There are four main levels of credentials for emergency responders in NC. The following list is the credentials in order of lowest to highest.

Medical Responder

Common level for volunteer firefighers and some law enforcement officers.
EMT-B (emergency medical technician-basic level)

Your first semester at ABTECH will prepare you for this level. Common level of certification for firefighters, camp counselors, rescue workers, and general public.
EMT-I (emergency medical technician-intermediate level)

Common level for beginning certification to work on an advanced life support ambulance. This levels allows them to start IV's and give some medications. Your second semester will prepare you for this level.
Paramedic

Highest level of emergency care outside of a hospital. Your last three semesters will focus on this level of advanced care.