Emergency Medical Services

Continuing Education EMS Programs

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital and integrated system of coordinated emergency care, response, and transportation provided to individuals experiencing medical emergencies, injuries, or other urgent health issues. EMS plays a critical role in the healthcare system by ensuring timely access to medical care, particularly in situations where a patient’s condition requires immediate attention and rapid transport to a hospital or medical facility. Whether responding to accidents, heart attacks, strokes, or other emergencies, EMS is an essential part of public health and emergency response systems worldwide.

EMS includes EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and Paramedics who work to serve the public and their communities. Serving in this capacity involves interacting with a diverse population and requires EMS professionals to be professional, kind, non-judgmental, and detail-oriented. Their role goes beyond delivering medical and trauma care; it also involves genuinely caring for patients while maintaining their own physical and mental wellbeing.

Graduates of these programs may be eligible to take state and/or national certification examinations. Employment opportunities include roles in emergency medical services, fire departments, rescue agencies, hospital specialty areas, industry, educational institutions, and government agencies.

EMT Basic

This EMT-Basic Program provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of emergency medical care. The course covers the fundamentals of emergency medical response, including patient assessment, basic life support (BLS) techniques, trauma care, medical emergencies, and airway management. Students will learn to manage and assess patients in a variety of situations, such as cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory distress, and medical emergencies like diabetes or allergic reactions.

The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training through skills labs, where students will practice critical techniques such as CPR, bleeding control, splinting, and administering medications. Students will also complete clinical rotations and field internships, providing practical experience by working in real-world healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, ambulances, and other pre-hospital environments, under the supervision of experienced paramedics and medical professionals.

EMT Basic is the entry point for students to embark on their EMS journey. Successful completion of the course and of state testing is required for students hoping to continue with further EMS training and is a requirement for active NC firefighters. This class entails 250 classroom hours and 48 clinical hours.

Advanced EMT

The Advanced EMT Program is a comprehensive course that builds on the foundational knowledge of the EMT-Basic level and introduces advanced pre-hospital care techniques. This program covers a wide range of topics, including advanced airway management, medication administration, IV therapy, cardiac monitoring, and the management of complex medical and trauma emergencies. Students will learn how to assess and treat patients with more advanced medical conditions, and how to perform advanced life support (ALS) procedures under pressure.

The curriculum includes classroom lectures, hands-on skills labs, clinical rotations, and field internship experiences. Students will gain practical experience by working in real-world healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, ambulances, and other pre-hospital environments, under the supervision of experienced paramedics and medical professionals.

Students will spend 4-5 months in their Advanced EMT course. This course entails 186 classroom hours, 96 clinical hours, and 24 capstone hours. Our flip/ flop schedule accommodates students who are already working on a shift work schedule. This format allows students to choose weekly whether they will attend class on Tuesday or Thursday.

Paramedic

CFCC’s COAEMPS accredited paramedic program is available for Advanced EMT’s looking to take the next step in their EMS career. This dynamic, hands-on course delves deeper into essential topics such as advanced anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, trauma and medical emergencies, patient assessment, and advanced airway management. Students will also receive training in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and trauma life support (PHTLS).

The curriculum combines classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and field internship experiences with a focus on delivering quality care in emergency situations. Students will work closely with experienced paramedics and healthcare professionals, gaining real-world experience in hospitals, EMS settings, and in the field. Through rigorous training, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for delivering high-quality patient care.

Students will spend 9-15 months in their paramedic program. This course entails 500 classroom hours, 240 clinical hours, and 144 capstone hours. Our flip/ flop schedule accommodates students who are already working on a shift work schedule. This format allows students to choose weekly whether they will attend class on Tuesday or Thursday.

Continuing Education Opportunities for Current Providers:

EMT Continuing Medical Education:

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is essential for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to stay updated on the latest advancements in emergency care and maintain their certification. Our CME program offers a comprehensive selection of courses covering critical topics such as trauma management, cardiac emergencies, pediatric care, and life support techniques. Designed to align with national standards, these modules provide scenario-based learning, and flexible online options to accommodate busy schedules. By participating in CME, EMTs not only enhance their clinical skills but also ensure the highest quality of care for their patients in urgent and life-threatening situations.

View EMT CME Course Information

Paramedic & AEMT Continuing Medical Education:

Continuing Medical Education (CME) for paramedics and advanced EMT’s is vital to maintaining licensure, advancing skills, and staying at the forefront of pre-hospital emergency care. Our CME program is tailored to meet the evolving needs of paramedics, offering in-depth courses on topics such as advanced airway management, pharmacology updates, critical care transport, and specialized trauma interventions. Through a blend of interactive online modules, paramedics can expand their expertise and adapt to emerging medical practices. By engaging in CME, paramedics ensure their readiness to provide exceptional care in diverse and high-stakes emergency scenarios.

View Paramedic & AEMT CME Course Information