From Firefighter to AS in EMS
If you are already in the Firefighting profession, transitioning to go back to school and get your Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services won’t be as hard as you think. Both Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians are first responders, so there are similarities between the two careers.
As a Firefighter, chances are that you already have some training in EMS, so that should assist you when it comes to coursework.
Although most Associate of Science in EMS programs are geared for those graduating as an entry-level EMT, if you are already a Firefighter then going for an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services can only help you when it comes to career advancement. Fire departments prefer Firefighters who have a paramedic/EMT certification. Part of the job description of a Firefighter is giving first aid to injured or sick people. In 2012, as many as 70 percent of the calls that came into fire departments were medical issues.
Courses for AS in EMS at HCI
- Emergency Medical Technician, Basic
- EMS Skills Lab
- Body Systems for the Paramedic
- Paramedic Science I (Lecture/Skills Lab/Field Clinical)
- Paramedic Science II, Cardio-Respiratory Lecture
- Paramedic Science III, Trauma Lecture & Medical Emergencies Lecture
- Pharmacology
- Legal Issues Involving Healthcare
Above are just a few courses you may see in an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services, in addition to a clinical and internship.
Career Outlook for AS in EMS
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to grow by 9 percent among Firefighters from 2010 to 2020, however there will be competition as the best opportunities will go to those who have postsecondary education and paramedic training, and are physically fit.
