Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Program in Emergency Medical Services

The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  The Department of EMS Education's Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoEMSP).

Criteria for general admission of EMS students to the University are the same as those for all students.  Please consult with the University's admission's office for more information about admission policies and procedures at (251) 460-6141, or you may visit their web site at http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/contact.html.

All students are required to fulfill a 41 semester hour General Education Core and a 22 semester hour Pre-professional Core as outlined in the curriculum below.  After successfully completing these courses, students may then apply to the department for entry into the professional component.  Requirements for admission to the professional component are the following:

1. Submission of a completed application by the deadline (April 1st).  Application must include a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Successful completion of a state-approved (meeting DOT guidelines) or nationally accredited paramedic education program. 
3. Evidence of either a current paramedic license (in USA) or national registry certification (in good standing). 
4. Minimum GPA of 2.0 in all pre-requisite courses and a minimum University GPA of 2.0.
5. Drug test and background check required.  Admission contingent upon a negative drug screen and satisfactory background check.

General Education Core – 41 Hours

*Must complete a two semester series of either Literature or History.

Pre-Professional Core – 20 Hours

General Education and Pre-Prof Core Total:  63 Hours

Note:  Students must complete EMS 112, EMS 113 and EMS 115 prior to the Paramedic Core.

Professional Component

Paramedic Core – 32 Hours

Note:  The Paramedic Core at the University of South Alabama consists of 38 semester hours as shown above.  Students who have already completed their paramedic training at another institution can satisfy the academic requirements of this Paramedic Core by ensuring the following: 

• provide evidence of successful completion of a nationally accredited or state approved (meeting DOT guidelines) paramedic program; and
• provide evidence of a current state paramedic license or national certification; and
• submit an official transcript or documentation which  indicates the successful completion of at least 32 semester hours of credit (or its equivalent); and
• successfully complete a 6 semester hour bridge course designed for students in the Paramedic to BS in EMS Track.

Transfer credit must be reviewed and approved by the University and the Department of EMS Education prior to admission to the professional component.

Emergency Medical Services Core – 34 Hours

Paramedic Core and EMS Core Total:  68 Hours

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS:  129

#Paramedic to BS in EMS Track students must take a six (6) credit hour bridge course under the EMS Core after admission to the professional component. 
#USA students (Normal Track Students) may apply 6 credit hours from the Paramedic Core above to the EMS Core in order to satisfy the 34 credit hour required under this section.  This will still leave them with 32 credits for the Paramedic Core

Students may enter the Bachelors Degree EMS Core in the Fall semester only. The Department offers the EMS Core classes in an executive weekend format, with classes meeting every second or third weekend for six weekend sessions per semester.  Class times are scheduled for Fridays (1:00 to 5:00 pm), Saturdays (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Sundays (8:00 to 12:00).  Check with the department for the specific weekend dates which will become available approximately 8 weeks before the beginning of the semester. The schedule for completing the EMS Core classes is shown below.

*if applicable

Students are responsible for payment of all tuition and fees according to University policies and procedures.  Tuition and fees are set by the University of South Alabama, upon approval of the Board of Trustees.  For current information on tuition and fees, please refer to the University’s admission’s office or click here http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/expenses.html.

University of South Alabama
Department of EMS Education
Attn:  Ms. Lyndal Curry, BS Degree Program Coordinator
2002 Old Bay Front Drive
Mobile, AL  36615

(251) 431-6418
BS Degree Program Advisor
lcurry@usouthal.edu