Bachelor of applied science?

[HN8404]

so here's the deal, the major im pursuing at the university in my town is an associate of applied science for paramedic. Its all accredited and ill be ready to work as a paramedic for the foreseeable future once I graduate.

Well the school also offers an online bachelor of applied science with thematic concentration in emergency medical services management as continuing education for working paramedics.

Is it worth the time and effort to get this bachelor degree? Say if in a few years down the road I want to get out of the trenches and get into more of a supervisor role, would this be the degree to have? If I start building a family is this career move going to provide a better income then the traditional paramedic salary?

If its worth it, ill definitely pursue getting it once iv had 5 or more years of paramedic experience under my belt but what do any of you here have to say about it? Does any one here hold a bachelor of applied science? If your going to be a supervisor for paramedics and other EMT's is a bachelors going to be good enough or are they requiring a masters degree?

A lot of questions I know. Just want to hear any and everyone's opinions, thoughts, concerns, or experience about it. Thanks

 

[Medic Tim]

does the degree have any administration leadership or management classes?
Why wait to get medic experience to do the degree?
would you mind sharing a link to the program?

 

[HN8404]

does the degree have any administration leadership or management classes?
Why wait to get medic experience to do the degree?
would you mind sharing a link to the program?

Yes, there are administration and leadership courses with the degree

I don't need to have experience but the way I see it, If im going to have a supervisor look over what I do as a paramedic I want to know that he/she knows what we do as a paramedic verses someone that just filled the management position because they have a bachelors degree.

http://www.msubillings.edu/healthpathways/BASEMS.htm

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Interesting program, Its my first time seeing this one. Its not one that is listed on the NAEMT website or capems. On a side note I recommend you check out the link in my signature and also www.capems.org/get to compare programs.

 

[HN8404]

Ems

I went to the national EMS management association website and found out some great information regarding what degree level gets me what position in the emergency health care field.

http://www.nemsma.org/

 

[EMS 911]

I will have a Bachelor of Science in EMS when I graduate in May. I completed my AAS and tested for my paramedic before transferring to another school to finish out my undergrad. If you have the financial means to afford an undergrad degree, I do think it's useful (although I guess I am a bit biased since I am in a bachelor's degree right now ^_^) and eventually, I think that higher education may become the norm for supervisors, educators, researchers, etc. in the EMS field.

For me, I have always wanted to be able to go through an undergrad and grad program. Also, my program has a critical care portion so I will be able to work as a critical care medic, along with having an education in emergency management.

I am not sure how many programs are available to you (I only had one option in my area for an undergrad degree in EMS), but you may want to check out as many options as possible to verify that you will learn the needed areas that may be needed in a supervisory position in the future.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

I do think it's useful (although I guess I am a bit biased since I am in a bachelor's degree right now ^_^) and eventually, I think that higher education may become the norm for supervisors, educators, researchers, etc. in the EMS field.

Ya I am in pretty much the same boat as you and agree. Also from an international standpoint its begging to become mandatory for field level providers. As I mentioned in a previous thread, my last agency(an aussie company) requires a % of there Paramedics to hold a bachelors degree and will eventually require everyone to obtain one.

 

[HN8404]

hmmm

Interesting program, Its my first time seeing this one. Its not one that is listed on the NAEMT website or capems. On a side note I recommend you check out the link in my signature and also www.capems.org/get to compare programs.

Well I looked over a couple of the other programs offered from the link to your signature and the NAEMT website and more or less, its the same degree plan offered by just about every other school. The degree offered from my school is an accelerated option for a busy Paramedic. Or so they say :unsure:

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Ya pick which ever one works best for you, also non resident tuition can be expensive. I did a lot of shopping around before I picked where to do my EMS undergraduate degree. I applied to two universities and 2 EMS degree programs, I had a first choice and a 2nd choice. Luckily I was accepted into both so I took my first choice. My state did not offer one, so I was stuck paying out of state tuition no matter what.

 

[HN8404]

?

so do you have a bachelor degree in applied science your self? If so, are you currently working as a paramedic or are you working in some supervisor position?

 

[WTEngel]

My opinion on applied science degrees is that they are in their very nature limited to a very specific niche.

If that very specific niche is what you want to do with your life, then go for it. There are degrees that would allow you to do everything you want to in EMS (management, business, educations, etc.) which do not limit you to only doing these activities in EMS (MPH, MPA, MBA, etc.) Getting an undergrad degree in biology or something you're interested in, and transitioning into a grad program which offers the post grad route you desire, but does not limit you to a specific field, is my advice.

I am not a fan of the applied science bachelors degrees. They seem to be better suited for people who have 10-15 years of experience in their given field, and are now being required to get a bachelors degree to keep their job or advance. For fresher students, I don't think getting a degree which limits you is a very good idea.

 

[Veneficus]

My opinion on applied science degrees is that they are in their very nature limited to a very specific niche.

If that very specific niche is what you want to do with your life, then go for it. There are degrees that would allow you to do everything you want to in EMS (management, business, educations, etc.) which do not limit you to only doing these activities in EMS (MPH, MPA, MBA, etc.) Getting an undergrad degree in biology or something you're interested in, and transitioning into a grad program which offers the post grad route you desire, but does not limit you to a specific field, is my advice.

I am not a fan of the applied science bachelors degrees. They seem to be better suited for people who have 10-15 years of experience in their given field, and are now being required to get a bachelors degree to keep their job or advance. For fresher students, I don't think getting a degree which limits you is a very good idea.

Why do you think these degrees are limited?

What is the difference between this and a BS of basic science? (which is generally preclinical science like chemistry, biology, and physics, but without a concentration in a specific one)

I am a big fan of BA of general studies, but I think the major drawback to that is that it relies on the holder to properly market it. Most people do not even understand what it is and since it is an individual user designed program, almost no 2 are the same.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

so do you have a bachelor degree in applied science your self? If so, are you currently working as a paramedic or are you working in some supervisor position?

No, I am a field level provider, just a lonely paramedic who went back to school. I am not done with my degree yet, I have 2 semesters left.
Also mine is not a Bachelors of Applied science, its a Bachelors of Science in Paramedicine with a minor in (laugh it up) Sociology. I have been in EMS for 10 years and a Paramedic for almost 5

 

[NightMedic1]

How to choose...?

Great topic guys, thank you.
I was cruising through some of these schools, there are so many to look at and research! Does anyone have any information about the best schools to pick? Are they all Accredited? Are some cheaper or more expensive than others, and is it for good reason?

I'd seriously consider a program that looks good and doesn't cost too much. I've been trying to decide on a bachelors degree but the standard biology, public health, etc doesn't seem very interesting to me. This seems like something that would keep my interest, thus motiviation up.

 

[EMS 911]

Great topic guys, thank you.
I was cruising through some of these schools, there are so many to look at and research! Does anyone have any information about the best schools to pick? Are they all Accredited? Are some cheaper or more expensive than others, and is it for good reason?

I'd seriously consider a program that looks good and doesn't cost too much. I've been trying to decide on a bachelors degree but the standard biology, public health, etc doesn't seem very interesting to me. This seems like something that would keep my interest, thus motiviation up.

My program is accredited and is a bachelor of science (not applied science). I find the price very high, but I have gotten by on scholarships. Also, my AAS in Paramedicine transferred, so I just have to go for 2 years to get my bachelor degree (5 more weeks and I will graduate).

My program is sort of a mix of classes: a few general ed requirements, critical care classes, emergency management, and some science classes. However, I don't have a problem with science classes - it really helps me understand the physiology of what is going on during a call. I wouldn't have minded a bio or chem major, but I would have had to stay in school longer (and pay more) if I had chosen an undergrad that wasn't in the EMS field (only major all my AAS credits would completely transfer over to.

I only have one college available to me for the BS in Emergency Services - so that was where I went! I would have loved to attend Loma Linda, but relocation would have been too difficult and would have cost more in the end (considering I am nowhere near California).

 

[HN8404]

thanks

My opinion on applied science degrees is that they are in their very nature limited to a very specific niche.

If that very specific niche is what you want to do with your life, then go for it. There are degrees that would allow you to do everything you want to in EMS (management, business, educations, etc.) which do not limit you to only doing these activities in EMS (MPH, MPA, MBA, etc.) Getting an undergrad degree in biology or something you're interested in, and transitioning into a grad program which offers the post grad route you desire, but does not limit you to a specific field, is my advice.

I am not a fan of the applied science bachelors degrees. They seem to be better suited for people who have 10-15 years of experience in their given field, and are now being required to get a bachelors degree to keep their job or advance. For fresher students, I don't think getting a degree which limits you is a very good idea.

Thanks for the heads up! this as all great information guys, I appreciate all the input and advice. Im still exploring possible career moves and choices and im even exploring a possible commision in the military depending on what looks good but ill start another thread asking about that later lol.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Check out CWU's program. I am a Paramedic from Portland (before I left the USA) CWU's is the closest to Portland and you get a discount on out of state tuition as an Oregon resident. Since your already a Paramedic with an AAS, you could come in under "advanced standing" that is what I did.

Great topic guys, thank you.
I was cruising through some of these schools, there are so many to look at and research! Does anyone have any information about the best schools to pick? Are they all Accredited? Are some cheaper or more expensive than others, and is it for good reason?

I'd seriously consider a program that looks good and doesn't cost too much. I've been trying to decide on a bachelors degree but the standard biology, public health, etc doesn't seem very interesting to me. This seems like something that would keep my interest, thus motiviation up.

 

[NightMedic1]

Check out CWU's program. I am a Paramedic from Portland (before I left the USA) CWU's is the closest to Portland and you get a discount on out of state tuition as an Oregon resident. Since your already a Paramedic with an AAS, you could come in under "advanced standing" that is what I did.

Expat, thanks for the info! I looked 'em up and if I decide to make the jump this is the one I'll do for sure.

To be honest I'm a bit discouraged with the field. I love Portland and don't want to go anywhere else, but the medic jobs up here are rare as hens teeth and ultra competitive. Right now I'm volunteering at a few places upwards of one and two hours away, but my night job (tele tech) at a hospital doesn't allow me much ride time.

There's nothing else I want to do other than be a medic on an ambulance. Is this undergrad degree something that will help with getting an entry level, new medic job? Would it make me more competitive or open up other opportunities? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Expat, thanks for the info! I looked 'em up and if I decide to make the jump this is the one I'll do for sure.

To be honest I'm a bit discouraged with the field. I love Portland and don't want to go anywhere else, but the medic jobs up here are rare as hens teeth and ultra competitive. Right now I'm volunteering at a few places upwards of one and two hours away, but my night job (tele tech) at a hospital doesn't allow me much ride time.

There's nothing else I want to do other than be a medic on an ambulance. Is this undergrad degree something that will help with getting an entry level, new medic job? Would it make me more competitive or open up other opportunities? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I wish I could say yes, but I had to leave Portland for work. As a result I left the USA and have not returned in over 3 years. My friend was a Paramedic down in Medford, he got laid off and left the USA with me lol. I can promise you the undergraduate will make a difference from an international stand point, if you ever want to work overseas.

In the USA its more of something that will open up supervisor and management doors easier. Its also required for EMS education jobs that are accredited programs. In addition to this, it may help you obtain many high paying or competitive jobs in EMS, I.E. municipal, flight, higher paying agency's.