Associate Degree

The Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides an integrated educational pathway for students preparing for careers and professional advancement in Emergency Medical Services, fire-rescue, healthcare, public safety, and related fields.

Emergency Medical Responder education provides an entry pathway into Emergency Medical Technician education but is not an embedded certificate within the Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services degree.

The Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services contains two embedded EMS certificate programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Paramedic

Students begin the professional EMS degree sequence with Emergency Medical Technician education. Students who successfully complete the EMT curriculum and satisfy applicable Paramedic Program admission requirements may progress into the Paramedic Program.

Applicable EMT and Paramedic coursework applies toward completion of the Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services degree. Students must also successfully complete all applicable general education and other degree requirements established by Polk State College.

This structure provides defined educational entry, progression, and completion points that allow students to earn applicable EMS credentials while progressing toward completion of the Associate in Science degree.

Employment opportunities may include municipal or county EMS systems, fire-rescue agencies, public and private ambulance services, healthcare organizations, industrial or occupational health and safety programs, educational organizations, and other agencies utilizing EMS professionals.

The Associate in Science degree may also support professional development and advancement into positions involving supervision, leadership, education, administration, quality improvement, community paramedicine, and other advanced EMS functions. Specific employment qualifications and promotional requirements are established by individual employers and agencies.

The accreditation applies specifically to the Paramedic program and should not be interpreted as separate CAAHEP accreditation of the Emergency Medical Responder course, Emergency Medical Technician certificate, or Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services degree.