EMS Education & Training

Continuing Education Program

Charleston County offers a comprehensive Continuing Education Program (CEP) that meets and exceeds current SC DHEC and NREMT NCCP requirements. All certified employees are required to attend monthly training and are paid for this time. The Training Division also offers additional courses and training opportunities such as PEPP, PALS, ITLS, PHTLS, TECC at no cost to the employee.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity for out of state applicants is available from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) provided the applicant has current National Registry certification with at least six months remaining on the certification. All applicants requesting reciprocity must show proof that their certification training meets South Carolina minimum standards. Charleston County EMS does not recognize "Provisional" status certifications.

Reciprocity Guidelines

All Charleston County EMS field employees are certified by SC DHEC and NREMT as a Paramedic, Advanced EMT, or EMT. Charleston County EMS does not provide this initial training, but there are several schools in our area that offer EMT and/or Paramedic education. If you are not currently certified as an EMT or Paramedic please contact these schools directly for more information.

Please refer to the job description and requirements section on the Human Resources job announcement page for the specific requirements of any position that you are interested in applying.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

This course is offered by Trident Technical College and Lowcountry Regional EMS Council several times throughout the year.

  • A candidate must be at least 18 years old by the completion of the course and have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Classes are usually held twice a week at night, from 6pm to 10pm.

To learn more about certificate EMT programs, visit:

Trident Technical College

Lowcountry Regional EMS Council

Paramedic

Associate Degree program for completing your Paramedic Certification*:

Trident Technical College

*Paramedic Certification program for those already certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):

Lowcountry Regional EMS Council