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Emergency Medical Services

A student wearing blue medical gloves uses a bag-valve mask to provide ventilation to an infant training manikin during a hands-on emergency medical training exercise. She is seated in a simulated clinical or ambulance environment, focused on the procedure while another person stands nearby.
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Prerequisites Required for Certificate or Degree Program

  • High school Algebra I and a lab science course
  • Current National Registry EMT or State EMT license (for AEMT and Paramedic pathways)

More information about the application process and prerequisites can be found HERE.

Paramedicine Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Eastern Maine Community College’s Paramedicine AAS degree prepares students to become highly skilled, advanced-level EMS clinicians ready to respond to the most critical medical and traumatic emergencies. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, high-fidelity simulation, and extensive clinical and field internships to prepare graduates for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam.

Throughout the program, students build advanced competencies in airway and ventilatory management, cardiology, pharmacology, trauma and medical emergency care, and EMS leadership. Each semester includes approximately 180 hours of clinical education in emergency departments, EMS agencies, and specialty care settings under the supervision of approved preceptors.

The Paramedicine AAS degree is ideal for students seeking a rewarding, high-impact healthcare career and for those planning to continue into management, nursing, or other advanced health programs.

Flexible General Education Pathways

Students may complete general education coursework prior to the paramedic year through:

  • Career Studies degree enrollment, or
  • Non-matriculated course registration

Additional EMS Pathways

Advanced EMT (AEMT)

Program Length: Two semesters (Fall start)
Weekly Contact: 3 hours lecture + 4 hours lab
Clinical Requirement: Minimum 180 clinical hours (Spring)
Credential: NREMT AEMT

The AEMT Certificate builds upon EMT skills to prepare students for advanced-level prehospital care. The Fall semester includes lecture and advanced lab sessions; the Spring semester includes a minimum of 180 hours of clinical rotations across hospital and field settings.

Students completing all requirements are eligible for the NREMT AEMT exam.

Program Highlights:

  • Advanced airway and respiratory management
  • IV/IO therapy and medication administration
  • Trauma and medical emergency management
  • EMS operations and clinical decision-making
  • Supervised clinical and field internships
  • Preparation for NREMT AEMT certification

This certificate is an excellent pathway for EMTs seeking career advancement, fire service promotion, or preparation for the paramedic program.

View the certificate program flyer here

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR 100)

EMR 100 provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond to medical and traumatic emergencies at the first-responder level. This 80-hour course blends classroom instruction, skills labs, and scenario-based learning to prepare students for real-world emergency situations.

The course is offered periodically throughout the year based on community and workforce demand. Successful completion of EMR 100 qualifies students to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Emergency Medical Responder exam, meeting all psychomotor and cognitive requirements for this entry-level EMS license.

Topics include:

  • Patient assessment and vital signs
  • Airway management
  • Medical and trauma emergencies
  • CPR and AED skills
  • Scene safety and emergency response roles 

This course is ideal for individuals seeking to begin a career in EMS, support their work in public safety or industry, or gain skills to volunteer in emergencies within their community.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Courses:

  • EMS 127 – EMT Lecture (4 credits)
  • EMS 128 – EMT Lab (3 credits)
    Total Hours: ~150 classroom hours (plus significant independent study)
    NREMT Eligibility: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is EMCC’s primary entry-level pathway into the EMS profession. Students enroll concurrently in EMS 127 (lecture) and EMS 128 (lab) to develop the knowledge, hands-on skills, and clinical judgment required for emergency medical care.

Offered every Fall, Spring, and Summer semester, the EMT program provides approximately 150 hours of classroom and laboratory training, supported by substantial self-directed study, online assignments, skills practice, and scenario-based learning. Students should expect a rigorous academic and practical workload designed to prepare them for real-world EMS responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of both courses, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT exam, meeting all requirements for state licensure at the EMT level.

Coursework includes:

  • Patient assessment and clinical decision-making
  • Airway, respiratory, and cardiac management
  • Medical and trauma emergencies
  • EMS operations
  • Hands-on labs and high-fidelity simulation
  • Preparation for NREM cognitive and psychomotor exams

The EMT program is ideal for students beginning their EMS journey, those pursuing career in fire and rescue, law enforcement support roles, or anyone seeking a strong healthcare foundation.

Click here for Paramedic Program Educational Outcomes

Apply Today!