Online Paramedic and EMS Degree Programs

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is an expanding career field because of our country's aging population and the public's demand for emergency personnel who are trained to quickly respond to disasters and emergencies. EMS personnel need the skills and training to meet the growing demand for emergency life-saving techniques.

It is now possible to learn the skills and training necessary to become a highly qualified emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic in Emergency Medical Services through online courses. Online degree programs are making it possible for potential EMT and paramedics to train in their own homes.

Basic Requirements to Enter Online EMS Degree Programs

To enter an EMS or paramedic online degree program, a potential student needs to have either received a high school diploma or passed a General Educational Development test. Different online programs also may require students to be 18 or 21 years old. In addition, many programs require a drug screening and a background check.

Must Have Attributes of Emergency Medical Services Personnel

There are a few characteristics that can help potential EMTs and paramedics succeed in the EMS career field:

• Good physical coordination, dexterity and agility
• The physical strength to carry or move heavy loads
• 20/20 eyesight, corrective lenses are acceptable, and no color blindness
• Emotional stability

The Length of an Online Degree Program

Program lengths vary according to what type of degree or certificates the student is trying to earn. Certificates typically take a year, associate's degrees take two years, and bachelor's degrees usually take four years.

However, if an EMT is trying to reach a higher level of certification it could take longer than a year. Paramedics usually earn an associate's degree, which takes two years. How long it takes to earn an online EMS degree also depends on how many courses are taken at a time.

Levels of EMT Certification

Online courses prepare EMS candidates to pass the NREMT test, which is required if a student intends to become certified. Each level of certification requires courses and passing national examinations. Individual states may also mandate additional testing to earn certification for that particular state. There are four different levels of EMTs:

• First Responder
• EMT-Basic
• EMT-Intermediate
• EMT-Paramedic

Available Online EMS Degree Programs

Through taking emergency medical services online courses, it is possible to earn Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. There are also transfer online programs that can help EMS personnel to move into registered nursing programs or to EMS management programs.

EMT Certificates
Eastern Kentucky University
Online Fire Academy and EMT Training
The College Network

Paramedics and EMT
Harrisburg Area Community College
Lenior Community College
Central Washington University
TUI University

Online Degree Program in EMS or EMS Management
Drexel University
George Washington Universtiy
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County
DeVry University