Western Carolina University’s Online Bachelor of Science Degree Program

in Emergency Medical Care (EMC) for

US Army Special Forces Medical Sergeants (18Ds)

Western’s EMC program became a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) Army Career Degree Program in 2007. The first 18Ds enrolled in the program in the spring of 2008. Western is currently the only university that offers an Army Career Degree for 18Ds.

Recognition for extensive training and experience: The EMC degree program maximizes the training and experience of 18Ds. 18Ds who have completed BNCOC and foreign language training are typically offered between 47 and 59 semester hours in transfer, depending on when they attended 18D qualification training.

100% online classes: For 18Ds, the EMC program can be completed 100% online—there is no need or requirement for 18D students to ever visit the Western Carolina campus or any other specific location, or to be logged in to EMC online courseware at a specific time. In addition, 18Ds transfer in credit that satisfies all EMC “hands-on” lab requirements. Any remaining lab requirements can be completed via online courses.

Flexibility during deployments or PSC moves: 18Ds who are deployed or reassigned can continue their studies, as long as they have access to reliable internet service.

Term length: EMC courses are offered during traditional terms that run for approximately 16 weeks.

Two degree concentrations: 1) Science, and 2) Health Care Management. The Science concentration prepares students to attend medical school or physician’s assistant training.

Deferred Payment Plan. Western Carolina has applied to become a Letter of Instruction (LOI) institution available through the GoArmyEd system. To avoid up-front/out-of-pocket expenses, soldiers may establish a Deferred Payment Agreement that will allow them to pay tuition after they are reimbursed.

Transfer credit from other colleges or universities: Western Carolina University will accept transfer credit from any regionally accredited campus-based or online university. These credits can be applied towards requirements in the liberal studies, major requirements, major elective, or free elective areas.

CLEP Exams: There is no limit to the number of CLEP courses Western will accept. However, credit can be granted for subject CLEP exams only, not general CLEP exams.

Minimum coursework required for graduation: In order to graduate, students are required to complete 32 semester hours in courses offered by Western Carolina.

AARTS transcript: In addition to completing the online application for the EMC program, 18D applicants should have an official copy of their AARTS transcript sent directly to:

Chuck Gross, Director of Military Education

Western Carolina University

138 Camp Building

Cullowhee, NC 28723

Or to:

Western Carolina University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

102 Camp Building

Cullowhee, NC 28723

AARTS transcripts may be ordered from http://aarts.army.mil/.

Additional information: For more information, 18D soldiers can contact Chuck Gross, Western Carolina’s Director of Military Education (828-227-2135; ).

Interested 18Ds may learn more about the EMC degree at: http://www.soc.aascu.org/socad/18D.html and http://www.wcu.edu/2826.asp.