While fully online degree programs in emergency medical services are rare, read below to see about hybrid and on-campus options. Get information about degree programs and what they cover, and see what your career prospects are with this degree.
What is Included in an Online Associate's Degree in Emergency Medical Services?
Online and distance learning associate degree programs in emergency medical services (EMS) are rare. Most programs are available only on-campus; programs that are online usually have clinical experience and internship requirements, which must be completed in-person. Topics you may study online include human biology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, professional development and ECG recognition. Some programs have an emphasis on homeland security, which will familiarize you with security law emergency operations. Some courses are hybrids, which require that you spend some time, such as a weekend per semester or an evening per week, on-campus.
The in-person portions of the program incorporate working with hospitals on emergency vehicles and hurrying to respond to the scene of an accident. You will learn response procedures and techniques for working with patients who are injured. Some courses you take online or on-campus may include:
- Emergency planning
- Chemical and biological defense in homeland security
- Emergency response skills development
- Patient assessment
- Trauma care
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, patient assessment</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>High school diploma or equivalent; CPR and first aid certification may also be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>After the licensing exam, you can pursue a career as an EMT or in emergency management.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Distance Learning Opportunities</b></td><td>Online associate's degree programs in EMS are rare; however, hybrid programs do exist, offering both on-campus and online courses.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $36,650 (<i>for all EMTs and paramedics</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 6% growth (<i>for all EMTs and paramedics</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisitesForTheDegree">Are There any Prerequisites for the Degree?</h3><p>You must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply. Some programs may also require that you have CPR and first aid certification. Other programs cover that in introductory emergency medical service courses. However, you must be certified before beginning emergency runs.
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseTheMajor">How Can I Use the Major?</h3><p>With training in emergency medical services, you will have the experience and the knowledge to take the licensure exam. Upon passing, you can pursue a career as an emergency medical technician or a paramedic. You could also work at the government level, creating emergency response plans for your city, county, or state, which are followed in case of a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoesTheOnlineProgramWork">How Does the Online Program Work?</h3><p>Again, online emergency medical service programs are rare. However, those that do exist are typically distance learning programs, which work as hybrids, incorporating both on-campus and online learning. This gives you the opportunity to study emergency medical service procedures and then put them into practice.</p>
