Click on a link to learn more about that topic:

• An Innovative Leader
• Description of Profession
• Working Conditions
• Employment Opportunities
• Educational Opportunities
• Length of Program
• Accreditation
• Admission Requirements

• Registration Requirements
• Curriculum
• Associate Degree Courses
• EMS Application Form
  (pdf document)
• Brochure
  (pdf document)
• EMS Essential Functions
  (pdf document)

At Southern Union, our focus is quality education. Our graduates must possess the education and skills to make split-second life and death decisions under a wide variety of adverse conditions. We are committed to graduating EMT-Basics and Paramedics who are competent to provide quality patient care from their first day on the job.

Return to Topics

Emergency Medical Technicians primarily provide emergency care for patients in an out-of-hospital setting. Duties vary according to the level of training but include performing CPR, patient assessment, airway management, splinting, bandaging, starting IVs, and administration of emergency medications.

Return to Topics

Patient care environment may include working in limited spaces with persons who have AIDS, AIDS-related diseases, Hepatitis, and other communicable diseases; exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, hazardous weather, and adverse conditions. Physically demanding and emotionally stressful environment that includes exposure to trauma, severe illness, and death. Work schedules usually include rotating twenty-four hour shifts during weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Return to Topics

Ambulance services, fire departments, and private industry as safety and first-aid personnel. A limited number of opportunities are available as educators, administrators, and consultants.

Return to Topics

A Baccalaureate degree in EMS may be earned after graduation at a four-year institution.

Return to Topics

Return to Topics

National Registered EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic following successful completion of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exams. The National Registry examinations are required for licensure in Alabama at both EMT levels.

Return to Topics

Alabama Department of Public Health, Emergency Medical Services Division

Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the EMS Professions

Return to Topics

In addition to the general admission requirements for the College, admission to the Basic level requires:

1. Unconditional admission to the College

2. 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).

3. Transcripts from all post secondary institutions attended.

4. COMPASS, ASSET, or ACT/ SAT scores.

5. Receipt of application for the Emergency Medical Services Program.

6. Age of 18 years or older within two (2) years of program completion.

In addition to the general admission requirements for the College, admission to the Paramedic level requires:

1. Completion of 1-6 listed above.

2. A current Alabama license as an EMT-Basic or successful completion of an  EMT-Basic course approved by the Alabama State Department of Public Health within the past twelve months.

Return to Topics

1. Current student malpractice insurance ($10-$15/semester).

2. Annual Health Questionnaire specific to the program of study verifying:

a. A state of physical and mental health such that the student is able to complete all program requirements.

b. Skin test for TB for the current semester.

c. Ability to meet Technical Standards/Essential Functions.

d. Current immunizations, including Hepatitis B vaccinations.

3. Verification of current American Heart Association CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level. No other CPR certification is acceptable.

Return to Topics