EMS Intermediate to Paramedic Bridge Career
Studies Certificate
Are you interested in helping people with medical care in emergency situations? The purpose of this program is to produce competent entrylevel Paramedics who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification, upon successful completion of this program. This credential leads to Paramedic licensure or certification in Virginia and most other states. This program is offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College.
Program Length 1 Year (3 Semesters)
Career Opportunities Advanced EMTs work with ambulances, fire and rescue services, hospitals and various government agencies.
Is this Pathway for you? Yes, if you are interested in helping people with medical issues in emergency situations.
Tuition & Fees At only $157.50 per credit hour, you’ll save $10K to $22K, in tuition costs alone, by starting at VHCC! Out-of-state students living within a 30-mile radius qualify for in-state tuition.
Bill Akers, EMS Program Director, has 45 years of experience in emergency medicine and 36 years as an EMS educator. In addition to the college program, he works as a flight paramedic with VSP Med-Flight.
Bill Akers Program Coordinator bill.akers@sw.edu
| 276-964-7729
YOUR PROGRAM PATHWAY | 3 Semesters
Why start at Virginia Highlands?
For more than 50 years, VHCC has been committed to making our region a better place to live, work, and learn!
Beautiful 100 acre campus in Abingdon
SAT & ACT Not Required for Admission
The SAT and ACT are merely numerical indicators of college readiness and are therefore not required. We’ve found that if you’re committed to your own success, regardless of your scores, then we’ll be able to help you cross the finish line!
Career Services & Job Opportunities!
Our instructors and career coaches are recognized by regional industry leaders and enjoy tremendous success connecting our students with employment opportunities upon degree completion.
Student to Faculty Ratio
Programs of Study
#1 College in the Region
of Students Get Financial Aid
Virginia Highlands Community College was recently voted the #1 College in the Region through the Best of Bristol Awards program – from a group of two and four year colleges and universities in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee.