Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs):

The field of prehospital emergency medical care is an evolving profession in which the reality of life and death is confronted at a moment's notice. EMS has developed from the days when the local funeral home and other services served as the ambulance provider to the sophisticated system of today. EMTs work side-by-side with other health care professionals to deliver professional prehospital emergency medical care. Our EMT courses are designed to help the new EMTs gain the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to be a competent, productive and valuable member of the emergency medical services team. Average salaries range from $20,000 to $45,000 annually. Upon completion of our one semester EMT courses, students will be eligible for National Registry EMT Basic certification and Tennessee State EMT-IV licensure.

Paramedics: Paramedics practice the art and science of prehospital emergency medicine under medical direction. Through performance of assessments and providing prehospital emergency medical care, the Paramedic's goal is to prevent and reduce mortality and morbidity due to illness and injury. Paramedics possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes consistent with the expectations of the public and the profession. Paramedics recognize that they are an essential component of the continuum of care and serve as linkages among health resources.

Paramedics strive to maintain high quality, reasonable cost health care by delivering patients directly to appropriate facilities. As an advocate for patients, paramedics seek to be proactive in affecting long term healthcare by working in conjunction with other provider agencies, networks, and organizations. The emerging roles and responsibilities of the paramedic include public education, health promotion, and participation in injury and illness prevention programs. As the scope of service continues to expand, the paramedic will function as a facilitator of access to care, as well as an initial treatment provider.

Paramedics are responsible and accountable to medical direction, the public, and their peers. They recognize the importance of research and actively participate in the design, development, evaluation, and publication of research. Paramedics seek to take part in life-long professional development, peer evaluation, and assume an active role in professional and community organizations. Average salaries for paramedics range from $35,000 to $60,000 annually.

Upon completion of our 12-month Paramedic Program, students will be eligible for National Registry Paramedic certification and Tennessee State Paramedic licensure.

To send questions or comments to the Director of the program, contact:

Sarah Glenn
Interim Director, Emergency Medical Services Education Technology
Phone: 931-540-2636 or 615-790-5676
sglenn8@columbiastate.edu

Criminal background checks may be a requirement at some affiliated clinical training sites. Based on the results of the criminal background check, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This could result in your inability to successfully complete the requirements of a specific course and your program. More information is available from your program director.

Applicants who have been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation may be ineligible for licensure. For more information, contact the program director of emergency medical technology. Any felony convictions must be reported to the program director of emergency medical technology.

Accreditation: The Emergency Medical Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs for the EMT-Paramedic and is approved by the State of Tennessee, Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services.