Associate of Applied Science Degree

Important Information

A.A.S. Degree Courses Course Descriptions Admissions Requirements Degree Requirements Form Transcript Request Form

17. Is there an age requirement?

1. Yes, you must be at least 16 years of age; however, the State of North Carolina will not grant credentials to a candidiate until they reach 18 years of age. Admissions prior to age 18 may require addtional steps.  Please contact Health Sciences Admissions for further information.

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17. How long does the EMS degree program take to complete?

1. The EMS curriculum spans five semesters (1 year, 10 months) to prepare graduates to enter the workforce as paramedics, with the advantage of having an A.A.S. degree to enhance career opportunities. However, the total amount of time it takes you to get through this program may vary based on several factors, including your placement test scores and how quickly you complete all of the required prerequisites. If your placement test scores indicate that you need to complete developmental course work to meet admissions requirements, it will take you longer than two years to complete the program.
   

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17. What are the advantages of completing the AAS degree?

1. Advantages include:
   
   
   1. Having a degree gives you an advantage in any EMS related hiring situation and frequently results in a higher starting salary.
   2. Degrees are often the key for EMS providers to move up or in to other aspects of the field, like management and administration, or in to state or federal EMS related positions.
   3. In most cases the degree program can be completed in a shorter amount of time than it takes to complete the Continuing Education credentials.
   4. Several states now require an AAS in EMS to practice as a paramedic. This trend is expected to spread eventually to all states.

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17. What are the disadvantages of completing the AAS degree?

1. Disadvantages include:
   
   
   1. Classes are offered predominantly during the day and must be completed in a specific order.
   2. Admissions requirements must be met before you can begin the EMS classes.
   3. Additional General Education classes, like ENG 111, must also be taken to complete the degree requirements.

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17. What are the requirements to start the AAS degree program?

1. Modern day paramedics are health care professionals. They interact with various members of the health care team and must be able to communicate in a professional manner. They are acquiring more skills and autonomy every day and as such need the ability to problem solve and need critical thinking skills. If you cannot read and write at the college entry level you will have a difficult time in this program and the profession. In addition, you are handling medications and must be able to quickly calculate patient weight and medication dosages to prevent further harm to the patient. Without good basic math skills you will be unable to do this effectively.

   If it has been a long time since you were in high school or college you may find that your English and math skills have deteriorated a little and you need to brush up. You might be surprised to learn how many returning students need to take developmental courses. You should not view this as a personal failure, but should look at it as an additional step along the way towards attaining your goal of becoming a paramedic.

   Please consult with a Health Science counselor to get the most up to date information on Health Sciences Admissions requirements. In a nutshell, you need to take the COMPASS placement test and test out of developmental English and Math. The national EMT-P curriculum requires Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) as well. At Wake Tech, in order to complete all the objectives listed in the national standard curriculum you need to take two semesters of A&P.

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17. Is this program eligible for any form of Financial Aid?

1. The EMS curriculum program is eligible for Financial Aid. Consult with a Financial Aid Advisor for additional information. The Continuing Education classes are not covered by Financial Aid.

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17. Will I receive credit for any of my EMT credentials?

1. Students may receive advanced standing in the EMS classes based on their current NC credentials.  A student may receive credit for EMS 110 if they hold a current EMT-B credential.  Credit may be awarded for EMS 110, EMS 120, and EMS 121 if a student holds a current NC EMT-I credential.
   Currently credentialed EMT-Paramedics are eligible for certain course credit. Refer to Bridge Program for details.

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17. I'm interested in taking a class.  What is my next step?

1. If you have any additional questions about the A.A.S. EMS degree program you should contact Shelley St. Aubin, Admissions Counselor at 919-747-0102 or or sjstaubi@waketech.edu.

   To obtain an application, schedule placement tests, or for other administrative services contact the Health Sciences Admissions at 919-747-0101.

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