FAQ

General Information

▼   Is there financial aid available for EMS students?

Yes. Please contact the University's Financial Aid Office for more information. Be sure to tell them that you are enrolled in the EMS Degree Program.

 

EMT Certificate Program

▼   May I enroll in the EMT Program as a non-credit student?

No. Students who wish to enroll in the EMT level program must submit an application to the University's Admission's Office and be formally accepted as a credit seeking student.

▼   How many credit hours are offered in the EMT certificate program?

The EMT certificate program provides 8 semester hours of college credit. When attending with intent to continue on to AEMT an additional course, EMS 210 – Medical Terminology (a pre-requisite for AEMT) is typically taken simultaneously. The resulting course load is 11 semester hours.

 

Advanced EMT Certificate Program

▼   May I enroll in the Advanced EMT Program as a non-credit student?

No. Students who wish to enroll in the Advanced EMT level program must submit an application to the University's Admission's Office and be formally accepted as a credit seeking student.

▼   What is required to be admitted to the Advanced EMT level program?

Current Alabama licensure as an EMT, current inoculations and background screen and successful admission to the University. Due to high demand the application process should begin early the semester prior to the intended semester of training. All required measures and advising must be complete several weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

▼   Are Advanced EMT level classes offered during the day or in the evening?

Course schedules vary by semester and are dependent upon class size.

▼   How many credit hours are in the Advanced EMT certificate program?

The Advanced EMT certificate program provides 15 semester hours of college credit (this includes Medical Terminology AND Human Systems OR BMC 114 & 115).

▼   How long is the Advanced EMT certificate program?

The Advanced EMT certificate program is completed in one semester.

 

Paramedic Certificate Program

▼   May I enroll in the Paramedic level Program as a non-credit student?

No. Students who wish to enroll in the Paramedic level program must submit an application to the University's Admission's Office and be formally accepted as a credit seeking student.

▼   What is required to be admitted to the Paramedic level program?

Current Alabama licensure as an Advanced EMT, current inoculations and background screen and successful admission to the University. All required measures and advising must be complete at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

▼   Are Paramedic level classes offered during the day or in the evening?

Course schedules vary by semester and are dependent upon class size.

▼   How many credit hours are in the Paramedic certificate program?

The Paramedic certificate program provides 31 semester hours of college credit.

▼   How long is the Paramedic certificate program?

The Paramedic certificate program can be completed in three semesters, depending on the student’s progress. The first two semesters consist of didactic classes and clinical rotations and the third includes field internships. The last two includes labs.

 

Bachelor's Degree Program

▼   I completed my paramedic education at another institution. Can I transfer my Paramedic credits to USA to fulfill the Paramedic Core requirements in the BS degree curriculum?

Transfer students who have successfully completed their paramedic education at another academic institution and who have maintained their paramedic license in good standing may apply to the department's Paramedic to BS in EMS Track. This special track requires students to pass a six (6) semester hour bridge course after being admitted to the professional component. At the completion of this course, students may be awarded up to 40 credit hours for their previous clinical education as a paramedic student.

▼   What is the professional component of the curriculum?

After successfully completing all general education and pre-professional core classes, students may then apply to the professional component of the curriculum. At this point, the student's Major changes from Pre-EMS to EMS. The professional component consists of the Paramedic Core and the EMS Core. The typical student in the program; however, will have already completed their paramedic education, either through the department's academic certificate program or as a transfer student from another institution. Therefore, most students admitted to the professional component will begin with EMS Core classes.

▼   Can I enroll in the BS degree program even though I haven't finished paramedic school yet?

Students can enroll as Pre-EMS Major students at any time during their academic studies. However, admission to the professional component (EMS Core) is contingent upon students completing all general education and pre-professional core courses outlined in the curriculum. As alluded to above, students are highly encouraged to complete all Paramedic Core requirements prior to starting the EMS Core. An application fee is required before taking EMS Core courses.

▼   How can I get my transcript evaluated to see what general education and pre-professional core courses I need to take prior to making admission?

Prospective students may contact the department’s BS Degree Program advisor for help with transfer credit evaluations and other relevant issues dealing with transfer students. The department can provide students with an “unofficial” evaluation of transcripts; however, official transcript evaluations and acceptance of transfer credits rests with the University’s Admission’s Office.

▼   How long will it take for me to complete the EMS Core (34 semester hours) in the BS degree curriculum?

The first group of students starting in the Fall of 2007 will be able to complete the EMS Core in five semesters.

▼   Will the EMS Core classes meet every weekend?

No. The EMS Core classes will generally follow an “Executive Format” and will meet approximately one weekend per month (4 per semester). The remainder of class time will conducted through the University’s online Learning Management System in blended format.