Essential Information
Students interested in going to school in order to complete formal training as a paramedic may choose between training, certificate, and associate's degree programs. All programs lead to eligibility to take the certification exam at the paramedic level, though only degree programs include general education classes. Additionally, students complete hands-on training in the field through internships or clinical rotations. Read about the paramedic programs at these four area schools below.
Chattanooga State Community College
Located in Chattanooga, this community college offers a one-year paramedic training program that is available to certified EMTs. The program consists of 700 classroom hours and 600-800 hours of clinical experience. Students can also pursue a paramedic associate's degree that includes additional general education coursework.
Northeast State Community College
Northeast State Community College in Blountville offers two paramedic training programs. The paramedic technical certificate program requires the completion of 38 credit hours of coursework; graduates can transfer credits toward an associate degree program. Student fulfill the same coursework in the 67-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science program in Paramedic. Both paramedic programs require that applicants be certified at the EMT - Basic level and complete an interview with the supervising department.
Roane State Community College
Roane State Community College offers aspiring paramedics the chance to gain training through programs offered at the main campus in Harriman and at Knoxville campus. Students can earn a certificate by completing a 42-credit-hour paramedic program, which is offered twice a year. Students who want to earn a degree can enroll in an associate degree program in allied health with a paramedic emphasis after consultation with an academic adviser.
Walters State Community College
Located in Morristown, Walters State Community College offers two paramedic training programs. The 38-credit-hour EMS - paramedic technical certificate program is open to certified EMTs who have worked at least one year in the field. The college also offers an Associate of Applied Science program for those who wish to concentrate in paramedics. Degree-seeking students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including the paramedic core classes required of the certificate program.
Career Requirements
In order to be certified as paramedics in Tennessee, individuals must have met the requirements to be an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) IV before completing an approved training program, including an EMT paramedic course approved by the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Board. They then must pass the certification exams administered by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) through the State of Tennessee's Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services. Paramedics can also be licensed as critical care paramedics after completing a critical care program approved by the EMS Board.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Paramedic Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga State Community College | Two-year, public; midsize city | Paramedic Training Program | $4,063 in-state $15,727 out-of-state |
| Northeast State Community College | Two-year, public; fringe rural | EMT - Paramedic Technical Certificate, AAS in Paramedic | $4,248 in-state $16,536 out-of-state |
| Roane State Community College | Two-year, public; distant town | Paramedic Certificate, AAS in Allied Health with a Paramedic Emphasis | $4,443 in-state $17,349 out-of-state |
| Walters State Community College | Two-year, public; small city | EMS - Paramedic Technical Certificate, EMS AAS - Paramedic Concentration | $4,224 in-state $16,800 out-of-state |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator.
