FAQ
General Information
How much is tuition at the University of South Alabama?
For Fall 2007, the tuition is $134.00 per credit hour. Additional fees apply. Is there financial aid available for EMS students?
Yes. Please call the University's Financial Aid Office at (251) 460-6231 for more information. Be sure to tell them that you are enrolled in the EMS Degree Program. EMT Basic Certificate Program
How many credit hours are offered in the EMT Basic certificate program?
The EMT Basic certificate program provides 8 semester hours of college credit (does not apply to non-credit students). How often does the department offer the EMT Basic course of instruction and at what times and days do the
classes typically meet?
The department offers the EMT Basic course of instruction at least three times a year on the University's Brookley campus. The classes typically meet according to this schedule: Semester Duration Days Times
Fall 15 weeks Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm
Spring 15 weeks Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm
Summer 11 weeks Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 6:00 pm – 9:50 pm
In addition to the class times noted above, all EMT Basic students are required to complete a 32 hour clinical internship at one of the department's approved clinical and field internship sites. These clinical rotations are typically scheduled on the weekends.
The department allows for a certain number of EMT Basic students to register as “non-credit” students. Students may elect to register as a non-credit student for one or more of the following reasons: - the student does not meet University-level admission requirements, i.e., ACT scores, GED scores, etc.
- the student has no desire for college credits (not ever going to pursue a degree);
- the student's employer (if applicable) will only pay for tuition costs and not the added fees (activity/athletic fees, transportation fees, etc.) that are typical of traditional academic credit students.
If I take EMT Basic as a non-credit student and pass the course, will I be eligible to apply for the Paramedic
level program?
All EMT Basic students, regardless of their status (non-credit or credit), are eligible for the following after successfully completing (80% or higher) the EMT Basic program: - a completion certificate issued by the department; and
- to sit for the National Registry written and practical (state board) exams; and
- to apply for admittance to the Paramedic program just as any other credit student.
Paramedic Certificate Program
May I enroll in the Paramedic level Program as a non-credit student?
No. The only level at which a student can take coursework as a non-credit student at the University is at the EMT Basic level. Students who wish to enroll in the Paramedic level program must submit an application to the University’s admission’s office and be formally accepted as a credit seeking student. Are Paramedic level classes offered during the day or in the evening?
Paramedic level classes are primarily offered during the evening hours from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the University’s Brookley campus. However, as the program progresses (last two semesters), class times move to the daytime hours, primarily due to the lab, clinical and field internship requirements of the program. How many credit hours are in the Paramedic certificate program?
The Paramedic certificate program provides 44 semester hours or college credit (this includes Medical Terminology and Human Systems). How long is the Paramedic certificate program?
The Paramedic certificate program can be completed in four to five semesters, depending on the students desired course load. The first two to three semesters consist of didactic classes and the last two semesters are scheduled for labs, clinicals and field internships. Bachelor's Degree Program
I completed my paramedic education at another institution. Can I transfer my Paramedic credits to USA to
fulfill the Paramedic Core requirements in the BS degree curriculum?
Transfer students who have successfully completed their paramedic education at another academic institution and who have maintained their paramedic license in good standing may apply to the department's Paramedic to BS in EMS Track. This special track requires students to pass a six (6) semester hour bridge course after being admitted to the professional component. At the completion of this course, students may be awarded up to 40 credit hours for their previous clinical education as a paramedic student. What is the professional component of the curriculum?
After successfully completing all general education and pre-professional core classes, students may then apply to the professional component of the curriculum. At this point, the student’s Major changes from Pre-EMS to EMS. The professional component consists of the Paramedic Core and the EMS Core. The typical student in the program; however, will have already completed their paramedic education, either through the department’s academic certificate program or as a transfer student from another institution. Therefore, most students admitted to the professional component will begin with EMS Core classes. Can I enroll in the BS degree program even though I haven’t finished paramedic school yet?
Students can enroll as Pre-EMS Major students at any time during their academic studies. However, admission to the professional component (EMS Core) is contingent upon students completing all general education and pre-professional core courses outlined in the curriculum. As alluded to above, students are highly encouraged to complete all Paramedic Core requirements prior to starting the EMS Core. How can I get my transcript evaluated to see what general education and pre-professional core courses I
need to take prior to making admission?
Prospective students may contact the department’s BS Degree Program advisor for help with transfer credit evaluations and other relevant issues dealing with transfer students. The department can provide students with an “unofficial” evaluation of transcripts; however, official transcript evaluations and acceptance of transfer credits rests with the University’s Admission’s Office. How long will it take for me to complete the EMS Core (34 semester hours) in the BS degree curriculum?
The first group of students starting in the Fall of 2007 will be able to complete the EMS Core in five semesters. Will the EMS Core classes meet every weekend?
No. The EMS Core classes will initially meet every second or third weekend for six weekends per semester. Summer semesters will be devoted to internships and the bridge course (if applicable). 