The CE Pathway

Non-degree is also called continuing education (CE), non-credit, or workforce. This means that the course is offered through Workforce Continuing Education, Public Safety Division, and does not lead to an initial degree. However, upon receiving a credential from the NC Office of EMS or National Registry of EMTs, you can receive credit towards an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Emergency Medical Science, based on the criteria and processes for that pathway. Courses like this 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 is also called curriculum (CU) or credit. This applies to the Associate Degree Paramedic and Paramedic Bridge Option that is offered through Curriculum Education Services, Public Safety Division, and leads to an Associate Degree in Applied Science: Emergency Medical Science.

Pathway Considerations

Schedule

• The CU schedule is semester-based. This means the courses will start at the beginning of the semester in January, May, and/or August.
• The CE schedule has more flexibility and can start at any given point during the year.

Financial Aid

• Federal Financial Aid can be applied to CU courses but not towards CE courses.
• Fee waivers for eligible NC fire department, 9-1-1, and/or law enforcement personnel can be utilized for CE courses but not towards CU courses.

Expense

• The CU pathway is traditionally more expensive than the CE pathway.
• The CU pathway will be a collection of courses that lead to a credential along with some general education courses along the way. The student would pay per credit hour for these courses.
• The CE pathway is typically one course that leads to a credential. The student pays for the course as a whole, which is usually less than the cost of the semester-based course(s) collectively.