Integrated (Accelerated) Program

INTEGRATED ACCELERATED AEMT PROGRAM

What is the Integrated (Accelerated) EMT/AEMT Program?
The EMS Academy’s Integrated Accelerated AEMT program is the most demanding course offered for the EMT/AEMT licensure level. Piloted for the state of Tennessee by the EMS Academy in 2019, the “AAEMT” program combines the EMT and AEMT curriculum (traditionally taught separately over 2 semesters) into a single 15-week semester. 

This course is an academy-style, semester-long program designed to turn a civilian with no medical background into a vital member of the pre-hospital EMS team in 15 weeks. Our program provides students with the necessary didactic and practical training to perform life-saving skills; Students will learn to work alone as well as in a squad-based (team) environment. 

Applicants considering embarking upon the AAEMT program should ensure they are prepared for a rigorous semester of training that will demand they be at the top of their academic game. Diligent study habits, superb time management, and the resolve to devote themselves to their studies without relent are all necessary qualities of the successful AAEMT student.

SPRING 2025 OFFERINGS

Interested candidates must complete the admissions process into the college (including the removal of all applicable holds) before they will be considered for enrollment in the Integrated Accelerated AEMT program. Candidates will be contacted one time by a member of the Health Sciences Department regarding any outstanding items that are preventing them from being accepted into the program. Only the EMT/AEMT Program Coordinator admits students into the program. Candidates will be contacted by the Program Coordinator once they are cleared to inform them of their acceptance status. 

Oftentimes, college emails (acceptance letters) are filtered to a junk/spam folder. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO MONITOR THESE FOLDERS FOR COMMUNICATION FROM THE COLLEGE/PROGRAM COORDINATOR.

Please refer all questions regarding program admission/acceptance to EMT/AAEMT Program Coordinator Amanda Schatz at awatson12@ColumbiaState.edu.

What times and locations are AAEMT classes offered? EMS Academy classes are held exclusively at the Columbia Main Campus. Integrated Accelerated AEMT classes will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and either Wednesday OR Thursday. The entire cohort will attend Monday & Tuesday lecture from 08:30-15:30. Each half of the cohort will be assigned to either a Wednesday or Thursday skills day. Students will attend on their assigned skills day from 08:30-17:30 every week.

What about clinical rotations?
Students will self-schedule and attend 144 hours of clinical rotations outside of class. These rotations will be at pre-approved clinical sites specified by the instructor cadre. Generally, clinicals are divided into 12-hour shifts constituting approximately 12 days of clinical rotations throughout the program. Some clinical sites may offer differing hours.

What is the first step?
Apply for admission to Columbia State Community College. You can  apply online  or on any of the campuses. Ensure the college has received:

• Proof of MMR Vaccination
• High School Transcript
• All college transcripts
• ACT Scores (if applicable)
• Documentation of Varicella Zoster immunizations (2) or positive titer

EMS Academy candidates must, at a minimum, place at competency Level 1 in all categories (Math, Reading, Writing.) Competency status is each area is validated by ACT sub-scores OR through institutional placement testing through Testing Services.

What if I’m a returning student?

Students who go directly from EMT to AAEMT with no break (summer/fall or fall/spring) will need to email the Health Sciences Records Clerk at healthrecords@ColumbiaState.edu to review what is needed exactly. Background checks and drug screens should NOT be started until told to do so by either the Health Sciences Records Clerk or the EMS Program Director.

What's needed after program acceptance?

• Register for classes using the CRNs and directions provided in your acceptance letter.
• Upon acceptance, students will be enrolled in an online campus course with directions on how to submit required health records. The Health Sciences Records Clerk at healthrecords@ColumbiaState.edu will advise the students once they have been enrolled in the online campus course. These documents must be submitted PRIOR to the MANDATORY orientation date.
• Purchase your uniforms. We require at least one complete uniform. It is recommended that you buy at least two complete uniforms in case your uniform gets soiled while at clinical rotation. Students must order uniforms by the deadline set in their acceptance letter to abide by uniform policy on Day 1 of class.
• Purchase required textbooks/workbooks (as outlined in your acceptance letter).
• Register and pay for EMS Testing (directions provided in your acceptance letter).
• Save the date for mandatory program orientation. (Date provided in your acceptance letter)

Advancing after earning an AEMT license.

There are several directions you can move in after you get your license. Completers may choose to pursue careers in nursing, physical therapy, athletic trainer, or any other health sciences profession.  The most common path is to advance to the Paramedic certificate and then the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in either General Technology or Health Sciences (both offered by Columbia State.)  The AAS degree requires completion of additional general education courses in English, Math, Biology, Speech, Humanities, Social Sciences, and a GENT or Health Sciences capstone course.  (see Health Sciences or General Technology degree information sheets for curriculum outlines.)