Mar 28, 2024  
2019-20 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2019-20 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Track, A.A.S. (A45340)


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The Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Program is a degree completion track that allows certified, non-degree Paramedics to achieve an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science. This program is comprised of major EMS courses along with related courses required in the curriculum. The majority of coursework is online with some required work on campus.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of managing an emergency medical services system.
  2. Examine and analyze the complex nature and seriousness of the patient’s condition or extent of injuries to assess the need for advanced emergency medical care, and perform complex medical care based on assessment findings of the patient’s condition and/or situation.
  3. Demonstrate an increased depth and breadth of patient care in the prehospital setting by applying principles from evidence-based research in emergency medicine.

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Program MUST meet the Gaston College admission requirements.

Admission to the general college does not guarantee admission to the Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Program.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Complete Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Program application. This form is in the program application packet.
  • Meet with an academic advisor.

Provide copies of the following documentation with the program application:

  • Current North Carolina Paramedic Certification
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Letter from an EMS director verifying 1,000 hours or more of direct patient contact in the EMS field as a Paramedic. This documentation must be on department letterhead.
  • EMS continuing education records during the current certification period
  • AHA Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider CPR certification
  • ACLS Provider Certification
  • PALS or PEPP Provider certification or equivalent
  • ITLS or PHTLS certification or equivalent
  • Other relevant EMS continuing education
  • Must be eligible for NREMT testing and certification prior to the last semester attending the program.
  • The Emergency Medical Science-Bridging Program does not provide eligibility to sit for NREMT Paramedic testing if the applicant has not graduated from a nationally accredited program or a program that holds a letter of review after January 1, 2013.
  • Gaston College will award experiential credit for core Paramedic courses toward the Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science with the proper documentation.

Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Track Admission Information

  • Meet the college admission requirements
  • Maintain an overall GPA minimum of 2.0 in college level coursework in related classes and core courses in the EMS program of study.
  • Submit proof of additional admission requirements

Applicants accepted into the Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Program must maintain, and provide copies of, all certifications listed as additional program entry requirements.

Emergency Medical Science - Bridging Track

Gaston College will award experiential credit for core Paramedic courses toward the Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science with the proper documentation. Students must earn at least 25% semester credit hours of their course work at Gaston College in order to receive a degree.

Total Program Hours: 28


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