May 10, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Emergency Services, B.S. (R, E, A) or (E, A, L)* - Radford University Carilion Site


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs


The Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Services prepares graduates for entry-level practitioner and management positions in the field of emergency services.

The Emergency Services Program offers two tracks:

Paramedic/Critical Care Track (E, A, L): This track prepares students for management and leadership positions in critical care ground and air transport services as well as non-fire service-based EMS agencies. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national paramedic credentialing exam (NRP), Certified Flight Paramedic (FP-C), and the Certified Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C). This track is offered on campus only.

Degree Completion Track (R, E, A): This track is designed for students that are already working in the field of emergency services and are looking to take their career to the next level.  Students looking to enter this track should already have some college experience and may receive institutional credit for already possessing a national paramedic credential (NRP).  This track is offered 100% online for those that qualify.

Paramedic/Critical Care Track (E, A, L)


REAL Curriculum


This track fulfills the E, A, and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. This program prepares students to critically assess, evaluate, and treat emergency situations using current, evidence-based practice with a focus on the skills necessary for a career in firefighting. The program culminates with an evidence-based research practicum. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the R area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

REAL Foundational Requirements


REAL Cornerstone Requirements


Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Paramedic/Critical Care track includes 6 credits of writing intensive courses.

General Education Requirements


General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Paramedic/Critical Care track includes 26 general education credits.

Major Requirements (111 credits)


Additional Degree Requirements


The following requirements are placed on students for either continued progression in the program or eligibility to sit for national certification examination.

  • Final grade of “C” or better in all required Emergency Services courses.
  • Final grade of “C” or better in courses required for the respective track in order to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (NRP) certification examination:  BIOL 310, BIOL 311, all ENGL and MATH courses.
  • Score 80% or higher on the medication calculation test. The test is designed to measure basic math computation skills without assistance of a calculator.
  • Successful completion of a summative written and practical examination to sit for the NRP certification examination.
  • Successful completion of a summative oral examination with the Operational Medical Director to sit for the NRP examination.
  • Successfully meet all required clinical and field hours and skills competencies to sit for the NRP certification examination.
  • Successfully passing the NRP exam prior to beginning the senior year.

Open Credit Hours (9 credits)


These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.

Total Credits Needed for Degree 120


Degree Completion Track (R, E, A)


In order to be admitted to the Degree Completion Track 42 credit hours must already be completed. 

REAL Curriculum


This track fulfills the R, E, and A areas of the REAL Curriculum. This program is designed for those already working in the emergency services field and builds on their critical evaluation and analysis skills using evidence-based. The program culminates with an evidence-based research practicum. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the L area to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

REAL Foundational Requirements


REAL Cornerstone Requirements


Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Degree Completion track includes 6 credits of writing intensive courses.

General Education Requirements


General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Degree Completion track includes 21 general education credits.

Major Requirements (51 credits)


Open Credit Hours (71 credits)


These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.

Total Credits Needed for Degree 121


Additional Information


Students who have completed of a VCCS Transferable Associate Degree (see additional information in the Radford University Transfer Guide) will satisfy all requirements for the REAL Curriculum.

Students who have not completed one of these approved transfer associate degrees but have at least 60 approved transfer credit hours and at least 3 credit hours in each of the REAL areas (R, E, A, and L) are only required to complete a major, minor or certificate that fulfills at least one area of the REAL Curriculum. If students are missing any 3 credit hour requirements in the REAL areas, those courses may be taken at Radford University to complete general education requirements.

Applicants holding valid certification from the National Registry of EMTs at the Paramedic level are eligible to receive 42 credits through the “Credit by Exam” process.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs