Program Overview

Emergency Medical Services Bridging Program
Associate in Applied Science Degree for Paramedics (A45340B)

The EMS Bridging Program was developed to allow current certified non-degree Paramedics
to earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Science by
completing (EMS Bridging course, Rescue Scene Management, EMS Management) and all
other general education requirements for this degree.

The Emergency Medical Science Bridge Program provides the opportunity for non-degree Paramedics, who currently hold state certification, to earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science - Emergency Medical Science.  Paramedics who enroll in the bridge program must complete the following courses:  EMS Bridge, Rescue Scene Management and EMS Management along with additional related and general education course requirements for the EMS Associate Degree.

Why Do I Need and EMS Degree?
Earning a degree demonstrates professionalism as a Paramedic.  In addition, the degree will be useful to possibly move up the EMS career ladder, enter a nursing program, or finish a Bachelor’s degree program.  Several states in the U.S. have made the Associate Degree a entry level requirement in the Paramedic profession and many others are considering making this move following the EMS Agenda for the Future.

Earning more money as a Paramedic depends on the individual, but we do know that education does make a difference.  What is the difference between a high school diploma and a medical degree? About $3.2 million, says the Census Bureau.  Someone whose education does not go beyond high school and who works full time can expect to earn about $1.2 million between ages 25 and 64 -- a typical work-life period, according to demographers.

Career Outline

Graduating from college and earning advanced degrees translates into higher lifetime earnings: an estimated $4.4 million for doctors, lawyers and others with professional degrees; $2.5 million for those with a master's degree; and $2.1 million for college graduates. Moreover, if graduating with an Associate Degree the earnings are $1.6 million in comparison to some college education at $1.5 million.   The findings come from an agency survey that charts the influence of education on lifetime earnings.