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Associate of Science in Paramedicine

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Associate of Science in Paramedicine

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

On-Campus

Program

86 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Gain the Skills and Knowledge Needed to Start Your Paramedic Career

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 intubate, administer complex medications, shock hearts, interpret blood gas measurements, program mechanical ventilators, deliver babies, cut people out of mangled vehicles, perform confined space and high-angle rescues, manage disaster scenes, and provide healthcare for a wide range of illnesses. Paramedics are specialists in pre-hospital and interfacility medicine. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to start a successful career as a licensed paramedic with EKU’s associate of science program.

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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 average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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 to set themselves apart with a college degree.

Job Titles Include:

  • EMS Supervisor
  • Flight Paramedic
  • Emergency Medical Technician

EKU’s associate of science in paramedicine program includes coursework necessary to become a licensed paramedic. Start your career with an educational foundation that will allow you to grow into your potential and pave the way for future studies.

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?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Students who successfully complete the 300-level series of courses will be eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic exam and become a licensed paramedic
  • Excellent field experiences and internship opportunities
  • Hands-on instruction in our fully equipped human patient simulation lab
  • Internationally recognized instructors

Curriculum & Admission

EKU’s program blends academic and professional preparation with a focused on best practices and leadership building. Course topics such as introduction to cardiology, pediatric advanced life support and human anatomy and physiology ensure you’ll be prepared for this dynamic career field.

A minimum of 86 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 49 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 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

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.

The statistics below are from our program’s National Registry of EMT’s data set, or most recent review by the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), as indicated. They are published here as a requirement of our accreditation.

2024
Number of EMT Students Attempting the NREMT Exam48
Cumulative Pass Rate42%
Number of Paramedic Students Attempting NREMT Exam16
NREMT 1st Attempt Pass Rate81%
Cumulative Pass Rate81%
Data Source: Kentucky Board of EMS Report
2023202220212020*20192018
Number of Students Attempting NREMT Exam16620182316
Number of Students Passing NREMT on 1st Attempt15512142214
NREMT 1st Attempt Pass Rate94%83%60%77.8%95.7%87.5%
NREMT 3rd Attempt Cumulative Pass Rate100%100%80%
Overall Student Retention for Graduates89%100%89.3%85.7%93.1%95.8%
Positive Job Placement100%100%92%95.8%92.6%87%
Data Source: CoAEMSP Annual Report/NREMT Report

*Note: the 2020 review year occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when courses shifted abruptly online, clinical/field sites were closed to students, and students working as EMTs were heavily strained. Our four-year average 1st time NREMT pass rate prior to this period is 89.6%.

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 your college enrollment counselor.

professional photo of Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

Jacinda Bertie-Cockerham

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-6520
Text: 859-305-1198
jacinda.bertie@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
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Jacob Mobley

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2877
Jacob.Mobley@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

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.

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

Calendars
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Thu
04

Fall 2025 Graduation

December 4, 2025 at – December 5, 2025 at calendar-multiday
Thu
12

Provost's Leadership Institute

February 12, 2026 at – February 13, 2026 at calendar-multiday
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
Mon
02

EKU Choirs: NYC Preview Concert

at – calendar-day
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03

EKU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Performance

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20

Middle School Honor Band Festival

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Related Programs

A.A.S. in Nursing

Common Job Titles: registered nurse

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 84-85

B.S. in Emergency Medical Care

Common Job Titles: paramedic, flight paramedic, EMS administrator

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

School of Safety, Security & Emergency Management

Stratton Building
Room 245
4453 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, Ky 40475

859-622-1978
jus.dean@eku.edu

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