Emergency Medical Services Technology
Associate in Science (A.S.)
The Emergency Medical Services Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program at Valencia College prepares you to go directly into a specialized career as an EMT or paramedic.
Considered one of the most progressive programs available in Florida, the Valencia College 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. Our 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.
Limited-Access Program
This is a limited-access program. For admission requirements and updates, program application and deadlines, visit the Health Sciences Division website.
Have questions, or want more information?
Program Details
Program Overview and Degree Requirements
!Review course descriptions, important dates and deadlines and other programs details in the official college catalog.
Related Certificates
Valencia’s certificate programs can put you on the fast-track to reaching your career goals. They are designed to equip you with a specialized skill set for immediate employment or career advancement. Most can be completed in one year or less.
- Emergency Medical Technician (11 credits)
- Paramedic (42 credits)
Alternative Ways To Earn Credit
Did you know that you may already be eligible to receive college credit toward this program? Check out these opportunities:
- Industry Certifications – Receive college credit for approved Industry Certifications.
You want to step up. We have a path to a bachelor's
Prepare for a supervisory or management role in your field with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business and Organizational Leadership. After completing your A.S. degree, build on your skills and expand your career opportunities by continuing your education at Valencia College and earning a bachelor’s degree. We encourage you to meet with a career program advisor to create your personalized education plan.
PROGRAM LENGTH
73 credits
EMT program begins each semester.
Paramedic begins each fall on West Campus and begins each spring on Osceola Campus.
After Paramedic, you only need to take the general education courses to earn your EMS degree.
Health Care Specialist
CERTIFICATE
When you choose the Healthcare Specialist technical certificate as your secondary degree pathway, you will earn a workforce credential while completing prerequisite course credits, many of which are requirements for the selective admissions health career programs at Valencia College. Earning this certificate is an important first step in your career—your classes can help you become more valuable to our local health care employers.
Career Outlook
Learn How To
- Administer basic and advanced life support for cardiac, medical, trauma, pediatric, obstetric and psychiatric illnesses
- Respond to medical emergencies and determining the nature of the injury
- Transport persons to medical facilities
Job Outlook
Career opportunities for emergency medical services staff are available in hospitals, private ambulance services, and municipal fire, police or rescue squad departments. As the baby boomer generation ages, they will require more medical services, spurring more demand for EMTs and paramedics.
Potential Careers
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Health Care Administrator
AVERAGE SALARY RANGE
$18,000 – $24,000 EMT
$32,000 – $42,000 Paramedic
$38,000 – $45,000 EMS AS Degree
Placement Rate
The average placement rate for Valencia College A.S. degree and certificate programs ranges between 90 – 95%, according to the latest FETPIP data.
Steps for Admission to Program
- Attend a Health Sciences 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 for the Health Sciences programs and degrees.
- Apply to Valencia College.
- Complete required general education courses before applying to the program.
- Once your transcripts have been received and evaluated, and if you meet eligibility requirements, you can apply to the program.
Information Sessions
To learn more about this program, including application requirements, attend one of our information sessions. Please bring a copy of the program guide with you. If you are unable to attend, refer to the program guide and the resources available at Health Sciences.