Accidents happen, and emergencies will never be 100% preventable. Luckily, professional emergency medical services providers are always on the clock, ready to provide medical assistance. However, paramedics, EMTs, and similar professionals need special training to do this job. That’s where emergency medical services degrees come into play. If you want to join the emergency medical services field, then you’ll need the appropriate credentials and degree. To begin with, let’s look at the best emergency medical services degrees online and ready for your application.
Article Navigation: What is Emergency Medical Services? | Career Options in Emergency Medical Services | What to Expect in an Emergency Medical Services Degree Online | Emergency Medical Services Associate’s Degree Online | Emergency Medical Services Bachelor’s Degree Online | Is There a License or Certification Needed? | Continuing Education for Career Advancement | FAQs
What is Emergency Medical Services?
Emergency medical services are a collection of resources, infrastructure, and professionals. Emergency medical services provide immediate medical care and analysis for those injured around the country. For example, imagine that two cars impact each other on the freeway. Someone dialed 911. An emergency 911 operator answers the call and routes emergency medical services providers to the accident scene. These include firefighters, police officers, and paramedics or EMTs. In brief, the emergency medical services industry is all about saving people and minimizing harm. Therefore, entering the EMS industry can lead to a career and personal fulfillment perspective.
Career Options in Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical services providers have many different job titles and responsibilities. Some of the most common emergency medical services providers include:
- Critical care paramedics or CCPs provide care directly to patients during transportation from accident scenes to hospital facilities.
- Emergency care assistants who work under paramedic supervision to administer treatments, treat wounds, and control bleeding
- Emergency medical technicians or EMTs. Just under paramedics, these professionals work in ambulances and help to diagnose and treat patients when necessary
- Firefighter paramedics who respond to fire-related emergency calls. They get trained to rescue people in burning buildings or provide medical care to treat burns when necessary
- Flight paramedics who work in aircraft to provide care for patients while in flight and provide medical attention at the scene of incidents or disasters
Salary
Generally, professionals in the emergency medical service field can expect average salaries of $36,930, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, some professionals can earn nearly $50,000 a year on average. The highest 10% of EMTs and paramedics earn more than $60,000 annually.
Job Outlook
Although many feel they deserve to get paid more, EMTs and paramedics are expected to become more important as the years go on. The BLS indicates that this job industry should grow by 11% until 2030. This growth is much faster than in other occupations. Because of this, graduates from emergency medical services degree programs should have no trouble finding employment.
Education Needed to Work an Emergency Medical Service Job
Most emergency medical services jobs don’t require degrees at all. For example, to become a paramedic or EMT, students don’t need a degree; they need a certificate from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and state licensure. An associate or bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services can qualify EMTs or paramedics for advanced managerial positions. It can also make them more competitive when trying to get a job for the first time.
What to Expect in an Emergency Medical Services Degree Online
Although not strictly required, attending an emergency medical services online degree program may be wise. These degree programs can strengthen one’s resume or help graduates enter a certification program to begin working as paramedics or EMTs right after graduation.
Admission Requirements
Some emergency medical services degrees are more competitive than others. Generally, most of these degrees require a reasonably high GPA of 2.0 or 2.5 or above. Some may also require that students complete certain prerequisite classes to qualify.
What to Look for When Selecting a Program
Aspiring EMTs, paramedics, and other emergency medical services professionals should carefully examine each available degree program. Here’s what students should consider before choosing any given program.
Accreditation
First and foremost, students should ensure that their chosen emergency medical services program is appropriately accredited. Emergency medical administration or management programs can be regionally or state accredited. However, paramedic-related programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or CAAHEP. These accredited programs are typically found at community colleges, vocational schools, and some four-year universities.
Other accrediting bodies are:
- SACSCOC: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- IFSAC: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
- HLC: Higher Learning Commission
- CHEA: Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Type
Students should also consider the type of degree available. As noted, most EMS jobs don’t require a college degree at all. However, an associate’s degree is excellent for improving one’s career prospects. A bachelor’s degree can qualify students for future graduate-level education and help them get jobs in competitive areas.
Length
Some online degrees are longer or shorter than others. Generally, associate-level EMS degrees take between one and two years to complete. Many also include certification programs so graduates can work as EMS providers immediately. Bachelor’s degrees usually take up to four years to complete.
Cost of Program
Tuition, of course, is also a critical factor. Generally, associate-level degrees are much cheaper than bachelor’s degrees. On average, students should expect to spend between $5000 and $20,000 for all the educational requirements needed to become an EMS provider.
Standard Courses
The best EMS degrees should have a standard spread of high-quality courses covering topics like:
- Paramedic and EMT techniques and principles
- Psychology of healthcare
- Medical ethics
- The legality of medical services
- Practical skills like resuscitation
Emergency Medical Services Associate’s Degree Online
Luckily for aspiring EMTs and similar professionals, there are many online associate degrees one can pursue. Let’s take a look at the best emergency medical services associate degrees one by one.
Lenoir Community College
Program: Associate in Emergency Medical Science
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Lenoir Community College offers a quality and thorough online associate degree in emergency medical science. As a bridge program, aspiring paramedics can transfer 45 credits to appropriate bachelor’s degree programs later. These are perfect for those who want to acquire a BS degree in a related field. Throughout this program, all students gain proficiencies in this field’s technical and administrative aspects. It’s a perfect program for preparing for careers in ambulance services, government agencies, and rescue agencies. The program can be completed 100% online or in a hybrid format, depending on student preferences.
Eastern Kentucky University
Program: Associate in Paramedicine
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Eastern Kentucky University also offers a quality online associate program. However, this program is focused on paramedicine rather than emergency medical services. The two subjects are integrated and similar, however. Throughout this program, degree seekers will complete general education classes alongside classes in advanced cardiology, emergency operations, advanced life support, behavioral crisis management, and more. Note, however, that all students must have current certification as a paramedic by the state EMS office or the NREMT. In other words, it’s a good associate program for current paramedics who want to improve their education and career prospects. Notably, this program waives any application fees, and there are six potential start dates each year.
Adelphi University
Program: AS in Emergency Services Administration
Accreditation: MSCHE
Adelphi University offers an online Associate of Science in Emergency Services Administration. This degree provides the academic building blocks necessary to enter the emergency services field.
It features a cutting-edge curriculum that trains students to handle all types of emergencies. These range from hurricanes to wildfires to mass shootings and more. Throughout the program, students will complete courses on topics like:
- Front-line emergency crisis management
- Paramedical strategies and techniques
- Emergency administration
- And more
Importantly, students who have public training in specific fields can get extra life experience credits. This training allows those students to save money on their education and skip certain classes. Qualifying training includes EMT or paramedic certification, military training, police academy courses, etc.
Could not look up degree for "Adelphi University" using "1919"!Purdue University Global
Program: AS in Fire Science
Accreditation: IFSAC
Purdue University Global offers an associate degree in Fire Science. This program is a perfect undergraduate degree for aspiring firefighter paramedics or EMTs. It can also be used as a steppingstone credential for firefighters who may wish to earn a bachelor’s degree before applying for the service. Nonetheless, this online program is accredited by multiple institutions and teaches the latest practices in arson investigation, prevention of fires, and similar topics. It offers real-world studies in combustion, building construction, water supplies, and other issues. These courses provide students with the knowledge they need to handle fire-related emergency services capably.
Furthermore, students can easily transfer any credits earned through this online degree to Purdue’s online bachelor’s degree in fire science. This makes it quick and easy for one to complete a full four-year degree through the same online university if they so choose.
Louisiana State University – Eunice
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Fire and Emergency Services
Accreditation: FESHE
Lastly, students can attend Louisiana State University Eunice and acquire an online fire and emergency services degree. This quality online degree program is for aspiring EMTs or fire service professionals. Students can choose between emergency services technology or fire service technology as concentration areas. These concentrations let students prioritize their education to be more generalized for overall training or to focus on the fire services. Furthermore, students can receive up to 24 prior learning credits if they have paramedic or firefighter certificates. This 100% online degree program offers all students continuous support from a dedicated student success coach. The curriculum, notably, is based on the National Fire Academy’s curriculum.
Emergency Medical Services Bachelor’s Degree Online
Students who want to maximize their career potential and earn a four-year degree can easily do so online. Many quality emergency medical services bachelor’s degrees are available to choose from.
Purdue University Global
Program: BS in Fire and Emergency Management
Accreditation: IFSAC
Students can continue the online associate degree mentioned above at Purdue University. The school’s online bachelor’s degree in the same field continues right where the associate degree leaves off. It lets students study fire prevention practices, know how to practice preparedness, planning, and recovery strategies, and teaches crisis management in disasters and terrorist attacks. It’s a perfect degree choice for those who wish to become fire department chiefs or managers. It may also be ideal for future municipal firefighting supervisors or emergency management planners. The curriculum is based on the National Fire Academy’s classes and topics.
Like many other related programs, students can earn extra credit for previously completed courses or certifications. More importantly, students can use the credits earned here and enter an accelerated master’s degree pathway. This is appropriate should they wish to earn a master’s degree in public administration, human services, and other fields.
Saint Leo University
Program: BA in Emergency Management
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Saint Leo University offers an online degree in emergency management. While not strictly related to the skills necessary to be a paramedic, it can qualify students to become emergency service administrators and managers. It offers 120 credit hours and has regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. All students assist faculty members with research or complete their independent research projects for credit. Notably, students work with the real-world scope and complete a capstone course in emergency management. This experience equips graduates with the skills and practical expertise they need to immediately thrive in emergency management or administrative positions. In short, it can be a great degree program for current paramedics or EMTs who want to advance their careers.
University of Arizona
Program: BS in Emergency Medical Services
Accreditation: HLC
The University of Arizona offers an undergraduate EMS degree that students can complete entirely online. Paramedics can get a Bachelor of Science in EMS degree, while EMTs can get the same degree with a minor in EMS. In either case, students will find the program robust, well-developed, and with an excellent curriculum. The program builds on paramedic educational principles, offering science background classes, modern courses on practical EMT and paramedic principles and skills, and more. Moreover, students who take the EMS minor degree will learn advanced EMS systems courses. Leadership courses are also available so graduates can succeed in the EMS industry as managers.
Students further have the opportunity to participate in research projects with faculty and fellow students. Also, students can undertake a research project instead of a capstone project if they choose. Those with credentials in the fire services or as paramedics may be able to substitute those certificates for a certain number of credit hours.
Columbia Southern University
Program: BS in Emergency Medical Services Administration
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Columbia Southern University’s bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services administration is a perfect choice for future leaders in this field. It prioritizes administrative and leadership courses instead of paramedic skills or EMT classes.
Thus, it’s a good choice for future leaders in the industry or EMTs and paramedics who already have certification. Classes cover topics such as:
- Legal and political frameworks for EMS settings in industries
- Leadership skills
- Planning and development during crises
- Risk management
- Administration in EMS systems
The course offers multiple start dates each year. Furthermore, the school is exceptionally generous with transfer credits. Military members or veterans can access numerous benefits, like reduced tuition.
Adelphi University
Program: BS in Emergency Services Administration
Accreditation: MSCHE
Adelphi University returns once again with another high-quality online degree. This bachelor’s degree in emergency services administration is perfect for future managers, administrators, and advanced paramedics who want to master their industry. Furthermore, the degree offers a top-tier curriculum that requires students to interact with leading educators and researchers in the field. To illustrate, teachers typically have front-line experience managing crises or meetings between different groups of people.
Like the associate degree from Adelphi University, students can receive life experience credits if they have certificates or official training, like EMT or paramedic certifications. It’s a 100% online program through and through. In conclusion, the degree can shorten the path necessary to earn Certified Emergency Manager certification, which the International Association of Emergency Managers offers.
Is There a License or Certification Needed?
Absolutely. To work in the emergency medical services field as an EMT, paramedic, or similar professional, one must have certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Certification from the NREMT then allows students to pursue licensure in their states of residence.
What Types of Licenses or Certificates Are There?
The NREMT awards four different types of certification:
- Emergency Medical Responder or EMT
- Emergency Medical Technician or EMT
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or AEMT
- Paramedic
Each level of certification comes with training and examination benchmarks as well as educational or experience requirements. Students can attend NREMT-certified or accredited classes to earn each level of certification from various sources. These include college campuses and online universities. Vocational schools also offer NREMT-accredited/certified classes.
However, note that most online training providers provide courses that are only applicable for state licensure. Students who wish to change their states of residence may need to take classes to reacquire licensure later.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
Each level of NREMT certification has different requirements.
An EMR or emergency medical responder is the most basic level of the emergency services provider. For example, average citizens can have CPR certification and technically qualify as EMRs.
Generally, EMR certification requirements include:
- Completion of training courses on topics like respiration and ventilation, resuscitation and cardiology, trauma, and more
- 12 hours of clinical observation
- 12 hours of internship training
The next level of NREMT certification is EMT certification. EMTs can provide basic emergency care and transportation for critical patients who need emergency medical services or systems. For the most part, the requirements for EMT certification are much higher and include:
- Completion of a licensed EMT program. These consist of between 130 to 150 hours of class work plus emergency medical experience
- Completion of NREMT psychomotor and cognitive examinations with between 70 and 120 test items take over two hours
AEMT or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification is even more complex and rigorous. Only EMTs can pursue AEMT licensure by the NREMT. AEMTs have a lot of responsibilities; they can use complex airway devices, provide intravenous fluids to patients, provide patient assessments, and more.
Certification for AEMTs includes:
- 300 hours of instruction during an accredited AEMT program
- A cognitive exam with 135 questions
- A psychomotor exam
Lastly, a paramedic certification. This top certification level from the NREMT also comes with the broadest scope of practice. Paramedics can provide basic or advanced care for patients. They can also provide patient comfort, transfer patients to healthcare facilities, and more. In short, paramedics have more skills than AEMTS.
NREMT paramedic certification has lots of requirements, including:
- A state-approved paramedic training program
- CAAHEP-accredited paramedic courses
- Completion of the NREMT examination for paramedic certification
- Completion of a psychomotor exam
Continuing Education for Career Advancement
Each state has its own continuing education requirements for EMTs and other emergency services professionals. For example, Colorado requires emergency medical technicians to renew their state certifications every three years. Renewal of state certifications or licenses usually consists of taking a few continuing education classes.
Now that we have gone over what it takes to provide emergency medical services, it’s time to start your journey! If a fast-paced, public safety occupation sounds like a good fit for you, then give EMS a shot! Check out GetEducated.com for our top picks of online programs to get you started.
FAQs
What degree is best for EMTs?
EMTs don’t need degrees. They just need a high school diploma or GED credential. However, an associate degree is usually advantageous for these professionals.
What is the highest degree for paramedics?
The highest degree for paramedics is a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is not necessary and usually qualifies one for administrative or managerial roles.
Does ASU offer paramedic programs?
No. However, ASU does offer degrees in medical services management and administration.
How do I become an EMR in California?
To become an EMR in California, you must complete an approved certification program from a community college or online provider. This program usually takes anywhere from 5 to 10 hours to complete.