Public Safety, Technical Certificate (Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic)

Emphasis: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic

This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Admission Requirements

A prospective student seeking admission to the Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic program must complete the following procedures according to State of Tennessee, Department of Emergency Medical Services, and Walters State Community College policies. Students who successfully complete requirements for the Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic technical certificate are eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic Examination.

The following criteria must be met in order for an applicant to be considered for admission to the Paramedic Training Program:

1. Licensure: Applicants must be currently licensed as Emergency Medical Technicians in the State of Tennessee.
2. Experience: One year full-time and/or two years part-time EMS experience as a EMT-IV Technician is preferred.
3. Application: Complete the WSCC Application for Admission/ Readmission and submit it to the college’s Office of Admissions and Records.
4. Transcripts: All official, notarized high school, college or trade school transcripts must be received. The student’s academic performance in the EMT and/or EMT IV course along with the student’s GPA will be factors used in determining his/her acceptance into the program.
5. Documentation: All documentation and evaluations, except for Paramedic entrance exam scores, must be completed and submitted to Paramedic Program.
6. Interview: All applicants must be interviewed by the Paramedic Advisory Board. Date to be announced after applications have been received by program.
7. Prerequisite: Applicants must have completed all Developmental Education courses with a passing grade.
8. Program Application: Applicant must complete application process specific to the program.

Application Process

A prospective student seeking admission to the Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Program must complete the following procedures according to the State of Tennessee, Division of Emergency Medical Services and Walters State guidelines.

1. Complete an Application for Admissions/Readmission form and remit required fees to the WSCC Admissions Office. Fees do not apply if you have ever attended WSCC. If applications are needed call the office of Admission at 1-800-225-4770. For admission requirements refer to the WSCC Catalog.
2. If you are 21 years of age or older and have not had prior college-level English or Math classes, you must take the COMPASS test prior to registration. If the results of the COMPASS test show you need to take remedial classes, you then must take these classes prior to admission into the WSCC Paramedia Program. If you are under 21 years of age, the ACT test is required. After receiving your ACT scores, contact the department of Counseling and Testing for evaluation of your scores (423-585-6800). The testing dates for the COMPASS test are available from the office of Admissions and Records. Make arrangements to test during one of the listed sessions on the testing calendar found in the Timetable of Classes. If you have any questions regarding the ACT test, call 1-800-225-4770. You must submit your COMPASS test results to the Paramedic Program. Applicant must schedule COMPASS test well in advance of this date. If this information is not available prior to interviews you will not be interviewed for entrance into the program. For degree requirements refer to the WSCC Catalog.
3. Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED certification to the office of Admissions and Records.
4. Submit an official copy of all college transcripts to the office of Admissions and Records if previous college credit has been earned.
5. Submit application and other documents specific to the Paramedic Program.
6. Be currently licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee. You must submit a copy of a current EMT card to the Paramedic Program.
7. You should have completed a CPR course that includes one-person, two-person, infant and child CPR. A copy of the CPR certificate must be submitted to the Paramedic Program.
8. Submit written evidence, on appropriate form (supplied in packet), of a physical examination within the past six months showing you to be in good physical and mental health and that you possess no physical handicaps or disabilities which would impede your ability to fulfill the functions and responsibilities of a paramedic.
9. Submit forms and records of immunization noting dates as required by the clincial program. HBV vaccines series must be completed prior to starting clinical rotations and proof of vaccine given to Clinical Program Director.
10. Submit a letter of recommendation and endorsement which indicates amount of experience, strengths and weaknesses, attitude, maturity, and professionalism, from your employer to the Paramedic Program Director.
11. Submit two letters of recommendation and endorsement to the Paramedic Program: one from an active Emergency Department Physician, and another from an active Emergency Department Registered Nurse. These letters should inform us about your strengths and weaknesses, attitude, maturity, and professionalism.
12. Applicants must complete the Paramedic Entrance Exam for the State of Tennessee with an acceptable score. This exam will only be given at the dates, times and locations listed in the application. If you fail to take the test at these scheduled times, you will not be eligible for acceptance into this paramedic program.
13. Applicant must take a psychological examination given by a licensed psychological examiner named by Walters State. The report must state emotional stability and psychological fitness to perform the duties of a paramedic. This report should be returned to the Paramedic Program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to pay the $110 testing fee at the time of testing. Only a money order or cashier’s check, payable to Mountain View Psychological Center (or MVP) will be accepted. You will not be allowed to take the exam without prior payment. Schedule your exam date by returning the enclosed form and confirm by calling Sondra Humphreys at 423-585-2672. This will be scheduled on first come first serve basis.
14. The screening process includes a personal interview with the WSCC EMT-Paramedic Advisory Board. The applicant is rated by each committee member on appearance, motivation, maturity, professionalism, oral and written communication skills, confidence, experience, and general knowledge of the profession. You will be scheduled a day and time in which you are to appear before the board. The student’s academic performance in the EMT and/or EMT IV courses along with the student’s GPA will be factors used in determining his/her acceptance into the program. You must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate from the program. Due to time constraints, you must make arrangements to appear at that scheduled time because it will not be adjusted. You will be notified of the date and time by letter.
15. Scores are awarded in three areas: the interview, psychological exam, and paramedic entrance exam. An overall minimum score of 2.5 is required by EMS regulation for entrance into the paramedic program. The program may set a higher standard for acceptance but may not set it less than 2.5. 16.
16. Final student recommendation is by the WSCC EMT-Paramedic Advisory Board. You will be notified of the decision regarding your acceptance by letter.