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Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

On-Campus & Online

Options

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $5,010 Per Semester

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Practice Emergency Medicine at the Highest Level

Provide fast, lifesaving care to individuals in distress

The EKU Emergency Medical Care Program is the longest-accredited in Kentucky and the second longest-accredited program in the United States and has been providing outstanding education in prehospital emergency care since 1978. Paramedics are healthcare providers and public safety officials who deliver critical patient care at the scene of injury and illness and while transporting patients between healthcare facilities. Paramedics perform confined space and high-angle rescues, manage disaster scenes, and provide healthcare for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Paramedics are specialists in pre-hospital and interfacility medicine.

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Career Outlook

Job opportunities for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are projected to grow 7 percent before 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of our programs are qualified to function as field paramedics, supervisors, and managers in a variety of settings, locations, and positions. Many of our graduates find themselves in supervisory or managerial positions within a few short years of entering the EMS workforce.

Job Titles Include:

  • Paramedic
  • EMS Supervisor/Administrator
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Physician’s Assistant

Paramedic training can lead to more opportunities, but training alone may not be enough for long-term career advancement. As the profession grows, individuals will need a college degree to set themselves apart.

Employers Include:

  • Kentucky Office of Homeland Security
  • Madison County, KY EMA/CSEPP
  • MedCare Ambulance
  • City of Atlanta Department of Aviation

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Program accredited by CoAEMSP
  • Customize your degree with 1 of 3 concentration areas
  • Excellent field experience and internship opportunities
  • Learn from nationally recognized faculty regarded as experts in their field
  • Hands-on instruction in our fully equipped human patient simulation lab

Program Options

You can tailor your emergency medical care degree to algin with your interests and career goals by choosing from one of the following concentrations. Courses in each option are taught by experienced faculty dedicated to your success.

Our EMS Administration option is intended to provide a broad education in EMS organizational leadership and management, wrapped around a core paramedic curriculum that emphasizes science. This option is popular among students who aspire to lead the EMS industry as training officers, supervisors, directors, and regulators, and is designed to prepare them for those roles. Students in this concentration will take course work that equips them to be critical thinkers with a broad perspective, grounded in the EMS profession. Students who successfully complete the 300-level series of courses will be eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic exam.

Our Clinical Fire and Safety option is intended for students who envision a career as an operational paramedic in a hybrid Fire/EMS system. It is designed to provide a broad education in EMS as well as prepare students for field-based paramedic roles outside of the fire service. Students who successfully complete the 300-level series of courses will be eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic exam.

Our Paramedic Science/Pre-Med option is intended for students with their sights set on medical schools or physician assistant schools. Most of the supporting courses fulfill the natural science prerequisites. If need be, students can plan with their advisor to ensure that their supporting coursework satisfies the required courses for the schools of their choice. Additionally, this track prepares students by offering hands-on clinical and field experience that is not common among most pre-med/pre-PA programs. Students who successfully complete the 300-level series of courses will be eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic exam.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment

Emergency medicine is a rewarding and fast-paced career field and can give you a competitive edge in the job market and set you up to thrive in this vital field.

Focused on medical best practices and leadership building, EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through a variety of topics such as occupational safety and health principles, organizational behavior in the fire service, the legal aspects of fire protection, EMS operations, advanced cardiology, management of behavioral emergencies and research methodology.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

On-Campus Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May
Online Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AJuly 5August
Fall BAugust 31October
Spring ANovember 30 January
Spring BJanuary 31March
Summer AApril 5May
Summer BMay 31June

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the college enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

professional photo of Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-6520
jacinda.bertie@eku.edu


Chris Adkins

Online Program Enrollment Advisor

859-622-7568
Christopher.Adkins@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
JSMS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Jesse Valdez

EKU Safety Leadership and Management Student
The advisors, administrator, and instructors at EKU are compassionate, empathetic, and available to meet the educational needs of all students when necessary.

Ricky De La Cruz

EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Student
I really like the responsiveness of my assistant professors and really enjoy having to balance my schedule around family and the work week.

Matthew Harris

EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Management Graduate
I was an online student but I felt like I was truly part of the EKU family.

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News & Updates

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Faculty in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, Dr. Shijin Kozhumal and Dr. Greg Gorbett, received a competitive research grant from the National Institute of […]

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Contact Information

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

521 Lancaster Ave
Stratton Building 245
Richmond, Ky. 40475

859-622-3565
Fax: 859-622-?
jus.dean@eku.edu

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