SCC EMS Programs FAQ
Complete the admissions process to the college. Visit the Advising Center for a notice of completion. Take the signed notice of completion to the Health & Human Resources Administrative Assistant in HSB 144. She will add you to the course list, as well as email you with further requirements and deadlines.
See Apply to EMT for details.
All paramedic program announcements are advertised on the SCC Paramedic & EMT website. Dates for applications and deadlines will be posted. Watch the paramedic & EMT webpage for dates and times.
See Apply to Paramedic for details.
Applications are accepted for the EMT program as each semester approaches. See Admissions for application details.
Applications will be accepted for the paramedic program in December for the following January cohort according to the dates listed on Apply to Paramedic. Late applications will not be considered for admission into the next paramedic cohort.
No. One can begin with EMS 105 - Basic Emergency Medical Care I, and progress through the entire EMT and/or paramedic curriculum.
To enter the paramedic program, you must have completed BIO 112 – Basic Anatomy & Physiology or the equivalent or higher and have either completed EMS 106 in our EMT program or hold current National Registry and South Carolina EMT certifications and have a current BLS HCP (CPR) card. While EMT experience is desirable, it is not required.
As part of the requirements for entering an EMT or paramedic course, the SC DHEC Bureau of EMS requires that the student must, “Be physically fit and able to perform all the tasks of an EMT [or Paramedic].“
Applicants and students should be able to perform these essential functions or with reasonable accommodations, such as the help compensatory techniques and/or assistive devices, and be able to demonstrate ability to become proficient in these essential functions.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical/placement judgment.
Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Communication ability
Communication abilities sufficient for effective interaction with others in expressive and written English, including computer literacy.
Physical endurance
Remain continuously on task for several hours while standing, sitting, walking, lifting, bending, and/or transporting patients.
Mobility
Physical abilities sufficient to move from area to area and maneuver in small spaces; full range of motion; manual and finger dexterity; and hand-eye coordination.
Motor skills
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care and operate equipment.
Adequate height
Ability to reach and operate overhead equipment.
Hearing ability
Auditory ability sufficient to access non-direct essential patient information.
Visual Ability
Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for patient observation, assessment and/or treatment; ability to discriminate between subtle changes in density (black to gray) of a color in low light.
Tactile ability
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.
Olfactory ability
Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environmental safety, and patient needs.
Professional presentation
Ability to present professional appearance and attitude; implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health and emotional stability.
Up to 30 students will be accepted into each EMT course each semester. The first to apply will be offered seats.
A paramedic cohort is limited to 15 students. Students are selected in an application process and seated according to published Selective Admission Criteria available in Apply to Paramedic.
The Registrar at SCC determines what courses will transfer in to the college from another institution. Once a student has applied to the college and been accepted, the student needs to have an official transcript sent to the Registrar (via Admissions) so courses can be evaluated for transfer credit. Students wishing to transfer courses to SCC from other institutions need to allow at least 4-6 weeks for transcripts to be evaluated by the Registrar.
Many of our students have families and also work and attend school. The students are made aware in information sessions and in the program orientation of the number of hours required for the either EMT or the paramedic curriculum and must adjust work hours each semester to accommodate their school schedules.
Many students can “multi-task” well and experience no problems balancing school, family and work. We advise students to remain disciplined and practice good time management skills during their tenure in an EMT or paramedic program.
Neither the EMT or paramedic program has weekend or night classes, nor are they offered online or in a hybrid fashion at this time.
The paramedic program is designed for students to complete their course work in five consecutive semesters. Each semester has content that builds on the paramedic courses from the previous semester. Clinical, field experience, and field internship are associated with specific semesters as well. Therefore, it is not feasible for a student to go to paramedic school part time.
Yes. We offer a paramedic certificate. The only general education classes that are required for the certificate are BIO 112 (Basic Anatomy & Physiology) and COL 101 (College Skills) . Once the paramedic certificate is completed, you can finish the remaining general education courses and earn your associate degree should you choose to do so.
A minimum of six (6) certifications will be earned in the duration of the program – EMT, Paramedic, Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (CPR), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PHTLS (Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support).
In many cases, yes. You must take 25% of the program's credits (17 credit hours) at SCC to be considered for a degree. Coursework transferred to SCC is not considered as “taken” at SCC. Also, you must have attended an institution for paramedic training with whom we have a current articulation agreement in order for us to substitute coursework. You will need to consult the program director for complete information.
Before you begin either the EMT or paramedic program, but especially in the paramedic program since clinicals begin the second week of class.
A department-approved uniform shirt, pants, belt and boots must be worn in all labs and during all clinical, field experience and field internship rotations. Uniforms are purchased at Harrison’s Work Wear. A complete uniform may cost approximately $250 but can be used throughout the entire program. A stethoscope is also required for all clinical, field experience and field internship shifts.
See the Uniform Policy for more details.
Although not a requirement, it is highly recommended.
EMT students will complete a minimum of 24 hours on a local 9-1-1 ambulance and document ten (10) patient contacts.
Paramedic students will attend a minimum of 270 hours of clinical (hospital) time and, complete 180 hours of field experience and 180 hours of field internship (Capstone) on a 9-1-1 ambulance. All of this time is performed under the supervision of an experienced paramedic and/or registered nurse with emergency medical experience.
In the Upstate of South Carolina, starting salaries average between $32,000 and $39,000.
Yes!! EMTs and Paramedics are in great demand especially in South Carolina. The Bureau of Labor statistics show the demand for EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 35% through 2030. Placement rates for our graduating classes are consistenly near 100%! EMS systems are expanding to meet the demand of incoming industries which in turn, increases population. Call volumes continue to rise each year, thereby creating job security in the field.
Yes. Many credits received are transferable to other colleges and universities. Many students continue their education and complete bachelor degrees through 4-year institutions.
For questions regarding the EMT program, please contact Angela Brown at browna@sccsc.edu or (864) 592-4097.
For questions regarding the paramedic program, please contact Doug Paris at parisd@sccsc.edu or (864) 592-4277.
We will be happy to assist you in any way possible!