If you desire to help others in emergencies, an associates degree in EMS could be a strategic program to pursue.
You might consider this degree if you’re interested in gaining the skills and knowledge needed to provide pre-hospital care in a fast-paced environment. There are a variety of career paths available to graduates who have earned an associates degree in emergency medical services online.
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You may also choose to expand upon your EMS training and pursue additional education and training opportunities that are available to you with your EMS degree.
Online Associates Degree in EMS Programs
An associate degree in emergency medical services can help equip you with the knowledge and training needed to provide patient care in a pre-hospital environment.
To best prepare students to provide emergency healthcare, many programs combine classroom teaching and labs with supervised practical and hands-on training in hospitals and ambulances. Areas of study in many EMS programs include:
- CPR and airway management
- Trauma management
- Psychology
- Paramedic fundamentals
- Medical management
- EMS field experience
Courses you may take as part of your associate in emergency medical services program can include topics on:
- Patient assessment
- Behavioral emergencies
- Ethics
- Psychology
- Neonatal emergencies
You may also take science-based courses, including pharmacology—focusing on drug dosage and administration in emergencies—and anatomy and physiology. Emergency medical services is a demanding career, both mentally and physically. Many programs require a physical examination and assessment prior to admission.
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Given the physical nature of the work, students are required to meet various strength and endurance demands, including frequent:
- Standing
- Walking
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Balancing
Balance and coordination are also essential physical skills, including climbing, crouching, crawling, and kneeling. EMS professionals also possess and develop strong communication skills and the ability to respond calmly in stressful situations.
In providing patient care in emergency settings, it’s necessary to think rationally and use critical thinking skills to make clinical judgments. With these skills, graduates can pursue career opportunities in a variety of public and private institutions.
Public agencies—including city or county EMS, fire departments, and police departments—may provide employment opportunities. Other employment opportunities may be available in hospitals or private EMS services. Graduates may also pursue additional opportunities outside of traditional EMS settings in nursing, law enforcement, and firefighting, to name a few.
EMS Careers & Salaries
After completing your associate degree in emergency medical services, you may find a variety of career paths to pursue with your desire to help others in emergency situations. Graduates may pursue opportunities directly in EMS, including municipal, county, and private EMS services.
Career opportunities may also be available in hospitals, helicopter and air ambulance services, and law enforcement. If you are interested in travel, you may also explore opportunities as a medic with private companies or with contractors in developing countries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are some potential career paths related to emergency medical services (EMS), along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Police and Detectives | $66,020 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $51,120 |
| Firefighters | $50,700 |
| Paramedics | $46,770 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicators | $46,670 |
| Community Health Workers | $46,590 |
| Medical Assistants | $37,190 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) | $35,470 |
| Nursing Assistants | $30,310 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
Overall job growth is anticipated to continue for EMTs and paramedics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and there will always be a need for emergency services and individuals with this training.
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Graduates may also expand their opportunities into related careers, including nursing, occupational health and safety, education, and health care administration. Some EMS professionals also go on to become medical assistants or emergency room technicians. Police, fire, and ambulance dispatch services may also be opportunities for graduates.
EMS Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
While associates degree in emergency medical services online courses can vary depending on the program you choose, below are some common courses you may come across:
- Fundamentals of Emergency Medical Technology: This course prepares you for EMT certification according to US Department of Transportation and state guidelines.
- EMS Anatomy and Physiology: In this course, you’ll study the human anatomy and physiology needed to provide pre-hospital patient care.
- Emergency Pharmacology: This course focuses on the basics of drug usage, drug dosage, adverse effects, and drug administration in emergency situations.
- Patient Airway Management and Ventilation: In this course, you’ll learn how to establish and maintain a patient’s airway and how to safely ventilate a patient.
- Paramedic Patient Assessment: This course prepares you to evaluate a patient, covering topics like patient history and physical assessment, and to develop a treatment plan.
- Trauma Management: In this course, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to assess and manage patients with traumatic injuries.
- OBGYN and Neonatal Emergencies: This course provides you with basic knowledge in normal and abnormal obstetric deliveries, including neonatal emergencies.
- Medical Emergencies: This course focuses on the emergency and care of children and adults with cardiac and pulmonary emergencies.
- Behavior Emergencies: This course prepares you for emotional and behavioral emergencies, including suicide, chemical, and drug-related emergencies.
- Introduction to Ethics: In this course, you’ll learn classic and contemporary theories regarding human conduct, moral and ethical standards, and the nature of moral values.
In addition to these EMS-specific courses in your plan of study, you may also be required to complete general education courses.
Admissions Requirements
While admissions requirements can vary from program to program, below are some criteria that are commonly required to pursue an associate degree in emergency medical services:
- Background check and drug screening
- Online application and fee
- Updated immunization records and physical exam
- High school transcripts or proof of GED completion
In addition to the above criteria, some programs may require you to attend an information session or orientation before starting a program.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation ensures that a school meets a predetermined standard of quality in its facilities, faculty, and educational offerings. Regional accreditation is also the most widely accepted type of accreditation.
Earning a degree from an accredited school may affect your employment opportunities as well as your eligibility for additional educational opportunities. Many schools will only accept transfer credits or recognize prior degrees from other regionally accredited institutions.
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You can visit the US Department of Education’s website for additional school accreditation information.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you look into programs for your associates degree in emergency medical services, you can also look into the variety of financial aid options that are available to students who qualify.
Many schools offer scholarships to eligible students. There are also many public and private institutions that offer scholarships. In addition, there may be financial assistance opportunities available to you through the federal and state governments in the form of loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Federal work-study programs may help you acquire part-time work in order to help you pay for your program. You can visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more about possible financial assistance opportunities that may be available to you through the government.
If you or a family member has served in the military, you may also look into financial assistance available to military students and families.
What Is an EMS Associate Degree?
An EMS associate degree is designed to prepare students for their role in providing pre-hospital emergency care and public safety.
EMS programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical training needed to provide emergency medical services and pursue advancement in this field. Coursework in an associate in emergency medical services program enables you to develop a range of medical, psychological, ethical, and pharmacological knowledge for the field.
Graduates often use this training to seek employment in public and private institutions, including hospitals, EMS services, and police departments, among others.
Is EMS a Good Career Choice?
Yes, EMS is a good career choice for many professionals. Many EMS professionals find it fulfilling to assist other people and regularly make a difference in others’ lives.
EMS graduates can find careers in numerous industries. An associate degree can also act as a foundation for additional healthcare education and training. Professionals in the emergency medical services field are also seeing steady growth. For example, EMTs and paramedics are expected to see 7% job growth over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Can You Do with an Emergency Medical Services Associates Degree?
Earning an emergency medical services associates degree can help you work toward a variety of career opportunities.
If you wish to focus on public health and service, you might consider public service opportunities with 911 EMS services, fire departments, and law enforcement. You could also explore opportunities with private EMS services, companies that need medics or emergency services, and hospital emergency rooms.
Common EMS positions include emergency medical technician (EMT), emergency room technician, paramedic, fire fighter, law enforcement official, and medical assistant.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Associates Degree in EMS?
The time it takes to complete your degree will likely depend on your semester schedule and whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time. You can generally complete an associate’s degree in 2 years if you follow a traditional 16 week semester and attend courses full-time.
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Some health services degree online programs enable you to finish sooner if they offer 8 week terms and let you stay continuously enrolled year-round, including during the summer. On the other hand, part-time studies can allow extra flexibility, but they’ll often extend your time to completion.
What’s the Difference Between an EMS vs. EMT?
Here are some key differences between emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
- Emergency medical services (EMS): EMS is an overall field that includes a number of EMS careers, such as EMTs and parademics. EMS services generally deal with emergency transportation and medical care on the way to a hospital.
- Emergency medical technician (EMT): An EMT is a professional role within the EMS field and system. An EMT is a first responder who has a certification in specialized emergency medicine.
All in all, an EMT professional is part of the larger EMS field.
Is an Associate’s Degree in EMS Worth It?
Yes, an associate’s degree in EMS is worth it for many students. An undergraduate degree could help advance your career path as well as open the door to additional educational opportunities. An associates program in EMS can help you develop the skills to think critically and respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
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If you want to be of service to others, there are numerous EMS career paths to consider. This field is also seeing steady growth. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for EMTs and paramedics will rise at a rate of 7% over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Emergency Medical Services Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Adelphi University offers an AS in Emergency Services Administration. The program is offered fully online. The program requires the completion of 64 credits, which can typically be done in 2 years. Some students may qualify for life experience credits. Most courses are asynchronous. The curriculum consists of courses like Legal Aspects of Emergency Services.
Adelphi University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cape Fear Community College offers an AAS in Emergency Medical Science. The program is entirely online. Students must complete 72 credit hours to graduate. Classes start in the fall, spring, and summer. The curriculum consists of courses such as Trauma Emergencies. Licensed paramedics may qualify for the bridge program which offers credit for work experience.
Cape Fear Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Columbia Southern University offers an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services. This program is designed for current and prospective emergency services personnel hoping to deepen their skills in the field. The curriculum is housed entirely online. Up to 45 qualifying credits from outside institutions may be transferred in toward the program’s 60 required credit hours.
Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students who want to prepare or further their training for an EMS, EMT, or paramedic career can take courses at Davidson-Davie Community College. Many of the programs are fully online, while some are offered in a hybrid format. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Many programs are designed to prepare students for certification exams.
Davidson-Davie Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern Kentucky University’s AS in Paramedicine program is designed for students who are already licensed paramedics. It is offered entirely online. Students are required to complete 64 credits to graduate. Classes are 8 weeks long, and there are six start dates offered each year. Students may be able to transfer up to 18 credits for experience.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida Gateway College offers an AS in Emergency Medical Services Technology. The program consists of paramedic, EMT, and general education courses. General education classes are online, but the paramedic and EMT components must be taken on campus. To graduate, students must complete 73 credit hours, which can typically be finished in 2 years.
Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Miami Dade College offers an AS in Emergency Medical Services. The program may be attended entirely online or in a blended format with courses on campus. Students must complete 73 credit hours and a clinical component to graduate. The program can typically be finished in 2 years. Potential courses include Trauma Management.
Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Midlands Technical College offers an AS in Emergency Medical Technology—Paramedic program. Courses are available online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Online classes may have synchronous components. Prospective students must have an EMT and paramedic license before applying. Students may earn these licenses through MTC.
Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oklahoma City Community College offers an AAS in Emergency Medical Sciences. The program is offered in a hybrid format designed for students with busy schedules. Students must complete at least 67 credit hours to graduate. Before students can be admitted to the program, they need National Registry Certification as an EMT or Advanced EMT.
Oklahoma City Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Seminole State College of Florida offers an AS in Emergency Medical Services. Most courses are offered entirely online. Courses in the program follow a regular semester schedule and begin in the fall, spring, and summer. Students must complete 73 credit hours to graduate. Students often apply these credits to a bachelor’s degree later.
Seminole State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Associates Degree in EMS Online
An EMS associates degree can help you prepare for emergency services careers that could challenge you physically as well as mentally.
Emergency service jobs are always in need of trained individuals with a desire to help others. You may explore numerous opportunities in private companies and public institutions, including local municipal and state emergency services. Whether you’re interested in fighting fires, assisting healthcare workers, or providing pre-hospital care, an associates in EMS can help you further your professional qualifications.
You can look into online associates degrees in emergency medical services from accredited schools to find the one that best matches your schedule, interests, and goals.
