Maine Schools Offering EMT Courses
Aspiring and professional EMTs in Maine can find a few educational programs providing basic, intermediate or advanced studies in this field. Students can pursue certificates, which in some cases can be earned in one year or less, or a 2-year degree that trains students for advanced roles as paramedics. These programs consist of classroom studies in addition to internships and clinical training in emergency care settings. Clinical training generally comprises hundreds of hours assisting in the care of trauma or ill patients. Graduates of these types of programs are prepared to take state licensing exams.
Details about two Maine community colleges with EMT courses are found below. Get information about course topics and program length. Helpful facts about each school are found in the table below as well.
- Southern Maine Community College offers a 2-year degree program focusing on paramedic studies. The school is located in South Portland.
- Kennebec Valley Community College is in Fairfield, Maine. The school offers certificate and associate's degree programs for those interested in EMT work.
Comparison of Schools
Before choosing an EMT program, it is helpful to examine all factors about the schools offering these studies. Below you will find statistics and figures regarding each school's population, tuition, retention rates, financial aid availability and more.
| Southern Maine Community College | Kennebec Valley Community College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 5,435 | 2,108 |
| Campus Setting | Small city | Rural |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2022-2023)* | $3,797 (in state) $6,677 (out-of-state) | $3,687 (in state) $6,567 (out-of-state) |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 80% | 88% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | 100% (open admissions) | 100% (open admissions) |
| Retention Rate for Full-Time Students (Fall 2020-Fall 2021)* | 53% | 58% |
| Graduation Rate (Students Who Began in 2018)* | 22% | 41% |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Southern Maine Community College
About 6,000 students attend Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), located in South Portland. This school offers about 40 degree programs, including an associate's degree in paramedicine.
Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services/Paramedicine
The paramedicine program builds upon the skills that students have already acquired through basic EMT programs. EMT classes include pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, paramedic procedures, trauma management, medical emergencies, cardiology and clinical practicums. The clinical practicums make up 700 hours of the program, and through them, students spend time working in hospitals, medical facilities and ambulances.
Kennebec Valley Community College
Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) began admitting students in 1970. More than 2,000 students attend KVCC, and the school offers programs in 25 fields of study.
Advanced Certificate (Intermediate)
This program requires only 12 credits and takes a year or less to complete. Courses address the basics of emergency medical services and also cover intermediate skills for cardiac and respiratory emergencies. Upon completion of this certificate program, students are able to sit for the state licensure exam to become practicing EMTs.
Advanced Emergency Care Paramedic Certificate
This certificate requires three semesters for completion. Program courses cover such topics as emergency cardiovascular care, paramedic emergencies, emergency care across the lifespan and paramedic skills. Upon completion of this 28-credit program, students are eligible to sit for the state exam to become licensed paramedics.
Associate in Applied Science in Advanced Emergency Care
This program builds upon the intermediate and advanced certificate programs for a total of 69 credits. Students complete practical skill assessment courses, which include on-the-job internships and clinical experiences, gaining firsthand practice with emergency situations.
