CE or CU? Choose the EMS pathway that fits your life.
North Carolina community colleges offer two ways to earn your EMS credential. The right one depends on your schedule, your budget and whether you want a degree. Here's how they compare.
Find a College EMS ProgramThe two pathways
The CE pathway (non-degree)
Also called continuing education, non-credit or workforce.
CE courses are offered through Workforce Continuing Education (Public Safety Division) and do not lead to an initial degree. Once you earn a credential from the NC Office of EMS or the National Registry of EMTs, you can receive credit toward an Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science, based on the criteria and process for that pathway.
CE courses may include: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), AEMT-to-Paramedic Bridging and Paramedic.
The CU pathway (degree)
Also called curriculum or credit.
CU applies to the Associate Degree Paramedic and the Paramedic Bridge Option. It's offered through Curriculum Education Services (Public Safety Division) and leads to an Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science.
How they compare
| CE (non-degree) | CU (degree) | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | More flexible. Courses can start at any point during the year. | Semester-based. Courses start at the beginning of the semester in January, May and/or August. |
| Financial aid | Federal financial aid does not apply. Fee waivers for eligible NC fire department, 9-1-1 and/or law enforcement personnel can be used. | Federal financial aid can be applied. Fee waivers do not apply. |
| Cost | Typically less expensive. Usually one course leads to a credential, and you pay for the course as a whole. | Traditionally more expensive. A collection of courses, including some general education courses, leads to the credential, and you pay per credit hour. |
Your path from EMT to Paramedic
Most EMS careers start with the EMT course, typically one semester (about 4½ months). After you complete it, you're eligible for the North Carolina and/or National Registry credentialing exam, and you can work for an EMS agency, fire department or medical facility.
From there, you can continue to AEMT or Paramedic. Each step makes you eligible for the next credentialing exam.
Helpful links: NC Office of EMS education FAQ · National Registry of EMTs
Ready to take the next step?
Choose a college.
NC Community College EMS ProgramsWake Tech or CCCC student?
Wake Tech EMS ProgramCCCC EMS Registration & OrientationUniforms for both programs are ordered through each college's EMS uniform store, linked on those pages.
Already credentialed? Keep your skills sharp with Refresher Plus and Instructor Methodology.