Emergency Medical Services A.S. Degree

Skills You Will Gain

• Effective communication with patients, family members and other medical providers
• Leadership skills
• Critical decision making regarding patient care
• Ethical behavior
• Industry standards and safety regulations

Accreditation

The St. Petersburg College EMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Lives often depend on the quick thinking and fast responses of first responders in medical emergencies. Our EMS Associate in Science degree gives you a general education and strong scientific background for your career. If you are an EMT and paramedic, this degree provides the perfect way to earn promotions in your career field.

Features

• Affordable
• Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Can be completed in two years
• Transfers to two of our bachelor’s degrees: Public Safety Administration or Health Services Administration
• Gives you a competitive advantage for management jobs and promotions

What You Should Know

To be successful in the EMS programs, you should be able to demonstrate these essential functions.

Careers

Our program prepares you to work as an EMT or paramedic. As an EMT, you care for patients at the scene of an accident and during transport to the hospital under the direction of more highly trained medical personnel. Paramedics provide the most advanced care of all EMS professionals.

Career Outlook

There is a shortage both statewide and nationally for EMTs and paramedics. The job market is especially lucrative for those who also are fire-certified. Employment is expected to grow by 33 percent through 2020, much faster than other occupations. Opportunities exist in EMS agencies, fire and police departments, hospitals, physician offices and educational, correctional, veterans and military facilities.

Continuing Your Education

SPC provides education in the two levels of Emergency Medical Services certified by the State of Florida: Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. The EMT is the first level and allows practice at the basic life support level. It also provides the foundation to become a Paramedic. Paramedics provide more extensive pre-hospital care than do EMTs and are trained in advanced life support measures.

SPC also offers an A.S. degree program in Emergency Medical Services. Our EMT and Paramedic programs are the first two occupational completion points for our EMS-AS.This A.S. degree transfers to our bachelor's degrees in Public Safety Administration or Health Services Administration.

For graduates of the four technical schools covered by the Florida Statewide Articulation Agreement (Manatee Technical College, Suncoast Technical College [formerly Sarasota County Technical Institute], Lake Tech and First Coast Technical College), please contact the EMS Program Director to make an appointment to discuss a learning plan. You must be currently certified as a Florida Paramedic. Additional testing and face-to-face courses may be required.

Need more information on advising or admissions?

• Visit us at the Caruth Health Education Center during the hours below

The shortest wait times are in the morning. To be sure you will see an advisor, please arrive at least one hour before closing. Limited services may be available up to an hour before closing, depending on the number of students waiting.