BS Emergency Medical Care

The first baccalaureate paramedic Program in the nation, Western Carolina University's EMC Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions. Currently, WCU is one of only 20 institutions in the nation offering the Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care. Students may apply to either the residential program in Cullowhee or the online distance education program. Current paramedic certification is required for entry into the distance education program. Students may choose one of two available concentrations: health management or science (pre-med). Program graduates may pursue careers as paramedics, educators, physicians, physician assistants, and EMS administrators.

Students learn from outstanding faculty members and enjoy the benefits of small class sizes, and hospital and ambulance clinical experiences. All students complete clinical rotations at hospital critical care units, emergency departments and operating rooms, as well as in rural, suburban and urban EMS systems. The core curriculum includes two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology, two semesters of Chemistry, Cardiology, Pharmacology, Medical Emergencies, Trauma, and additional EMC courses. The health management concentration includes additional courses such as Quality Assurance and Health Care Finance, while the science concentration includes physics, organic chemistry, and biology.