Emergency Medical Services

Careers in emergency services require courage, endurance, integrity, and the ability to make good and quick decisions in emergencies. Our EMS degree and certificates prepare a student to go right into the workforce.

EMS provides care for persons who are in need of treatment right away. EMS professionals use their skills to stabilize patients and transport them for additional care. Although many college credits within this degree are accepted for transfer by four year colleges, the career focused courses are not designed to transfer.

Entry Requirements

The most important entry requirement is college level reading. Other course requirements may include a background check, proof of immunizations and drug screen.

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety programs.

Work Environment

Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Static Strength — Job requires ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Active Listening — Job requires giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking — Job requires using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Treat medical emergencies.

As an EMS Professional you will:

Implement basic and advanced life support techniques.
Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics. The need for volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas will also continue.

Growth in the middle-aged and older population will lead to an increase in age-related health emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes. This increase, in turn, will create greater demand for EMT and paramedic services. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require more EMTs and paramedics to transfer patients with specific conditions to these facilities for treatment.

Potential Job Titles

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Emergency Medical Technician/Driver (EMT/DRIVER); EMT Intermediate (Emergency Medical Technician, Intermediate); EMT, Paramedic (Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic); EMT/Dispatcher (Emergency Medical Technician/Dispatcher); First Responder; Flight Paramedic; Multi Care Technician (Multi Care Tech); Paramedic

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $34,320 in May 2018.

Accreditation / Affiliations

National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians

Program Requirements / Classes

Emergency Medical Services	AAS
EMT Basic	CERT

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.