EKU Emergency Medical Care?

[Mthom]

Despite me now going to a vocational school, my home school still wants me to apply to college. I was planning on it anyways, so I looked back at the first college I looked at, Eastern Kentucky University. I am currently looking into their Emergency Medical Care paramedic program, and I was wondering if anyone knows about it. I am looking at going back to the vocational school when I graduate for paramedic, but I think that having a four year degree would make me stand out more and maybe get me a decent salary so I don't have to work for multiple services.

It looks like a good program, but I just want to make sure. So, if anyone has any information on it, I would highly appreciate it!

 

[rails]

I'm all for higher education. I would, however, caution that I don't necessarily think that being a paramedic with a 4-year degree would result in you earning more income than a paramedic without a 4-year degree.

If you like the program and what it teaches, then by all means consider it. But I wouldn't necessarily count on it translating into more income.

I do know a "higher-up" at an EMS company who felt that the 4-year degree was needed to make jumps within the organization's leadership, but that did not relate to being on a truck (it was more EMS management that was where he felt the 4-year degree would help, not in terms of being on a truck or being a FTO).

 

[Handsome Robb]

I think a degree with be a requirement for paramedics within the next 10-15 years.

Doesn't the Kentucky program land you a BS and a Paramedic certification? Why would you have to go back to the votech school after?

 

[Mthom]

I meant going back there to get my paramedic cert after getting my EMT if EKU doesn't work out. I'm getting my Basic before I graduate high school.

And yes, the EKU program leads to a degree and paramedic certification. It also meets the requirements for med school, which I think is pretty neat.

 

[MrJones]

I think a degree with be a requirement for paramedics within the next 10-15 years.

Doesn't the Kentucky program land you a BS and a Paramedic certification? Why would you have to go back to the votech school after?

EKU currently offers an Associates in Paramedicine as well as Bachelors in Paramedicine with 3 possible concentrations: Administration (self-explanatory), Clinical (More science for those who plan to stay a paramedic) or Science (this is the track to take if you plan to go on to PA/MD/DO or similar). The coursework for the Associates is what is needed to become a Paramedic; the additional Bachelors coursework provides further education in related disciplines (i.e., more bio/chem courses in the science track or management/education/research courses in the admin track).

They are also starting a Certificate to Associates bridge program for Paramedics who completed a certificate program but want to obtain a degree. There are other initiatives on the drawing board as well, but with the current budget situation in higher education it's too soon to say if they will come to pass.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

EMS bachelor degree's are a heavily debated topic on this forum. I seem to weigh in on most of the discussions regarding them, because not only am I taking one, but it was the best plan for me and I think we need more EMS providers out there with them. I am not %100 familiar with the EKU program, but it is well known. Most 4 year EMS degree's in the USA are designed for people who want to take on EMS leadership, research, and education opportunities. After all, if we can't teach ourselves, conduct our own research, and lead our own profession, then its not really ours. However,there not right for everyone, and often times an associates will do and save you money. It depends entirely upon your goals.

First off,if your getting your 4 year degree in EMS,you outta know its going to do little for you as a field provider/transport paramedic working for private ambulance. The reality is it might land you a buck an hour or more or nothing at all. However, it will make you more competitive for very sought after EMS jobs in HEMS and higher paying municipal agency's, where it will also allow likely give you promotion points. Furthermore, if your considering going into EMS leadership, or EMS education, a bachelors is becoming the new minimum standard at many a places. Having one specific in EMS would certainly be advantageous than someone with something else, in my opinion.
Also, if you plan on going to graduate school, or to PA school, you can pick the right pre-rec's and general education requirements within your EMS degree and continue on. If you also plan on becoming a paramedic this is the by far the best route, 1+ year paramedic program will not transfer completely into many other bachelor degree majors. Thus, it saves you at least 1 year of extra university if you plan on going on and getting a graduate degree anyway.
Lastly, from an international perspective its becoming the new gold standard. My last company which was Australian has a company policy of keeping its paramedic staff with bachelors at around %75 at all times. This will eventfully be raised to %100 as time goes on.

 

[rails]

EMS bachelor degree's are a heavily debated topic on this forum. I seem to weigh in on most of the discussions regarding them, because not only am I taking one, but it was the best plan for me and I think we need more EMS providers out there with them. I am not %100 familiar with the EKU program, but it is well known. Most 4 year EMS degree's in the USA are designed for people who want to take on EMS leadership, research, and education opportunities. After all, if we can't teach ourselves, conduct our own research, and lead our own profession, then its not really ours. However,there not right for everyone, and often times an associates will do and save you money. It depends entirely upon your goals.

First off,if your getting your 4 year degree in EMS,you outta know its going to do little for you as a field provider/transport paramedic working for private ambulance. The reality is it might land you a buck an hour or more or nothing at all. However, it will make you more competitive for very sought after EMS jobs in HEMS and higher paying municipal agency's, where it will also allow likely give you promotion points. Furthermore, if your considering going into EMS leadership, or EMS education, a bachelors is becoming the new minimum standard at many a places. Having one specific in EMS would certainly be advantageous than someone with something else, in my opinion.
Also, if you plan on going to graduate school, or to PA school, you can pick the right pre-rec's and general education requirements within your EMS degree and continue on. If you also plan on becoming a paramedic this is the by far the best route, 1+ year paramedic program will not transfer completely into many other bachelor degree majors. Thus, it saves you at least 1 year of extra university if you plan on going on and getting a graduate degree anyway.
Lastly, from an international perspective its becoming the new gold standard. My last company which was Australian has a company policy of keeping its paramedic staff with bachelors at around %75 at all times. This will eventfully be raised to %100 as time goes on.

Excellent points. Thanks for contributing to the discussion. I can see how a degree might indeed be really helpful long-term.

 

[Carlos Danger]

EKU currently offers an Associates in Paramedicine as well as Bachelors in Paramedicine with 3 possible concentrations: Administration (self-explanatory), Clinical (More science for those who plan to stay a paramedic) or Science (this is the track to take if you plan to go on to PA/MD/DO or similar). The coursework for the Associates is what is needed to become a Paramedic; the additional Bachelors coursework provides further education in related disciplines (i.e., more bio/chem courses in the science track or management/education/research courses in the admin track).

That sounds like an excellent program.

 

[Mthom]

I am considering non-degree programs as well, but I do have a college fund, and I find it silly not to use it. Besides, if I decide to get into law enforcement after all (it was my first dream), a bachelors degree increases my earning potential. If I decide to stay in EMS, it makes me more competitive for promotions or if I need to find a new job.

 

[MrJones]

I am considering non-degree programs as well, but I do have a college fund, and I find it silly not to use it. Besides, if I decide to get into law enforcement after all (it was my first dream), a bachelors degree increases my earning potential. If I decide to stay in EMS, it makes me more competitive for promotions or if I need to find a new job.

By all means, then, talk to the admissions folks at EKU. In addition to the paramedic program the College of Justice and Safety also offers outstanding criminal justice and fire science degree options. If nothing else, at least download a catalog and take a look at what they have to offer.