Western Carolina University (WCU) stands as a pioneering institution in Emergency Medical Care (EMC) education, offering the nation’s first baccalaureate EMC program. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and recognized by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), WCU’s program is a hallmark of quality in clinical care education. For aspiring professionals seeking robust Clinical Care Program Certification, WCU provides a unique Bachelor of Science (BS) degree specifically designed for pre-hospital providers.
WCU understands the diverse needs of its students, offering both a flexible online program and an immersive residential program on its Cullowhee campus. The online option is perfectly tailored for working professionals who need to balance their education with existing careers, requiring state or National Registry paramedic certification, or equivalent military certifications like U.S. Army SOCM or 18D MOS for enrollment. Both pathways are meticulously structured to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for advanced clinical care program certification and practice.
Students at WCU EMC can specialize their education through two distinct concentrations: Health Management and Science. The Health Management concentration is crafted for those aiming for leadership roles within healthcare systems, EMS administration, or further graduate studies. This path provides a strong foundation for professionals seeking clinical care program certification that emphasizes administrative and management expertise. Conversely, the Science concentration is tailored for students aspiring to medical school, physician assistant programs, dental school, physical therapy, or science-focused graduate programs. This option ensures a rigorous scientific background essential for advanced clinical care program certification and clinical practice.
WCU’s EMC Program boasts a long-standing tradition of excellence in emergency medicine instruction. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse and impactful careers as paramedics, educators, physicians, physician assistants, researchers, and EMS administrators. The program’s commitment to quality is reflected in outstanding Emergency Medical Care Program Outcomes.
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
---|---|---|---|
NC Paramedic Exam Pass Rate | 100% | 100% | 93.8% |
NREMT Paramedic Exam Pass Rate | 100% | 100% | 90% |
Attrition | 16.7% | 16.7% | 25.9% |
Retention | 83.3% | 83.3% | 74.1% |
Positive Placement | 100% | 100% | 100% |


The EMC faculty at WCU are exceptional, accessible both on the Cullowhee campus and through the online program. Led by Program Director Evelyn Wilson and Interim Distance/Online Program Coordinator Bill Faust, the faculty includes Susan Smith Braithwaite, Jackson Déziel, and Steve Johnson, alongside Professor Emeritus David Trigg and Medical Director David French. Their collective expertise ensures students receive top-tier instruction and mentorship, vital for achieving clinical care program certification and succeeding in the dynamic field of emergency medical care.
Name | Role |
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David Trigg | Professor Emeritus |
David French | Medical Director |