Barton’s Emergency Medical Services Program offers comprehensive training at all levels of pre-hospital emergency care. Whether you're beginning your EMS career or advancing your certification, our program is designed to prepare you for the National Registry Exam and certification in the State of Kansas.
In addition to initial certification courses, Barton provides continuing education to help current EMS professionals stay up to date with patient care practices, equipment, techniques, and emerging technologies.
The program follows the National Standard Curriculum and is nationally recognized, ensuring you receive training that meets industry standards and prepares you for real-world emergency medical service.
Barton Benefits
At Barton, our areas of study are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to thrive in today’s world. Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or advancing your career, we offer flexible and rigorous programs that support your goals.
Why Barton?
- Comprehensive EMS Training – Barton offers coursework at every level of prehospital emergency care, including Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), and Paramedic. Whether you're just starting out or advancing your credentials, Barton has a path for you.
- High school accessibility – High school juniors and seniors can take the EMT course for only $125, with Excel in CTE, Promise Act, and Kansas Incentive Funding covering the rest.
- Flexible locations – Hands-on training is available at Great Bend, Grandview Plaza, Fort Riley, and Topeka (Paramedic program).
- Accelerated certificates – EMT and AEMT can be completed in one semester, allowing for quick entry into the workforce.
- Stackable credentials – Start with EMT, build into AEMT, and then pursue a Paramedic degree to grow your career.
- Real-world preparation – Programs are designed to prepare students for the National Registry Exam and real emergency medical scenarios.
- Career-ready training – EMS professionals from Barton are prepared to serve in ambulances, hospitals, fire departments, and tactical response teams.
- Affordable and accessible – Low cost, high impact education with financial aid and scholarship options available.
- Statewide Reach and Flexibility – With the largest EMS education service area of any Kansas community college, Barton offers training at multiple locations across the state. Flexible scheduling and multiple course start dates make it easier for working professionals and new students to fit training into their lives.
Career Outlook
Emergency Medical Services Careers
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Employment for EMTs is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
-
Median pay: $38,930 per year | $18.72 per hour
Source – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs)
While there is no national salary data specific to the AEMT certification, overall job opportunities remain steady, especially in rural and underserved areas. Employment growth is also projected at 6% through 2033.
-
Estimated median pay: $46,072 per year | $22.15 per hour
Paramedics
Employment for paramedics is expected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, driven by demand for emergency care services.
-
Median pay: $53,180 per year | $25.57 per hour
Source – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
For additional labor market information in Kansas, contact the Kansas Department of Labor at (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068 or email KDOL.LaborMarketInformation@ks.gov.
Upcoming EMT & AEMT Programs
Great Bend, Grandview Plaza, and Fort Riley
- Apply by: July 31, 2025
- Course Dates: August – December 2025 (16 weeks)
- Class schedules: See sections below for days and times.
Upcoming Paramedic Programs
Great Bend/Grandview Plaza, 2025
- Apply by: Applications closed
- Interviews: June 2025
- Course Dates: August 12, 2025 – December, 2026
- Class schedules: Tuesdays 0800-1700
Great Bend, 2026
- Apply: Applications open June 1 - July 31, 2025
- Interviews: October 2025
- Course Dates: January 2026 - May 2027
- Class schedules: Day TBD 0800-1700
Great Bend/Topeka AMR, 2026
- Apply: Applications open March 1 - May 1, 2026
- Interviews: June 2026
- Course Dates: August 2026 - December 2027
- Class schedules: Tuesdays 0800-1700
Become a Cougar
Complete the Admissions checklist of requirements to become a Cougar today.
Barton classes are affordable and accessible, with sessions starting throughout the year.
You have many options to help you accomplish yours goals and we're here to help!
Understanding the Levels of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
EMRs are the first trained individuals to arrive at the scene of an emergency. They provide basic care until more advanced personnel arrive. EMRs are trained in CPR, basic airway management, bleeding control, and patient assessment.
Ideal for first responders in law enforcement, fire departments, and volunteer rescue squads.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs provide more advanced pre-hospital care than EMRs. They can administer oxygen, perform CPR, use defibrillators, and assist with certain medications. EMTs are often the backbone of ambulance services and serve as a critical link between the scene and the hospital.
Entry-level certification required for most EMS careers.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
AEMTs build on EMT training by adding skills such as intravenous (IV) therapy, advanced airway management, and administration of a broader range of medications. AEMTs can perform more complex procedures in emergency settings but still work under the supervision of a paramedic or medical director.
Ideal for those seeking more responsibility without completing the full paramedic program.
Paramedic
Paramedics receive the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care training. They can perform advanced life support procedures, including ECG interpretation, endotracheal intubation, medication administration, and more. Paramedics work in high-stress environments and are trained to make rapid, critical decisions in the field.
This level requires the most training and is essential for leadership roles in emergency medical services.
Each level offers a unique opportunity to serve the community and progress within the EMS field. Barton’s EMS Program supports students at all levels with flexible course options, experienced instructors, and pathways to certification and employment.
Degree Maps
Degree Maps
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic (68 credit hours - degree guide)
Certificate
Emergency Medical Services Paramedic (52 credit hour cert)
Emergency Medical Services Certificates
Emergency Medical Technician (12 hour cert)
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (10 hour cert)
Emergency Medical Responder (7 hour cert)
View the full list of Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2024) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2024 and after).
College to University
Barton has agreements with four year colleges that specifically direct your studies in certain programs for seamless transition from Barton to the transfer school. If you plan to attend Barton and then transfer to a four-year school, please consult with your advisor regarding classes to take at Barton to help you in a smooth transition to your four-year transfer school. Students should also contact the college/university to where they are transferring concerning degree requirements within the appropriate department or college.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) - 7 credit hrs
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) - 7 credit hrs
We will offer the EMR class at a later date. Please check back for updates.
EMR Enrollment
No classes currently scheduled
- EMR Enrollment Step-by-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- EMR Enrollment Agreement
For questions, please contact Nicholas Larmer at larmern@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9347.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - 12 credit hrs
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - 12 credit hrs
We offer EMT classes each spring and fall semester at our Barton County, Grandview Plaza, and Fort Riley campuses. No prerequisites are required. Students must be 17 years or older to test for certification and have no felonies on record.
The flyers below have details on dates, times, costs, etc. See EMT Enrollment below for more information.
- Barton County Campus Fall 2025 Flyer
- Grandview Plaza Campus Fall 2025 Flyer
- Fort Riley Campus Fall 2025 Flyer
High School Students
Are you a high school student interested in taking this course?
The Kansas Senate passed Excel in CTE Initiative (SB155) in May 2012. This bill authorizes the state of Kansas to pay tuition charges for high school students taking specific tiered Career Technical Courses. Therefore, courses designated as Excel in CTE Initiative (SB155) will be available to high school students tuition-free (A savings of $1,812.00!). The student will be responsible for the practical testing fee ($100) along with application and testing fees ($50). Students are also responsible for all applicable textbook costs (currently $0).
EMT Enrollment
Registration for Fall 2025 classes is now OPEN. Please read through the Step-By-Step Guide below to get started.
Barton County Campus
- EMT Enrollment Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- EMT Enrollment Agreement
Grandview Plaza Campus
- EMT Enrollment Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- EMT Enrollment Agreement
Fort Riley Campus
- EMT Enrollment Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- EMT Enrollment Agreement
For more information contact Nicholas Larmer at larmern@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9347.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) - 10 credit hrs
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) - 10 credit hrs
We offer AEMT classes each spring and fall semester at our Barton County, Grandview Plaza, and Fort Riley campuses. Student must be a certified Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with no additional prerequisites required. Students must be 17 years or older to test for certification and have no felonies on record.
Our flyers below have details on dates, times, costs, etc. See AEMT Enrollment below for more information
Barton County Campus Fall 2025 Flyer
Grandview Plaza Campus Fall 2025 Flyer
Fort Riley Campus Fall 2025 Flyer
AEMT Enrollment
Registration for Fall 2025 is now OPEN. Please read through the Step-by-Step Guide below to get started.
Barton County Campus
- AEMT Enrollment Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- AEMT Enrollment Agreement
Grandview Plaza Campus
- AEMT Enrollment Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- AEMT Enrollment Agreement
Fort Riley Campus
- AEMT Enrollment Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Pre-Class Requirement Packet
- AEMT Enrollment Agreement
For questions, please contact Nicholas Larmer at larmern@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9347.
Paramedic Program - Associate of Applied Science Degree - 68 credit hrs
Paramedic Program - Associate of Applied Science Degree - 68 credit hrs
The student must be a certified Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT). Must complete all general education requirements prior to the first day of the program. Students must be 17 years or older to test for certification and have no felonies on record. Must complete and pass the Paramedic entrance application and interview process.
Applications for the Great Bend-Grandview Plaza Paramedic Program are CLOSED.
- Paramedic Pre-Application Step-By-Step Guide
- Barton's Admission Application
- Paramedic Application Requirements
- Paramedic Cost
- Paramedic Applicant Info & Intent Form
- Paramedic Pre-Application Agreement
For questions, please contact Nicholas Larmer at larmern@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9347.
Upcoming Paramedic Programs
Great Bend/Grandview Plaza-2025
Applications are CLOSED
Interviews: June 2025
August 12, 2025 - December 2026
Tuesdays 0800-1700
Great Bend/Topeka AMR-2026
Applications open from March 1 - May 1, 2026
Interviews: June 2026
Class runs August 2026 - December 2027
Thursdays 0800-1700
Advanced Placement
We do not offer advanced placement at Barton.
Transfer Students
We do not accept transfers from other paramedic programs to Barton’s program.
Experiential Learning
We do not accept experiential learning as part of Barton’s paramedic program.
For questions, please contact Nicholas Larmer at larmern@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9347.
Paramedic Accreditation Information
Paramedic Accreditation Information
Paramedic Program Outcomes Report
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Time Pass Rate | 73% | 73% | 63% | 81% |
| Overall Pass Rate | 86.4% | 91% | 75% | 91% |
| Retention | 95.7% | 91.7% | 100% | 96% |
| Positive Placement | 90.9% | 91% | 67% | 91% |
The Barton Community College paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: (727) 210-2350
Fax: (727) 210-2354
www.caahep.org
mail@caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org"
Outreach & Transfer
Outreach & Transfer
K-State at Barton
Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic and Technology Management
Barton EMS Student Uniform/Apparel
Barton EMS Student Uniform/Apparel
Please follow this link to order your required EMS apparel. Make note of the deadlines posted in the Pre-Class Instructions. The deadline to order will also be at the top of the online store.
Store Now Open, until June 29th
Order your required uniform items.
CRN and IC numbers
CRN and IC numbers
Review current semester CRN numbers or IC numbers.
Discover Career Paths
Discover Career Paths
Visit the What Can I Do with My Major? webpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!
Admissions
You are only a few quick steps away from becoming a Barton Cougar! The Admissions process is quick, easy and free - we're here to help you through every step of the way. Start your future today!
Student Life
Barton is dedicated to creating a vibrant and engaging student experience! From clubs to student activities, we offer countless opportunities to make the most of your time as a Cougar.