Toolkit for Developing High School EMS Programs

Share these with administrators, counselors, and EMS partners to orient your program.

How-to Become an EMT | Download Toolkit (PDF)

Begin by confirming alignment with SCDE EMS 1–3 standards (2025). Define staffing, schedules, facilities, equipment, and funding sources to build a sustainable foundation for your program.

• Map course goals and assessments to EMS 1–3 standards and SCDE requirements. The following resources support curriculum planning and compliance:
  • EMS 1 Standards (2025)
  • EMS 2 Standards (2025)
  • EMS 3 Standards (2025)
  • Health Science Pathway Standards
  • Application for CTE Work-Based Certification
  • SCDE Teacher Qualifications (file)
• Confirm instructor credentials and lab/classroom readiness.
• Align pacing to your bell schedule with semester checkpoints.
• Identify partners to support mentorship and clinical access.

For additional state guidance on program setup and documentation, see the CTE Program Handbook.

Funding & Grants

Explore federal and state resources to help fund startup costs and equipment for new EMS programs.

• Use CTE and Perkins funding where eligible.
• Coordinate with your district’s finance office to align purchasing timelines.
• Tie equipment purchases to instructional outcomes for compliance and sustainability.

Perkins Guidance

Review SC DPH rules and establish a Program Advisory Committee to support compliance and quality.

SC EMS Regulation 60-7 | DPH EMT Program Manual | Sample Student Handbook

Align content and competencies to National Registry requirements and national standards.

About NREMT | National EMS Education Standards (2021) | National Scope of Practice (2019)

Partner with a DPH-approved sponsor organization if you prefer not to hold program licensure directly. Document roles through a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Sample Sponsorship MOU | Contact SCEMSA Education

Ensure sufficient quantities for practice and evaluation; align purchases to standards and clinical skills.

DPH EMT Equipment List (2024-12) | Sample Clinical Contract

Adapt these pacing guides, unit plans, and weekly outlines to your bell schedule.

Sample Course Syllabus | Pacing Guide | Sample Week 21 Plan

Set clear expectations for students, parents, preceptors, and sites; standardize evaluations across settings.

Sample Clinical Affiliation Agreement | Sample Clinical Affiliation Agreement | Parent Letter: EMT Internship | Student Clinical Evaluation | Preceptor Evaluation

Combine written checks with practical validations, use rubrics for consistency, and incorporate reflection.

• Include practical skill evaluations alongside written tests.
• Incorporate peer and self-assessments for reflective learning.

Drug Card Rubric | Pathophysiology Cards Rubric | Drug Card Info & SC Standards

Prepare students for NREMT testing and South Carolina credential steps immediately after course completion.

NREMT Certification Handbook | ImageTrend: Create Account | Become an EMT in SC