Apply Now
Emergency Medical Care

B.S. in Emergency Medical Care — Fire Service

Laptop

100% Online

Learn From Anywhere
Mortarboard

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate
Clock

Up To 90 Hours

Transfer Credit
Cost per Hour

$434

Per Credit Hour
EKU Online > Online Emergency Medical Care (Paramedic) Degrees > B.S. in Emergency Medical Care — Fire Service

Advance Your Career With Valuable Cross-Training and Leadership Skills

EKU’s online bachelor’s degree in emergency medical care with a concentration in fire service offers the multi-role, cross-training needed for fire service personnel to provide emergency medical services. As demand grows for public safety providers with certifications and degrees, graduates with that combination will have a competitive edge in the job market.

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

Where Have EKU EMC Graduates Worked?

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.
> Learn More About Career Opportunities

Employers Include:

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

EKU Online Career Services

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

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search

Learn More About Career Services

 

Learn More

Apply NowTest Drive
Loading...

By submitting, you consent to EKU contacting you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text using the information you provided. 

Benefits
License Requirements
Minors & Certificates
Benefits of EKU Online

Emergency medicine is a rewarding and fast-paced career field. A degree from EKU’s renowned emergency medical services program can give you a competitive edge in the job market and set you up to thrive in this vital field.

    • Internationally recognized instructors
    • Accelerated 8-week terms
    • No campus visits required
    • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
    • No application fee
    • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
    • Courses begin 6 times per year
    • Reduced tuition for active duty military members and their spouses
    • Personalized graduation plan
    • 18 credit hours for previous experience PLUS additional opportunities to maximize credit
    • Hours count toward your degree and your recertification**
Do I have to be licensed?

Yes. All applicants to EKU’s online EMC program must be currently certified as a paramedic by the NREMT or a state EMS office.

Up to 12 hours from each of the online paramedic classes may be used for NREMT or state renewal in states that accept CAPCE accredited continuing education.

Minors & Certificates

Minors & Certificates can be difficult to complete with this program.  If you wish to explore this option, please work directly with your program advisor.

Curriculum

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 and the legal aspects of fire protection.

Emergency Medical Care Faculty

Degree Requirements

A total of 120 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the emergency medical care program degree requirements:

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.

Transfer Credits

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 admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation. Learn more about transferring to EKU.

Sample Courses

For a full list of course descriptions please see section 7 of the University undergraduate catalog.

FSE 225 Legal Aspects of Fire Protection and Safety (3)
A study of legislative and legal decisions relating to personnel practices, employee safety, and public protection. Emphasizes the legal responsibilities, liabilities, and authority of the fire service practitioner.

FSE 320 Principles of Emergency Services (3)
An overview of organizational and management practices in the fire and safety fields. Emphasis on supervision and leadership styles, motivation, morale, and organizational behavior.

EMC 420 Emergency Services Design and Budget (3)
Identify and compare issues with staffing, operations, communications, training and mission with various EMS systems models. Develop and revise sample budgets for EMS systems.

Enrollment

Chris Adkins

Chris Adkins

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor Chris Adkins for information about the EKU Online Emergency Medical Care program.

Contact Info:
859-622-7568
Christopher.Adkins@eku.edu

Schedule An Appointment

Application Deadlines

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A July 5 August
Fall B August 31 October
Spring A November 30 January
Spring B January 31 March
Summer A April 5 May
Summer B  May 31 June

Additional Contact Information

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 Success

“

When I started, I was just really nervous about how this was going to fit into my life with my job and my kids. In EMS, you work odd hours, and you work multiple days so you have to have something that works around your schedule. EKU offered that.

Corissa WaltersEKU Online Emergency Medical Care Graduate
See All StoriesTell Your Story

Online Military Students

EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.

Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.

*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.

“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”

– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate

Learn MoreApply Now
Heath Bergmann
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
EKU Online Power E Logo

Apply To EKU Online