Emergency Medical Services

This program is a hybrid program in which four courses are offered in online format only. Students are advised to develop a long-range plan with their advisors which ensures that online courses are scheduled for the online terms when each course is offered. This interdisciplinary program is designed for emergency medical services personnel interested in following a path to degree completion or for other undergraduate students who have obtained EMT certification or who plan to earn this certification while matriculating at Franklin Pierce University. The degree offerings are non-clinical. It is recommended that students obtain EMT certification before graduation as an enhancement to this degree program.

Applicants may earn credits for qualifying coursework and certifications. Paramedics will receive 40 credits for an active paramedic license. Additional credits may be earned through Prior Learning Assessment or transfer. Those credits will be applicable to the core requirements and general electives as needed.

Bachelor of Arts Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Medical Services, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate their clients’ needs through application of social science principles and practices.
  • Interpret implications for their role as emergency medical responders within the changing service models of the U.S. health care system.
  • Apply ethical principles and conform to legal requirements applicable to their role as practitioners and members of an emergency medical services organization.

Bachelor of Science Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services, students will be able to:

  • Analyze systems development and operations principles in Emergency Medical Services.
  • Evaluate personnel management and staffing models in Emergency Medical Services systems.
  • Implement operating budgets for emergency and non-emergency transport Emergency Medical Services systems.
  • Summarize legal and regulatory guidelines in Emergency Medical Services systems.

Majors, Minors and Certificates

Courses

EMSP300: Leadership and Decision Making

Credits 3
Course provides the student with knowledge, tools and skills required for transitional leadership and management. The course focuses on the transitioning role from simple supervisory roles to development of leadership and management techniques related to motivation, teamwork and effective communication. Students will learn how to apply basic leadership principles, and develop leadership strategies. Students must have completed a Paramedic certification prior to registering for this course. Students may not transfer a course in substitution for EMSP 300 – Leadership and Decision-Making.

EMSP301: EMS Planning and Development

Credits 3

This course provides an overview of systems, management and administrative functions required of EMS managers including: planning, directing, budgeting, staffing and evaluation. The course provides the history of EMS and the evolution of theories and concepts that define contemporary systems and organizations. Emphasis is on system components, their integration and the roles and responsibilities of leadership. Prerequisite: EMSP300.

EMSP302: Health Informatics

Credits 3
This course introduces the role of integrative health care practices with computer technologies and information science to identify, gather, process and manage information. Technology-based health applications that support clinical, administrative, research and educational decision-making are emphasized.

EMSP303: Med Serv Oper & Pers Man

Credits 3
This course examines recruitment, management and retention of personnel and the influence of effective personnel management on staffing and operational success in a medical services or health care setting.

EMSP304: Public Health Emergencies

Credits 3
Health care leaders and first responders must prepare for any situation that threatens public health, as well as the impact of disasters on personnel. This course highlights some the primary types of emergencies health care leaders and first responders are likely to encounter. Legal, political and regulatory perspectives are explored in the context of effective systems development, operational planning and engagement of multi-professional teams.

EMSP305: Risk Management Prac in Health Serv

Credits 3
This course examines the reduction and prevention of risks associated with the administration of health services. Human resource management, workplace safety, delivery of services to patients and the community, ethical considerations and clinical proficiencies are examined.

EMSP306: Mobile Integrated Healthcare

Credits 3
EMS agencies are partnering with hospitals, primary care physicians, nurses and mental health and social services providers on innovative programs that navigate patients to the right level of care. The goal is to lower costs, improve care and enable EMS practitioners to use their skills and resources to improve pre-hospital and post-hospital care. This course will explore emerging trends, strategies and structures impacting the role of EMS personnel.

EMSP320: Emergency Communications

Credits 3
This course examines communication responsibilities, essential components of public safety communications, communications centers in organizations, mobile communications and the role of leadership in public communications in disaster or emergency related situations.