Emergency medical technicians and paramedics are some of the most admired professionals in the country, and it’s easy to understand why. As first responders, they’re called upon to save lives, triage complex situations, and care for people during some of the most stressful and difficult moments in their lives.
Although academic degrees aren’t typically required to be an EMT or paramedic, EMS professionals with goals of advancing into administrative roles benefit from higher education. A degree in EMS can give aspiring administrators invaluable insight into the structure of the medical field, the legal framework of EMS, and the finer points of organization and delegation essential to a successful EMS program.
In this article, we explore some of various types of EMS degrees, using examples from our online degree programs here at Columbia Southern University.
EMS and EMS Administration
The most common degree program you’re likely to find will be simply named “emergency medical services” or a variation of “emergency medical services administration” or “emergency medical services management.” Associate degrees typically cover the foundational aspects of working in EMS, with classes such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology for EMS
- EMS Management
- EMS Planning and Development
- Emergency Medical Communications
EMS degrees at the bachelor’s level and above cover high-level leadership and the administrative aspects of the profession. These degree programs provide a deeper insight into the financial and legal challenges of running emergency services, as well as a more holistic view of EMS as part of a community of first responders, medical professionals, and other civic, state and federal service providers. You’ll also learn about the design, practice and implementation of disaster response programs.
Classes in a standard EMS bachelor’s degree program may include:
- EMS Public Information and Community Relations
- EMS Roles During Emergencies and Disasters
- Finance of EMS Systems
- Risk Management Practices in EMS
Related Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration
EMS Education
A degree concentration in EMS education is ideal for those who want to help other EMS professionals learn and grow. Degree programs in this specialization focus on course design, student engagement, and leadership. Students also gain insight into creative techniques that give aspiring EMTs and paramedics the confidence and capabilities they need to be successful in difficult situations.
Class titles within an EMS education concentration may include:
- Course Design and Development for EMS
- Creative Applications in the EMS Learning Environment
- Engaging Students and Knowledge Retention in EMS
Related Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration – EMS Education
Mobile Integrated Health Care
EMS administrators need to possess a deep knowledge of their community, including its needs, challenges, and how to plan services with these factors in mind. One way in which agencies are approaching these challenges is through mobile integrated health care. EMS degree programs that concentrate on mobile integrated health focus on how agencies move beyond emergency response and into preventative care, community education and preparedness, and general health and safety awareness.
Degree programs with a concentration on mobile integrated health or community paramedicine may include classes such as:
- Community Evaluation and Resources
- Community Health Program Management
- Risk Reduction in Community Health
Related Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration – Mobile Integrated Health
EMS Degree Programs at CSU
Here at Columbia Southern University, our EMS degree programs give students unique insights into emergency medical services administration. Our courses are designed for students with busy schedules, including shift work, allowing you to continue to work while embracing a new specialization.
To learn more about our online EMS degree programs, visit our website.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
