Become a leader in life-saving care.

Advance your career in emergency medicine with the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Emergency Medical Services. Designed for certified EMTs ready to take the next step, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a paramedic or pursue specialized healthcare fields.

Paramedics have significantly more advanced training than EMTs, enabling them to perform a wide range of life-saving procedures like administering medications, advanced airway management, interpreting EKGs, and using complex medical equipment.

With this degree, you’ll not only gain advanced clinical expertise but also open doors to leadership roles, critical care transport, and pathways to further education. Prepare to meet the evolving demands of emergency medical services and make a greater impact in high-pressure situations.

Faculty Contact

Jon Longest, Program Director
Health Professions and Athletics Center
Room 203C
410-822-5400 ext. 2724 [email protected]

2
Years to Complete
(full-time student)
15:1
Student-Faculty
Ratio
~$13,000
Estimated Total
Costs & Fees

If you already have your EMT certification (either National Registration or Maryland) and are ready to advance your skills to become a paramedic, this program will give you the education and training you need to sit for the national certification or state protocol examination.

The A.A.S. Degree includes additional general education coursework that will expand your employment opportunities and prepare you for additional training and study in other health fields.

The curriculum follows the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards.

The emergency medical services A.A.S. degree program is for students who:

  • Are already certified as EMTs and want to advance to paramedic
  • Want to prepare for entry-level paramedic positions
  • Are considering further education in other allied health fields
  • Important: You must have your EMT Certification, either National Registry or Maryland, to qualify for this program. Additional admission requirements apply, speak to an advisor or view the College Catalog for more details.

When you complete this program, you will know how to:

  • Implement advanced patient assessments, clinical skills and therapeutic procedures on medical and trauma patients
  • Develop treatment plans for patients suffering from medical illness or traumatic injuries
  • Interpret collected data from charts and patients
  • Perform and interpret diagnostic procedures
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other medical professionals
  • Evaluate professional responsibilities concerning ethical issues that may be present in an emergency medical services environment
  • Apply critical thinking skills to assess and treat patients in emergency settings

The Paramedic/EMS Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Chesapeake is a great place to start your EMS training in Maryland.

Cohort Graduation Year 2017 2018 2019-1 2019-2 2020 2021 2022 Average
Number of Graduates 13 7 14 9 10 13 12 78 Total
Retention 93% 100% 100% 90% 71% 65% 60% 83%
Positive Job Placement 92% 100% 92% 100% 100% 100% 92% 97%
National Registry Written Test 92% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 83% 96%

This information is intended only to assist with planning, providing an estimate of the expenses EMS students may anticipate. The actual cost may vary and is subject to change. The tuition costs are based off the “in-county residence” rates.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes Federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance. For more information, see below.

EMS 518 (A.A.S.) Estimated Costs
Tuition and Fees: $11,289
EMS Lab Fees: $890
Text Books: $300
Uniforms: $100
Background Checks: $120
Shoes for clinical: $100
Physical examination and immunization: Varies
Stethoscope: $72-120
National Registry Cognitive Exam: $175 (per attempt)

Total Estimated Program Costs: $13, 046

The application period for this program is from January 15 through March 31 for  admission into the Fall cohort.

Admission to this program is limited, therefore, selection is competitive. Not yet an EMT? Start here.

Application Process

Apply to Chesapeake College

Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details for submitting your supplemental items, including information about Placement Testing (as needed), Official Transcripts, and other important documentation. (Check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.)

Complete the Program Application
Once you’ve applied to the College (step 1 above), you must also apply to the program. Admission into this program is competitive. Please complete the program-specific application at the link below. Note that this application requires the following:

  • Unofficial high school & college transcripts
  • GED certificate (if applicable)
  • Current Maryland or National Registry EMT card
  • Results from Placement Testing
  • Verification of EMT experience from eMEDs.
  • Two supervisor evaluations

APPLICATION OPENS JANUARY 15

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

Program Admission Decision

Program admission decisions are different from the general college admissions process. All students are admitted to the college—the EMS program, however, is competitive. Not all applicants will be accepted. Once program applications have been submitted on March 31, the director will evaluate all EMS candidates.

Decisions for the EMS program will be released via email in late April or early May. 

Pay & Prep
Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

EMS FAQs

General Information

This webpage contains all you need to know about Chesapeake’s EMS program.

The college offers EMT and paramedic education. (EMS 518/519). You can find out more about the different levels of clinicians here.

No. You can become a Nationally Registered Paramedic without an affiliation, but Maryland will require it before issuing your Maryland license.

Yes. It is a national requirement that all paramedic students be certified as an EMT first (regardless of other medical certifications/licenses).

Yes, the national requirements state that all students be at least 18 years old on the first day of paramedic class. (Does not apply to pre-requisite classes.)

No, but experience is desired, applicants are awarded more admissions points based on the number of EMS calls they have handled.

Yes. Please refer to the EMS Application Checklist above for more information. EMS 518 and 519 have different pre-requisites.

For the Fall I, Spring, and Fall II semesters: Classes will meet every Tuesday or Thursday and about 5 Sundays per term. The classes start at 8:30 AM and end at 4:30 PM. Cohorts starting in odd years have classes on Thursdays.  This is a hybrid program.

Yes, the college’s clinical partners require this to be completed before the first clinical class.

The students will start this process in the first fall semester.

MIEMSS will also perform another criminal background check when the graduate applies for a Maryland license.

Employers may also perform a criminal background check and/or drug screening.

No, the college and clinical partners use Pre-Check for this process.

Application Process

Yes. The applications can be submitted from the website. The application period opens January 15th and the applications are due March 31st. The EMS Application Checklist above should be used as a guide.

No. We request that applicants adhere to the schedule.

The EMS Program Director will send applicants an email in late April or early May with the admission decision.

Maximum of twenty new students per cohort.

Estimated Cost

Additional EMS-specific questions? Contact Mr. Jon Longest at [email protected].

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

An emergency medical services associates degree can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore careers in healthcare, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

you belong HERE

Build your skills outside the classroom—join one of our clubs and organizations, or create your own!

Alpha Delta Nu – Nursing Honor Society

An invitation only honors society for nurses.

Astronomy Club

Calling all Stargazers!

Game Club

Relax and recharge at game club meet-ups!

Hispanic/Latino Student Union

Encourage others and celebrate culture in the Hispanic/Latino Student Union.

InterVarsity

Build each other up in faith and life at InterVarsity Club.

IPMS Club

Come join our local chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society - a plastic modeling club that learns from the past with eyes on the future!

Kappa Delta Pi

What do Albert Einstien, George Washington Carver, and Eleanor Roosevelt all have in common? They were members of KAPPA DELTA PI, the community of educators dedicated to excellence, scholarship, and service!

Peake Players

Come join us on the mainstage! Peake Players welcomes and trains all actors to perform in a faculty-directed production.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier international honor society for two-year colleges.

Pride Club
Rad Tech Club

Rad Tech Club - for Chesapeake Rad Tech students!

Student Athletic Advisory Council

The SAAC represents the voices of student-athletes at Chesapeake College.

Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC)

The Student Athletic Advisory Council represents the student-athletes’ voice at Chesapeake College.

Student Government Association

Be a part of planning campus events and have a voice in College policy with the SGA!

Student Mental Health Organization

Be a part of prioritizing student mental health!

Student Nursing Organization

The Student Nursing Organization cultivates community, leadership skills, and self-direction for Chesapeake Nursing students!

Surgical Tech Club

Surgical Tech students can experience additional learning opportunities and social events!

UHURU

UHURU works to promote and preserve the history and culture of African Americans, and unity among the diverse student body at large.

Writing Club

Brainstorm, share ideas and connect with fellow scribblers!

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