Back

EMS Academy

EMS Academy simulation lab airway

Answer the Call

Train to serve your community as an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic. Train with Grady EMS – one of the country’s most advanced and longest-standing hospital-based 911 EMS services.

Registration for Spring 2024 EMT and AEMT classes opens on January 3, 2024, and closes on March 15, 2024. Classes begin on April 15, 2024. Paramedic Registration opens in Summer 2024.

Back to Top

Program Descriptions and Admission Requirements

View All
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the entry level into prehospital emergency medical provider in the United States. The EMT is educated on rapid field stabilization, treatment, and transport to the Emergency Department. The EMT works in conjunction with Advanced EMTs and paramedics in the prehospital environment. EMTs are able to perform lifesaving techniques such as CPR, the use of an AED, airway management, the application of a tourniquet, splinting, emergency childbirth, and a number of other skills.

To be admitted into the EMT program, candidates must have:

  • Valid state-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Proof of high school diploma or GED (or higher)
  • ATI TEAS Exam of 60% or higher
  • Clear and pass a background check and drug screen
  • Up to Date Immunizations (as required by the Grady Health System):
    • Complete series of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), or positive titer showing immunity
    • Complete series of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP). Booster may be required if greater than 10 years
    • Complete series for Varicella (Chicken Pox), or positive titer showing immunity. Childhood exposure history will not be accepted
    • Complete Hepatitis B series, or positive titer showing immunity
    • Complete COVID vaccination series
    • Yearly Influenza (October – April)
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)

The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) is a new level that recently replaced the EMT–Intermediate (EMT-I).  In addition to those skills performed by the EMT, the AEMT in Georgia can administer medications (Aspirin, nitroglycerine, bronchial dilators, epinephrine, Glucagon, D50, and Narcan), and the AEMT can also performed advanced skills such as placing blind insertion airway devices, administer intravenous fluids, administer medications, and perform other critical skills required in the stabilization of critical patients.

To be admitted into the AEMT program, candidates must have:

  • Valid state-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Proof of high school diploma or GED (or higher)
  • Acceptable passing score on entrance exam if not rolling over from recently (within 6 months) completed Grady EMS Education Academy EMT program
  • Clear and pass a background check and drug screen
  • Up to Date Immunizations (as required by the Grady Health System):
    • Complete series of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), or positive titer showing immunity
    • Complete series of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP). Booster may be required if greater than 10 years
    • Complete series for Varicella (Chicken Pox), or positive titer showing immunity. Childhood exposure history will not be accepted
    • Complete Hepatitis B series, or positive titer showing immunity
    • Complete COVID vaccination series
    • Yearly Influenza (October – April)
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider certification
  • Certificate of completion for the most recent version of FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
  • Certificate of completion of a Traffic Incident Management (TIM) course
  • Students must have obtained their NREMT EMT certification either at class start or within 30 calendar days of class starting
Paramedic

The Paramedic program curriculum combines a superior level of academic and clinical content, by exposing our students to superb academics and clinical experts who enjoy teaching.  Our clinical experiences are completed at Grady, Georgia’s busiest Level 1 Trauma Center and Grady EMS, Georgia’s busiest 911 ambulance provider.  Our combination of classroom, lab, and clinical experiences prepares graduates for advancement in the field prehospital emergency medicine and creates professional development and self-fulfillment.

The Paramedic certificate prepares students to provide excellent prehospital emergency medical care and transport for critical and emergent patients. Paramedics function through physician medical oversight as crucial members of a comprehensive EMS response system.  The program is approved by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma.

Paramedic clinicals are used to develop skills, experiences and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of a Paramedic.  The clinicals follow a natural progression from assessing simple vital signs to providing more complex assessments and treatments in a stepwise fashion through a competency-based evaluation process.

To be admitted into the Paramedic program, candidates must have:

  • Valid state-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Proof of high school diploma or GED (or higher)
  • Acceptable passing score on entrance exam
  • Letter of Intent (REQUIRED)
  • Clear and pass a background check and drug screen
  • Up to Date Immunizations (as required by the Grady Health System):
    • Complete series of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), or positive titer showing immunity
    • Complete series of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDaP). Booster may be required if greater than 10 years
    • Complete series for Varicella (Chicken Pox), or positive titer showing immunity. Childhood exposure history will not be accepted
    • Complete Hepatitis B series, or positive titer showing immunity
    • Complete COVID vaccination series
    • Yearly Influenza (October – April)
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider certification
  • Certificate of completion for the most recent version of FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
  • Certificate of completion of a Traffic Incident Management (TIM) course
  • Students must have obtained their NREMT Advanced EMT certification by the start of class
Back to Top

Tuition and Fees

Program tuition costs are due when classes begin.

Grady EMS Academy is committed to providing the highest level of prehospital education at an affordable and competitive price. As a private institution, Grady EMS Academy does not qualify for federal financial aid and students are not eligible for Georgia’s HOPE grant or scholarship.

Program cost may be paid by credit card, debit card, cashier’s check or money order. We do not accept cash payments.

Veterans: If you need assistance covering the costs of your training, The Home Depot Foundation funds Grady EMS Academy scholarships for qualified applicants. Visit veterans.gradyacademy.org to apply and for program details.

Program Tuition Cost (see below for a full list of included expenses)*

  • EMT Program is $1,800.00 (payment plans are not available)
  • Advanced EMT Program is $1,850.00 (payment plans are not available)
  • Paramedic Program is $4,950.00 (payment plan option; see below)

Students may opt to sign up for the Paramedic Tuition Payment Plan only as follows:
Tuition down payment of $1,395.00 is due no later than three weeks prior to the start of class to reserve your spot.  A detailed payment schedule will be provided after submission of enrollment packet.

Program Specific Fees
Please note if you are transitioning from our EMT program directly into the AEMT program, the student may not be required to repeat these fees.

Pre-Admissions Cost:
Admissions Exam: ATI TEAS Allied Health exam: $65 (self-pay; paid on the day the test is taken)
Drug Screening & Background Check: Advantage Students results accepted only: $79.95 (self-pay; pay online at www.advantagestudents.com)
ACEMAPP: $50 (self-pay; after passing entrance exam and drug screen and background check, an invite will be emailed)

Please Note: GA Licensure Application fee, uniform pants and boots, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, scissors, textbook, proof of immunizations, and any additional basic school supplies are paid at a cost to the student. Costs may vary.

EMT program cost:
Program cost: $1,800.00
Breakdown of fees:

  • EMT Program Tuition (20 weeks)
  • Platinum Planner (web-based clinical scheduling  and patient contact tracker)
  • EMS Testing (web-based testing tool)
  • Tuberculosis Screening (PPD)
  • National Registry Psychomotor Exam (facilitated by Grady EMS Education Academy)
  • National Registry Computer-Based Exam Voucher
  • 2 Uniform Shirts (Mandatory)

AEMT program cost:
Program cost: $1,850.00
Breakdown of fees:

  • AEMT Program Tuition (20 weeks)
  • Platinum Planner (web-based clinical scheduling  and patient contact tracker)
  • EMS Testing (web-based testing tool)
  • Tuberculosis Screening (PPD)
  • National Registry Psychomotor Exam (facilitated by Grady EMS Education Academy)
  • National Registry Computer-Based Exam Voucher
  • 2 Uniform Shirts (Mandatory)

Paramedic program cost:
Program cost: $4,950.00
Breakdown of fees:

  • Paramedic Program Tuition (13 months)
  • Platinum Planner (web-based clinical scheduling  and patient contact tracker)
  • EMS Testing (web-based testing tool)
  • Tuberculosis Screening (PPD)
  • National Registry Psychomotor Exam (facilitated by Grady EMS Education Academy)
  • National Registry Computer-Based Exam Voucher

*If a student withdraws from a program due to a pre-approved “Medical Hardship”, the student may return and recycle through the program from the beginning.  If a student is dropped or fails out of any of the programs, the student may return at the beginning of the next class for one more attempt but will be responsible for paying tuition again in full.

Back to Top

Accreditation / Outcomes

Grady Health System’s Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Back to Top

To Contact CAAHEP:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

To Contact CoAEMSP:
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445 / FAX (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

Back to Top

Grady EMS programs are approved by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma.

Paramedic Course Outcomes by Graduation Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Programmatic Retention Rate 64% 64% 67% 57% 53% 50% 73%
Programmatic Pass Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
NRP CBT1 Pass Rate (1st attempt) 100% 94% 100% 100% 78% 67% 71%
NRP CBT Pass Rate (by 3rd attempt) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 96%
NRP PAT2 Pass Rate (1st attempt) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 96%
NRP PAT Pass Rate (by 3rd attempt) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Positive Job Placement 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

 

State v. National Comparison Outcomes by Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Georgia NRP CBT Pass Rate (1st attempt) 60% 68% 67% 70% 63% 69%
Georgia NRP CBT Pass Rate (3rd attempt) 73% 78% 80% 83% 80% 85%
USA NRP CBT Pass Rate (1st attempt) 71% 72% 69% 71% 73% 73%
USA NRP CBT Pass Rate (3rd attempt) 83% 83% 85% 86% 87% 87%

 

Advanced EMT Outcomes

EMT Outcomes

Back to Top

Faculty and Staff

Dean: Steven L. Moyers, EdD NRP
Program Director: Keith Blalock, MS, NRP, TR-C
Medical Director: Ingrid Bloom, MD
Lead Instructors: Keith Blalock, MS, NRP, TR-C (Paramedic Program)
Brett Anderson, MS, EdS, NRP (Advanced EMT Program)
Kayla Aenchbacher, NRP (EMT Program)
Keith Blalock, MS, NRP, TR-C (Veterans Program)
John Rumsey, NRP (EMS Programs and Staff Development Manager)

Registrar:  Cristy Price
[email protected]
(404) 616-7414

Back to Top

Facilities

Our curriculum combines a superior level of academic and clinical content by exposing students to superb academics and clinical experts. A combination of classroom, lab, and clinical experiences prepare graduates for advancement into the field of prehospital emergency medicine and professional development. We designed our training facility to provide trainees with best-in-class classroom and technical facilities.

  • Warehouse for mass casualty training
  • 6 small break-out rooms for individual training
  • 6 large classrooms designed to hold up to 30 trainees
  • Fully stocked ambulance for training and simulation
  • Support vehicle to augment scenario-based simulation
  • High fidelity simulation manikins
  • Airway simulation manikins, including difficult airway management
  • Emergency medical supplies and equipment to provide diverse training experiences including, enhanced bleeding control technology aided airway management
  • AHA-compliant feedback manikins to enhance training and education
  • Computer lab with 20 computers
  • Free wifi for students
  • Student kitchen/break room
  • Vending area
Back to Top

Locations and Directions

Grady EMS Academy
Office of Admissions
2284 Marietta Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

 

Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

View All
What is the difference between an EMT, AEMT and Paramedic?

The EMT is the entry level licensed EMS provider on an ambulance. In Georgia, only one crew member can be at the EMT level and the other must be an EMT-I, AEMT or paramedic level.

The AEMT has a greater level of knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology than the EMT and are able to administer medications (IV therapy, Epi, Narcan, Aspirin, Nitroglycerin, Glucagon, D50 and Albuterol) and perform some advanced level skills similar to paramedics.

The Paramedic has advanced learning in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology acquired through a dedicated course of study. Paramedics are able to perform many advanced level skills (needle cricothyrotomy, needle chest decompression, endotracheal intubation, application of tourniquet, 12-lead EKG interpretation, cardioversion, sedation, pain medication management, a number of other emergency lifesaving medications, etc.). Paramedics have advanced education in assessment, treatment, and diagnosis of emergency medical conditions and traumatic injuries.

Where and when are the classes taught?

Classes are located at the Training & Education Center located at 2284 Marietta Blvd NW. Atlanta, GA 30318. We are just inside the I-285 Perimeter from South Atlanta Road or Bolton Road; we are west of I-75 from Moores Mill Rd, and 15 minutes from Grady Hospital.

For more information on upcoming classes, visit upcoming classes.

Where are hospital clinical rotations held?
  • Grady Health System – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr. SE, Atlanta 30303 (ALL Students)
  • Southern Regional – 11 Upper Riverdale Rd Riverdale, GA 30274 (Paramedic Students Only)
  • Gwinnett Medical Center – 1000 Medical Center Boulevard Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (Paramedic Students Only)

Timing varies depending on the clinical site and the program. Most clinical rotations are day shift but night shift clinical rotations are available.

Where are the ambulance rides/Field Internships held?

Grady Emergency Medical Services
745 Memorial Drive SE Atlanta, Georgia 30316

What is the ATI TEAS Allied Health Entrance Exam?

The ATI TEAS for Allied Health exam measures basic essential skills in the academic areas of Reading (48 questions), Mathematics (34 questions), Science (54 questions), and English and language usage (34 questions). The ATI TEAS for Allied Health exam is required for:

  • EMT Program
  • AEMT Program
  • Paramedic Program

About the TEAS V for Allied Health

Candidates must have first applied online. Then candidates must send their preferred date/time for exam to [email protected] and include testing date , name, and phone number to see if their desired date is available as only 10 people per day are allowed to test.

Candidates must create an online account at www.atitesting.com prior to their exam date. Candidates can find more information and practice exams online at the ATI website – the fee is $58 and must be paid on the day of the exam with a credit or debit card – cash and checks are NOT accepted.

Candidates must arrive at testing location (2284 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318) by 10 AM on the testing date so testing can begin at 10:15 AM.The exam lasts approximately 4 hours. Latecomers may be allowed to retest on another day depending on availability. Applicants must receive a cumulative score of 60% or higher to be eligible for enrollment in our program. Prior college experience, completed degrees, or prior certification does not allow you to exempt the entrance exam, all new students must take it.

Reminders

  • The exam fee is $65 payable at time of exam
  • Textbooks, notebooks, paper, calculators, and children are not allowed in the testing lab
  • Scratch paper and pencil is provided and will be collected
  • Students may retest after 24 hours
  • The exam is given at 2284 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318
  • Students can locate study materials through www.atitesting.com

Requirements

  • Photo ID
  • Credit card, Debit card or Pre-paid card for $58 fee
  • Obtaining TEAS V for Allied Health Scores

Results are available and provided immediately after the exam by the proctor. To purchase additional score results please visit www.atitesting.com

Does Grady Academy offer degree-seeking programs?

Our programs are certificate only and not degree seeking. We do not offer college credit; however, colleges may provide exemption credit for classes and licensure to put toward a college degree. It is up the transferring college whether they will grant these exemption credits.

In addition to tuition, what are the other fees?

Courses require books, EMS Testing, Platinum Planner clinical tracker, liability insurance, uniform shirts, background check and National Registry testing fees. See tuition and fees for a complete list.

Does the Academy offer online classes?

No, we do not offer online classes at this time.

What documents are required for enrollment?

All applicants who pass the TEAS Entrance Exam with a 60% or higher must submit the documents listed in the enrollment packet to the Registrar, no later than 30 days prior to the start of the desired program.

Upon completion of the program, what are the licensing and certification criteria?

Upon completions of a program, graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of EMT’s Practical and Written Examination. Georgia requires NREMT certification before submitting an application for state licensure through the Georgia State Office of EMS and Trauma. You must have Georgia licensure before working as a Paramedic and NREMT certification does not guarantee licensure in Georgia.

For specific licensure questions visit dph.georgia.gov/EMS

For questions about the National Registry exam visit www.nremt.org

Back to Top