Online Degree Programs by Subjects

Online EMS and Paramedic Degree Programs

During an emergency, averting a disaster, saving lives or restoring vital services, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Paramedic personnel are involved. Students with a high school education and vocational training can apply for the online EMS and Paramedic Degree course prior to taking the licensing exam. Those opting for these programs should possess the following qualities:

  • Strong emotional and mental balance
  • Dexterity, agility, and physical coordination
  • Able to perform strenuous jobs
  • Good eyesight with proper color vision

Online programs for EMS and Paramedic Career Training help prepare applicants for the demands of the work of EMS and paramedic professionals. To become an EMS or Paramedic you must be trained to use medical diagnostic and treatment equipment such as backboards, oxygen, and vital signs monitors. The thorough training of paramedics prepares them to perform on-site emergency medical procedures and evaluate the condition of the patients prior to emergency transport. They are responsible for monitoring the health of the patients until they are delivered to the hospital emergency room.

There are a lot of online programs in EMS, Paramedic, and fire and emergency services that include certificates, Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees. Apart from these, there are also conversion programs online that enable paramedics to work as registered nurses or train emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for work in EMS management.

Job prospects after completion of online EMS and Paramedics degree programs

According to reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there are EMT training and certification designations acknowledged by many states like the First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. There are approximately 200,000 paramedics and EMTs employed across the country with most of them working for EMS and private ambulance companies, local government agencies, or fire departments. Job prospects in EMS are expected to be good with a 19 percent increase during the 2006-2016 period due to the increase in emergency related to health issues especially in densely populated cities.

Students interested in beginning at a higher level as an EMS or Paramedic need to have an Associates degree which takes about 2 years (depending on the number of courses you take). Students taking online courses in EMS and Paramedics need to increase their knowledge in the field of anatomy and physiology. After completion of any specific course in the area, students need to take the NREMT examination. EMS and Paramedic certification vary from one state to another with some requiring certification of each and every EMT level. Most states require the professional to take ongoing training programs, refresher courses or continuing education programs regularly, complying with the state laws. They also need to apply for re-certification every two years.