleges in the U.S. offer EMT training. Our program was identified for having one of the highest return on investment, they used national salary information, tuition, enrollment and accreditation data to make their selections. The EMS faculty is extremely proud of this accomplishment. Offering affordable high quality education is what it is all about.
These programs are approved by the Department of Health-Bureau of EMS, State of Florida Department of Education, and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). The EMT-Paramedic Program is designed for students who are interested in providing pre-hospital emergency care to acutely ill or injured patients. The programs (Certificates / A.S. Degree) will prepare the graduate for State Board Certification or National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and/or Paramedic.
Step 1: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate
1 Semester. Offered every semester.
The EMT Certificate is the first step toward the Paramedic Certificate or A.S. Degree in EMS.
The advanced level of EMS care is provided by the paramedic. This individual may perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) procedures. ALS is defined as treatment of life-threatening emergencies through the use of specific techniques identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These procedures must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Step 2: Paramedic Technology Certificate
3 Semesters. Begins each fall on West Campus and begins each spring on Osceola Campus.
The Paramedic Certificate is a limited access program for students who hold a current Florida EMT Certificate.
Admission to Valencia does not imply acceptance to the Paramedic Certificate
Program.
Students must apply and be accepted into the program.
Step 3: Emergency Medical Services Technology A.S. Degree
1 Semester. Offered every semester.
To earn the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Degree, a student must complete the EMT Certificate and the Paramedic Certificate as well as the General Education and Elective Component.
All degree-seeking students must satisfy entry testing requirements and satisfactorily complete all mandatory courses in reading, student success, mathematics, English, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in which the student is placed.
Admission into Emergency Medical Services Technology
Important Information
- Current Program Guide
- College Catalog
- Program Changes/Updates (review before applying)
- Estimated Program Costs
- Course Planning Guide
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- If you have an interest in pursuing licensure or certification outside the state of Florida, please review this Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement
EMS AS Degree Application Information
Please see Paramedic Technology program page for further application information.
Application: Click Here to Apply on Sept. 1st
Deadline: September 29, 2023
Begins: Spring 2024
Health Sciences Advising
The advising staff can answer program-specific questions, assist in career and educational planning, and offer expert educational guidance for students seeking career opportunities through the completion of an A.S. or B.S. Degree or a Certificate program.
Location, Hours and Contact
West Campus, Building 1, Room 130
407-582-1507
Mon-Thur: 8am-5pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Summer Hours Friday: 9am-12pm
enroll@valenciacollege.edu
Steps for Admission to Program
- 1Attend a Program Information Session. Please bring a copy of the program guide for your desired track with you. If you are not local and cannot attend the information session, review the program guide and read the Frequently Asked Questions.
- 2Apply to Valencia College.
- 3Complete required general education courses before applying to the program.
- 4Once your transcripts have been received and evaluated, and if you meet eligibility requirements, you can apply to the program.
In September of 2013 Valencia College’s EMT Program was named one of the nations top forty programs. More than 1,100 colleges in the U.S. offer EMT training. Our program was identified for having one of the highest return on investment, they used national salary information, tuition, enrollment and accreditation data to make their selections. The EMS faculty is extremely proud of this accomplishment. Offering affordable high quality education is what it is all about.
These programs are approved by the Department of Health-Bureau of EMS, State of Florida Department of Education, and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). The EMT-Paramedic Program is designed for students who are interested in providing pre-hospital emergency care to acutely ill or injured patients. The programs (Certificates / A.S. Degree) will prepare the graduate for State Board Certification or National Registry as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and/or Paramedic.
The first level of EMS care is the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This individual is trained in basic emergency medical procedures and must be certified by the State to perform these procedures. State Board Certification for EMT is a prerequisite to all paramedic courses.
The advanced level of EMS care is provided by the paramedic. This individual may perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) procedures. ALS is defined as treatment of life-threatening emergencies through the use of specific techniques identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These procedures must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Program Outcomes
|
Graduation Rate (most current information available as of May 13, 2022) |
|
| State Reporting Year | Graduation Rate |
| 2020 | 87.5% |
| 2019 | 82% |
| 2018 | 86% |
| Three Year Average | 85% |
|
Pass Rate for the Florida State Paramedic Exam (most current information available
as of May 13, 2022) |
|
| Calendar Year | Pass Rate on 1st Attempt |
| 2020 | 88.2 |
| 2019 | 78% |
| 2018 | 92% (Florida State or NREMT exam) |
| Three Year Average | 86% |
|
Positive Placement Rate (most current information available as of May 13, 2022) |
|
| Graduation Year | Positive Placement Rates |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2019 | 82% |
| 2018 | 100% |
| Three Year Average | 94% |