Nashville State Community College has received approval from the Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services Board to launch a new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at its Dickson campus, expanding access to healthcare training for students in Middle Tennessee.
The program will be offered at the Dickson Center of Higher Education, 2575 Highway 46 S., adjacent to TriStar Natchez ER, and is designed to prepare students for careers on the front lines of emergency medical care.
“We will be providing rigorous, high-quality training that not only builds technical skills but also prepares students to think critically, act decisively, and provide exceptional care when it matters most,” said Teri Censoplano, director of the EMS Programs in Nashville State’s School of Health Sciences and a longtime emergency medical professional.
Emergency Medical Technicians play a vital role in healthcare by providing pre-hospital emergency care and transportation for patients experiencing medical crises. EMTs are trained to assess patients, stabilize injuries and illnesses, and safely transport individuals facing everything from routine medical situations to life-threatening emergencies.
Nashville State’s academy-style EMT program spans one semester and combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training. Students will learn essential life-saving skills while developing the ability to work independently and as part of emergency response teams. The curriculum also incorporates on-campus and mobile simulation technology, allowing students to practice responding to realistic emergency scenarios before entering the field.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) written and practical examinations. Those who meet all state requirements may then apply for Tennessee EMT licensure.
Prospective students interested in learning more about the new program are invited to attend an EMT information session on Monday, July 20, from 5 to 7 pm at the Dickson campus. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet faculty members, tour the program, and learn about admission requirements and career opportunities in emergency medical services.
The EMT program is part of Nashville State’s continued investment in healthcare education at its growing Dickson campus. Beginning this August, the campus will also offer a full complement of general education courses. Additionally, the college’s inaugural nursing cohort, which began classes in January at TriStar Horizon Medical Center, will relocate to the Dickson campus this fall.
Students will continue to have the flexibility of enrolling in either traditional 15-week semesters or accelerated seven-week courses, providing multiple pathways to complete degree and certificate programs.
The Dickson campus also features a Welcome Center offering admissions, financial aid and academic advising, along with student support services that include food and personal assistance programs, study areas, student lounges and a testing center for math and English placement.
College officials say the expansion of healthcare programs and student support services reflects Nashville State’s commitment to meeting workforce needs while providing students with accessible, career-focused education.
For more information about the EMT program or to apply, visit: <nscc.edu/academics/programs/emt/index.php>.
