Learn more about our Public Safety programs

First Responders & Public Safety

For some, career goals are all about personal ambition. For others, the sense of calling runs deeper. Pursue a purpose-driven career in Public & Emergency Services.

Careers

Detective & Investigator

Investigator gathering a sample from a crime scene.

Detectives and Investigators gather and analyze evidence of possible crimes and illicit activity in a variety of contexts, from undercover surveillance and crime scene analysis to investigative audits that expose corporate fraud and white collar crime.

Where You'll Work
  • Law Enforcement
  • Private Investigators
  • Government Agencies
  • Corporate Auditors
  • Legal Investigators
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology4 semesters
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (sponsored by the N.C. Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission and the N.C. Sheriffs’ Education & Training Standards Commission)1 semester

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $40,770

  • Median

    $50,080

  • Experienced

    $69,210

Job Outlook

+15%

Growth

in NC by 2022

Qualifications

An associate degree from COA will make you equally or better qualified than 50% of current Detectives and Investigators.

EMT and Paramedic

Two EMTs crouching over a patient.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics rush to accident and disaster scenes to offer lifesaving care, quickly assessing people’s medical situations, performing emergency medical services, and transporting patients to hospitals and medical facilities.

Where You'll Work
  • Ambulance Services
  • Fire & Rescue Squads
  • Hospitals
  • Private Healthcare
  • Disaster Relief
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • EMT Basic Certificate1 semester
  • EMT Intermediate Certificate1 semester
  • EMT Basic to Paramedic Certificate1 semester
  • Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science4 semesters

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $25,530

  • Median

    $32,000

  • Experienced

    $46,000

Job Outlook

+22%

Growth

in NC by 2022

Qualifications

Earning EMT and Paramedic certifications at COA will make you equally or better qualified than 65% of current EMTs and Paramedics.

Police Officer

Police Officer smiling and standing in-front of her vehicle with her arms crossed.

Along with other first responders, Police Officers are the backbone of a free society, protecting people and their property by enforcing the laws that govern us and providing emergency assistance to victims of crimes, accidents and disasters.

Where You'll Work
  • Local Police Forces
  • Sheriff’s Offices
  • State Highway Patrol
  • Justice Departments
  • Correctional Facilities
  • National and State Parks
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Criminal Justice Technology4 semesters
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (sponsored by the N.C. Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission and the N.C. Sheriffs’ Education & Training Standards Commission)1 semester

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $34,060

  • Median

    $45,440

  • Experienced

    $57,000

Job Outlook

+6%

Growth

in NC by 2022

Qualifications

A Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate will launch your career, while an associate degree from COA will make you equally or better qualified than 67% of current Police Officers.

Firefighter

Firefighter with his arms crossed standing next to another firefighter.

While most people run away from accidents and disasters, Firefighters rush into explosive danger to control fires, contain accidents and offer emergency, lifesaving care to people who are sick, injured or trapped in fires or other dangerous situations.

Where You'll Work
  • Local Fire Stations
  • State Fire Departments
  • Fire & Rescue Squads
  • Disaster Relief
  • Wildfire Crews
COA Programs

COA Programs

  • Fire & Rescue Service Training (offered in partnership with the Albemarle Fireman’s Association)4-day Intensive
  • EMT Basic Certificate1 semester
  • EMT Intermediate Certificate1 semester
  • EMT Basic to Paramedic Certificate (offered in partnership with the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services)1 semester

Salary in NC

  • Entry

    $20,000

  • Median

    $31,000

  • Experienced

    $48,000

Job Outlook

+4%

Growth

in NC by 2022

Qualifications

Earning the Paramedic certification at COA and completing Fire Academy courses will make you equally or better qualified than 59.1% of current Firefighters.

COA First Responders & Public Safety Programs

Associate Degrees

Associate Degrees

  • Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
  • Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Science
  • Criminal Justice Technology
Certificates

Certificates

  • Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (sponsored by the N.C. Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission and the N.C. Sheriffs’ Education & Training Standards Commission)
  • EMT Basic Certificate
  • EMT Intermediate Certificate
  • EMT Basic to Paramedic Certificate
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (sponsored by the N.C. Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission and the N.C. Sheriffs’ Education & Training Standards Commission)
  • Fire & Rescue Service Training (offered in partnership with the Albemarle Fireman’s Association)
  • EMT Basic Certificate
  • EMT Intermediate Certificate
  • EMT Basic to Paramedic Certificate (offered in partnership with the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services)

What possibility seems most exciting to you? Let us know.We'd love to send you some information and help you take the first steps.

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