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Emergency Medical Sciences

Thursday, December 26, 2024
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UA-PTC Student

Emergency Medical Sciences Program Goals

The goal of the Emergency Medical Sciences Program is to prepare Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced EMTs (AEMTs) and Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

About Our Programs

The Department of Emergency Medical Sciences (EMS) was established in July 1975 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, through a collaboration between the State of Arkansas and a federal Emergency Medical Services grant. The first class graduated in the summer of 1976, and the Department has operated continuously since. In January 2019, the Department transitioned to UA-Pulaski Technical College, where it continues to provide a dynamic educational experience. Students benefit from a comprehensive program that includes academic coursework, clinical practice, and field internships, preparing them to be skilled and compassionate healthcare providers.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program

The EMT program consists of 6 semester credits in Introduction to Emergency Medical Technology. Students may choose one of two pathways:

1. Academic Credit Only

2. Academic Credit and Licensure/Certification

Historically, students who pursue both academic credit and licensure/certification are interested in working as licensed EMTs, meeting the prerequisite requirements for the Paramedic Program, or pursuing careers in fire services. Additionally, the program provides essential patient care skills for those intending to enter other healthcare professions, such as physician assistants or physicians.

Students pursuing licensure/certification who successfully complete the program are eligible to challenge the EMT credentialing examinations administered by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). The EMT classes meet two days per week for one semester, and courses are offered every fall, spring, and summer.

Paramedic Program

For individuals already holding an Arkansas EMT license, the Paramedic Program offers the next step in advancing your patient care skills and medical knowledge. The program provides two completion options: a Certificate or an Associate’s Degree.

  • The Certificate Program requires 36 hours of professional coursework.
  • The Associate of Applied Science Degree requires 24 hours of Core Curriculum coursework in addition to the 36 hours of professional coursework.

Successfully completing all program requirements for licensure and certification meets the eligibility criteria to apply for the paramedic credentialing examinations administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Graduates who earn the certificate may later complete the associate’s degree requirements in a future semester, provided all degree requirements are met.

Students are accepted into the Paramedic Program for fall entry. Classes are held on a flexible schedule that typically allows students to choose from two options each week to attend class, with the same course materials taught during both sessions each week. Clinical hours can be scheduled within program guidelines, including on nights, weekdays and weekends.

Programs of Study

Programmatic Accreditation and Credentialing

The UA-PTC Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

To contact CAAHEP:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
www.caahep.org

To contact CoAEMSP:

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX: (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

The UA-PTC Department of EMS is accredited by the Arkansas Department of Health, Section of Emergency Medical Services (ADH EMS) to provide all levels of prehospital care training.
To contact ADH EMS:

Arkansas Department of Health Section of Emergency Medical Services
5800 West 10th Street, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 661-2262

For additional information, contact EMSprograms@uaptc.edu.

Mailing Address

University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
Emergency Medical Sciences Program
3000 West Scenic Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118

Location: Allied Health Education Center Building, First Floor