EMC Online Program
Approximately two thirds of our students in the EMC Online Program are working professionals who take undergraduate courses online to fit into their work/life schedule.
While distance education offers some conveniences, the teaching and learning methods are very different from the traditional, lecture-based instructional model. Prospective distance learning students are encouraged to perform a self-inventory of their learning styles to ensure that they are well-suited to the unique challenges of learning at a distance. Online students should possess strong communications skills and computer proficiency is essential.
Current paramedic practitioners who are graduates of associate degree or certificate programs will find transfer and advanced-standing mechanisms available for establishing credit towards the bachelor’s degree.
Military personnel who have completed SOCM or 18D training may enter the program with advanced standing. Advanced standing also may be gained by completing programs which have direct articulation agreements at WCU, through individual course transfer, or through proficiency examinations.
Students wishing to apply to the Emergency Medical Care Program must first be accepted as students of the university through the WCU Office of Admissions.
To be eligible for admission into the EMC major and the professional course sequence, students must have completed 60 semester hours (or 18D training) with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
Admission is competitive. Applicants must currently hold or be eligible for state or national EMT-paramedic certification or SOCM/18D military training.
1. Program Admission
To be eligible for the EMC Online Program, a student must:
(a) complete all admission requirements of the University, (b) have completed a minimum
of 60 hours of college credit (may be in any discipline), (c) provide proof of state
or National Registry paramedic certification, or completion of U.S. Army SOCM or 18D
MOS, and (d) have a cumulative 2.5 GPA in all previous college courses. Exceptions,
if granted, must be in writing from the Program Director.
2. Academic Performance
Students admitted to the professional sequence in Emergency Medical Care are encouraged
to strive for academic excellence. A grade of C (73) or better must be earned in each
EMC course in the professional sequence and an overall 2.0 GPA must be maintained
in order for the student to remain in the program and in order for a student to graduate.
3. Graduation Requirements
Although an academic advisor will be assigned to each student, the student assumes
ultimate responsibility for completing all requirements for graduation.
The deadline for receipt of all application material, including official college transcripts, is April 1. In order to be considered complete, the application form and all supporting documentation must be received by the department of Distance Learning by 5 p.m. on April 1.
The application process requires an application to WCU and an EMC Distance Learning Program application. Students wishing to apply to the Emergency Medical Care Online Program must be accepted as students of the university through the WCU Office of Admissions. To apply to the EMC Distance Learning Program you will need to complete the Program Application.
In addition to the usual distance education tuition and fees, online EMC students must also purchase textbook(s) for each course.
Loans, scholarships, and other financial aid may be available to qualifying students in the specific health disciplines. Awards are made on the basis of need, academic promise, and personal qualifications. For complete information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Related Information
Contact Us
For general distance learning questions, please contact distance@wcu.edu