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Emergency Medical Services

A.A.S.

Certificate

The Emergency Medical Services program prepares students to administer emergency medical care to sick or injured individuals. Graduates work as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics, and can earn an associate degree to pursue further educational opportunities.

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The AAS degree in Emergency Medical & Health Services builds upon the Paramedic certificate and the EMT certificate to result in an associate degree. Graduates will be prepared to administer emergency medical care and can pursue TCC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Health degree.
Length

2.25 Years*

99-101 Credits

Costs

Typically $2,462.65*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map
Things to Know

Please review this important information to learn more about the Emergency Medical Services Program:

Accreditation

Outcomes Assessment

Resources
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This program builds upon the EMT certificate and is designed to prepare graduates to meet state certification requirements and to take the National Registry EMT-Paramedic examination. As a paramedic, you may be employed by the fire department, hospital, or private ambulance companies. You'll be the eyes, ears, and hands of an emergency physician while in the field.
Length

1 Year*

61 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements
Admission Information

Each year, the application will open mid-January and close on March 31st at 11:59pm. This program starts summer quarter and is completed over four consecutive quarters.

Before applying to the Paramedic program, students must obtain their EMT certificate and have documentation of a minimum of 1 year of active EMT experience (volunteer experience is acceptable).

Please review the Application Guidelines to learn more about the application process.
Things to Know

Please review this important information to learn more about the Emergency Medical Services Program:

Accreditation

Outcomes Assessment

Resources
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This program is designed to prepare graduates to meet state certification requirements and to take the National Registry EMT-Paramedic examination. Students can build upon this certificate to earn the Paramedic certificate or an associate degree. Emergency Medical Technicians provide basic life support and transportation for victims of illness and injury.
Length

3 Months*

12 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Program Costs

Academic Info

Core Requirements
2024-2025 EMT Cohorts

There will be various options for EMT cohorts offered for this academic year:

Community based location: This daytime program is specifically designed to enhance options for access in underserved Tacoma neighborhoods. Tacoma's East Side is the anticipated community site.

Evening/weekend course option

Although subject to change, it is anticipated that all options will be offered in a face-to-face environment. Due to high volume of interest in the EMT program, TCC will select applicants for specialty cohorts based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, application completion, location, academic preparation, etc. All others will be randomly selected via a lottery-based system.
Admission Information

In order to be admitted to the EMT program, students must have:

Current government issued photo identification

High school diploma or GED

Age 18 prior to clinical or field experience during the program

Must have all required immunizations

The application window for Spring quarter 2025 will be 6am, January 15 to 5pm, February 15.
Things to Know

Please review this important information to learn more about the Emergency Medical Services Program:

Accreditation

Outcomes Assessment

Resources
*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

Graduates will be able to administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. They can go on to pursue further education or join the workforce.

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The Industries

Fire and Rescue
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Management

Humanitarian Assistance
Public Safety
Community Health

The Careers

Paramedic

Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses.

Emergency Medical Technician

Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

Fire Fighter

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, and disaster assistance.

Community Health Worker

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors.

Career Explorer

From Our Students

You see people in such a vulnerable state when you respond to their house and it’s their emergency, and it truly gives you an appreciation for what we do.”

Bryan Phan
Paramedic Program Graduate

Eastside EMT Cohort Launch

Announcing the new, community-based location for the EMT program

Students in graduation regalia walk across the Japanese bridge on campus

Tuition & Payment

TCC is typically 1/3 the cost of a state university. Find out about how much college costs so you can plan for your finances.

Financial Aid

Nearly 60 percent of all TCC students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school. We can help you make an investment in your education.

Ways to Pay

There are resources to help you pay for college, including scholarships, grants, workforce education funding, student emergency funds, and much more.

Veterans Benefits

Service members, military veterans, and their families have unique needs when it comes to furthering their educational goals.

Academic Advising

Connect with your advisor to stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.

Student Learning Centers

Take charge of your education with our Student Learning Centers, offering support to help develop skills and excel in your classes.

Library

The Library is the campus hub for information and research resources.

Access Services

Providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities.

Counseling

TCC Counseling provides free and confidential help to all students.

Food Pantry

The Titan Food Pantry is open to all students, providing food to get you through the day.

Free Bus Pass

All students are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation through Pierce Transit.

Childcare

The Early Learning Center is a safe, enriching place for children age 12 month to 8 years to learn and grow while you pursue your educational goals.

Career Center

Visit the Career Center to receive career coaching, resume building assistance, and get connected with employers in our area.

Career Explorer

Use the Career Explorer to find out more about future employment opportunities in the area and what each position entails.

Career Assessment

Use the Career Assessment to help you identify what jobs might be a good fit for you, and the programs at TCC that can help you get started.

Student Employment

Explore options for work while you're a student, including work-study positions, internships, and part-time opportunities.

All Student Support

About

Degrees & Certificates

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical and Health Services

Paramedic Certificate

Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

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Top Transfer Options

The Industries

The Careers

From Our Students

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