k and sometimes culminating in an associate degree. EMS and paramedic degree programs at the bachelor's and master's level are also available, mainly for students hoping to find work as EMS instructors.
Career outlook for professionals with EMS and paramedic degrees
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for EMS personnel are projected to increase 23 percent between 2012 and 2022, creating more than 55,000 new jobs for graduates of EMS and paramedic degree programs. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities and rising demand for mobile medical personnel in rural areas are both expected to drive job gains in the field.
EMS professionals earned a median salary of $31,270 in 2013, according to the BLS, with the top 10 percent of earners taking home $54,710 annually. Salary expectations may vary depending on an individual's level of EMS or paramedic training, with positions that require more advanced training typically offering greater compensation.
EMTs and paramedics might also qualify for related careers in the healthcare or emergency response fields depending on their level of work experience or additional education:
- Firefighters: Firefighters, who earned a 2013 median salary of $45,600, sometimes start their careers as EMS personnel and work closely with them on emergency calls.
- Registered Nurses: Paramedics looking to expand their scope of healthcare practice can also work to become registered nurses, who earned a median of $66,220 in 2013.
"EMTs and Paramedics," Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014-15 Edition, May 14, 2014, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm
"29-2041 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics," Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 14, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292041.htm
"Firefighters," Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014-15 Edition, May 14, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm
"33-2011 Firefighters," Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 14, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes332011.htm
"Registered Nurses," Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014-15 Edition, May 14, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
"29-1141 Registered Nurses," Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 14, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
"Emergency Medical Technician College Credit Certificate," Hillsborough Community College, May 14, 2014, http://www.hccfl.edu/departments/health-science/ems-programs/curriculum-emt-program.aspx
"Paramedic Certificate Curriculum," Mercy College of Health Sciences, May 14, 2014, http://www.mchs.edu/ems_curriculum.cfm