Emergency Medicine Program

Today, the field of out-of-hospital medicine is expanding rapidly to include many aspects of patient care in addition to emergency management and community medicine. As this field continues to grow and change, leaders and educators with a background in emergency medicine are needed to help shape the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medicine can benefit the EMS professional in many ways. This dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to emergency medicine education will provide the student with a strong foundation in clinical experiences, educational expertise and administrative leadership.

This Program is designed to meet the growing need for the advanced skill levels required in the EMS profession and to prepare students for the technical, clinical and administrative challenges of a career in EMS and health care today. Many Emergency Medicine (EM) students continue to medical school, PA School and other graduate level education.

Recognizing that students will be entering the Program with varying levels of education and experience, students are admitted into the program at the appropriate level based on student’s career and academic experiences.

Students who have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including Pennsylvania or National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) EMT certification and the designated prerequisites, are admitted into the program for the junior year and with successful completion are provided the opportunity to obtain Pennsylvania paramedic certification and National Registry paramedic certification at the end of that year.

Students who have earned the aforementioned credits and are currently certified or licensed at the paramedic levels (by a state EMS agency or the National Registry of EMTs), may be awarded advanced standing and admitted into the Program as a senior transfer student. During the senior year, these students will be required to complete 30 credits within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences to be eligible for graduation. Senior transfer students must complete EM core credits in a traditional format; web-based or distance course delivery format is not available. For more information, please contact the program at 412-647-4547.

Students who have earned the aforementioned credits, are currently active with the military and are currently US SOCM ATPs or certified or licensed at the paramedic level (by a state EMS agency or the National Registry of EMT), may be awarded advanced standing and admitted into the Program as active military transfer students. During the senior year, these students will be required to complete 30 credits within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences to be eligible for graduation. Web-based delivery format is provided for all core courses. For more information, please contact the program at 412-647-4547.

Due to the ever changing health care industry and the integral part EMS has played in public safety, EMS will be more than a medical response in an emergency. It will play a vital role in improving the general health of the population in the community it serves. The demand is also growing for EMS professionals to have an expertise in business, management, teaching and clinical techniques. This Program is intended to give its students the edge in every aspect of the field.

Admission Requirements

Notification of admission occurs following a personal interview with the Emergency Medicine faculty and evidence of completion of all prerequisite criteria.

Applications are due March 15 and interviews will begin in January for all applicants. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed based upon available space. All applicants are encouraged to apply early, as limited seats are available. Applications may be submitted while course requirements are in progress.

For Juniors: For Juniors: This Program requires students to complete clinical education at facilities external to the University, and such facilities will require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34/73 clearance, physical examination, blood titers, and a drug screen to determine whether the student applicant is qualified to participate in the clinical education. Students must be currently certified as an EMT by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Out of state and Nationally Registered EMTs must apply for and receive endorsement by certification equaling reciprocity. A Program Fee of $1,500 is charged to each junior student to cover the cost of disposable equipment, supplies and specialty certifications. Students are required to purchase and wear clinical uniforms designated by the Program and maintain health insurance throughout the entire junior year. Additionally, in order to become certified/ licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor and a felony.

Programs

Major

Emergency Medicine Program

Courses

Emergency Medicine

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