Learn the emergency medical care skills to become an emergency medical technician (EMT), advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), and paramedic. Students learn through intensive, scenario-based, instruction and the use of state-of-the-art simulation equipment to master the knowledge, hands-on skills, and critical thinking needed by EMS responders to help those in need during an emergency.

After successful completion of the course, and receipt of your national registry or North Carolina EMT credential, you are eligible to receive 9 credit hours in Wake Tech’s EMS AAS degree program.

"Thank you for laying such a solid foundation for me to build on in regards to the world of EMS. The EMT-B class changed my life and the way I view the world."

Keven Donadio, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) student

Industry-recognized credential: North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician

Complete course in: Six months or less

Financial assistance available

Don't have enough money to pay for a course? Right now, Wake Tech's Propel program offers scholarships that cover the cost of registration, fees, books, course-specific supplies and credentialing exams.

The Propel scholarship application is closed while existing applications are being processed.

For more information, email John C. Wilson at [email protected].

EMS continuing education

Wake Tech runs a standard rotating series of non-degree Emergency Medical Science classes and refresher courses for EMS professionals and those wishing to become an emergency medical technician. Additionally, the EMS program offers multiple specialty courses taught by award-winning and renowned faculty.

Preregistration is required for online and specialty courses. Registration fees vary depending on the length of the course and are set by the North Carolina Community College System Office.

*Additional fees may be required based on course requirements.

Tuition waiver

EMS professionals outside Wake County may qualify for a tuition waiver with a letter on official department letterhead indicating that the course is necessary for employment. The letter must include documentation of the student's active membership as a volunteer or paid staff and must have a date within the current semester. A single letter can be used for multiple members from a single agency.

• The tuition waiver is limited to municipally employed EMS professionals. Individuals employed by privately owned EMS agencies or non-emergency transport services do not qualify for the tuition waiver under the North Carolina Administrative Code pertaining to community colleges.
• Failure to provide documentation of affiliation by the first day of class will result in registration fees being applied to the student.
• The tuition waiver applies only to the course registration fee. Any other fees associated with the course are the responsibility of the student and must be paid before the class starts.

EMS professionals within Wake County meeting the specifications above have been listed on a single letter provided by Wake County EMS under the provisions granted by the EMS System Plan to qualify for fee waiver status.

Course registration

How do you get started? Follow these steps:

1. Using the Course Reservation system, add the course(s) to your cart and complete the information to reserve your spot. You can also search for courses on WebAdvisor and register yourself.
2. After the registration cutoff date, all students will be registered in the course and assigned to the appropriate course in Moodle.
3. Once registration has been completed, students who need to pay must do so before the class begins.
4. Set up a Moodle account and log in.

Registration closes five days before the first day of class or when the class is full.

Use drop-down list to enter Subject and College.
Then click Submit.

Specific course information

Emergency Medical Technician course

This course introduces basic emergency medical care. Topics include preparatory, airway, patient assessment, medical emergencies, trauma, infants and children and operations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve North Carolina or national registry EMT certification.

• Required immunizations

Typical course length: 288 hours

Refresher courses

Refresher courses are designed for those EMS professionals who may not have the opportunity to attend monthly continuing education courses. EMS professionals should register for the course associated with their level of credential with an end date that occurs before the credential expires. Credentialed EMS professionals and those with a credential that has lapsed within the last two years are eligible to register for these courses. Re-credentialing is available at Wake Tech, if needed by the student.

• EMT Refresher Course (96 hours)
• AEMT Refresher Course (120 hours)
• Paramedic Refresher Course (144 hours)

Continuing education series

Online courses are designed to supplement the continuing education needed by each individual for credential renewal. These courses are taught monthly on the schedule below and are divided into EMT and paramedic, depending on credential level. An EMS credential is a required to register.

These classes taken separately do not indicate completion of an EMT course. Students wishing to pursue EMT credentials should register for the initial EMT course.

Critical Care Transport

This program is designed to prepare paramedics and nurses to function as members of a critical care transport team. On completion, students will be prepared to register for the International Board of Specialty Certifications Critical Care Paramedic or Certified Flight Paramedic exams.

Typical course length: 281 hours

EMS Instructor Methodology

This course provides students who are clinically competent in a specific EMS content area with the knowledge, resources and skills to effectively deliver quality EMS education. The course presents educational concepts, practices and resources across a range of topics, from the basic psychology of learning to classroom management, ethical issues in education and student and course evaluation. The focus is on instructional preparation, presentation and evaluation and represents a consensus among professional EMS educators as to the knowledge, skills and practices that are essential to providing quality EMS education.

Typical course length: 65 hours

Preceptor Course

This online course is for EMS professionals employed by area agencies who either currently (or desire to) precept Wake Tech EMS students. All preceptors must complete the required training to have Wake Tech students placed with them.

Typical course length: 2 hours