Which South Carolina Schools Offer Paramedic Courses?

As a paramedic, you have the highest level of emergency medical technician training available. Several South Carolina schools offer certificate and degree options to obtain paramedic certification. Your program will teach you advanced emergency medical techniques and procedures, and you will learn proper ways to treat patients of all ages through experiential training in clinical settings. Find out about your school options, requirements, prerequisites and related costs.

What You Need to Know

South Carolina students interested in earning an education as a paramedic may choose to earn a certificate or an associate's degree. Paramedic training programs in South Carolina are offered by two-year public schools throughout the state and require the completion of 36-71 credit hours of coursework, depending on the school. Because such programs include clinical training with real patients, admission requirements may include a drug screening, background check, and/or physical exam; many programs are open only to currently certified EMTs-Basic.

Paramedic Certificate Programs in South Carolina

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

The college's EMT-Paramedic Certificate program is designed for students already working as first responders. As part of the program, you will take classes in electrocardiography and emergency care. You will also complete an internship as part of the program. Upon graduation, you will be able to take the EMT-Paramedic National Registry Exam.

• Program Name: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Certificate
• Program Length: 37 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $4,252 per year for in-district residents; $5,212 per year for state residents; $8,380 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Pass background check and drug screening, have South Carolina EMT-Basic Certification or National Registry EMT-Basic Certification
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 6,800 undergraduate students

Trident Technical College

The college's paramedic certificate program is administered by the Health Sciences Division. Classes you will take as part of the program include management seminars and cardiac life support. You will also complete an internship and clinical experience in order to graduate.

• Program Name: Paramedic Certificate
• Program Length: 36 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $4,551 per year for in-district residents; $5,033 per year for state residents; $8,484 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: SAT/ACT/TTC scores, EMT-Basic Apprentice certificate, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification and classes in anatomy and physiology
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 14,150 undergraduate students

Paramedic Associate's Degree Programs in South Carolina

Greenville Technical College

The college's associate's degree program in emergency medical technology is offered through the Health Sciences and Nursing Division. The program offers two tracks: EMT training and paramedic training. Classes you will take as part of the program include emergency operations, computers and psychology. You will also complete an internship in order to graduate. Additionally, the division offers a post-initial paramedic training program for certified paramedics and registered nurses (RNs) and a paramedic to RN program for students wishing to complete a nursing degree.

• Program Name: Emergency Medical Technology Associate in Applied Science
• Program Length: 71 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $4,566 per year for in-district residents; $4,947 per year for state residents; $9,078 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age, pass a drug screening, physical exam and background check, completed classes in anatomy and physiology, have a valid EMT-Basic certification, proof of work in healthcare industry, ASSET/COMPASS scores, transcripts
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 10,900 undergraduate students

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

The college's associate's degree program in emergency medical technology is offered at three levels: basic, intermediate and advanced. The advanced placement track is open to students who already hold an EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced or paramedic certification. Under this option, you may be exempt from 43 credit hours in the program. Classes you will take as part of this program include pediatric life support and management skills.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technology
• Program Length: 70 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $4,252 per year for in-district residents; $5,212 per year for state residents; $8,380 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: Pass background check and drug screening, SAT/ACT/COMPASS scores, transcripts
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 6,800 undergraduate students

Trident Technical College

The college's associate's degree program in emergency medical technology is offered by the Health Sciences Division. In addition to general education requirements, you will take classes in trauma life support, public speaking and communications. The program also includes a paramedic internship and a professional observation requirement.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technology
• Program Length: 77 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $4,551 per year for in-district residents; $5,033 per year for state residents; $8,484 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Admission Requirements: SAT/ACT/TTC scores, attend an advising session, transcripts, pass a background check and provide a health record
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 12,150 undergraduate students

South Carolina EMTs can earn their associate's degree concurrently with their paramedic certification through Greenville Technical College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College or Trident Technical College; for those not looking for a degree option, paramedic certification without a degree is offered through Horry-Georgetown and Trident Technical Colleges.