What is an EMT/Paramedic Degree?
Degrees in the applied science of emergency medical services (EMS) are very specialized. They provide essential training for professional emergency medical technicians (EMT) or paramedics. Although a college degree in emergency services (or similar) is not a mandatory prerequisite for work in emergency medical service, it does provide a solid foundation for those seeking certification, which all 50 states require. To obtain national certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), prospective EMS employees must pass a national exam. Candidates may not even take this exam until after they have met several educational requirements. To meet these pre-certification requirements, students have a variety of educational options to choose from, including certificate programs from community colleges, hospitals, and municipal departments. Many schools now offer online degrees in emergency services management. Since jobs and salaries in the EMS field vary greatly