Emergency Medicine Bachelor of Science in EMS

Bachelor of Science in EMS

NREMT-certified paramedics prepare to become leaders in their field by boosting their training in EMS clinical core content areas (critical care, community paramedicine, special operations), basic sciences (physiology, chemistry, biology), leadership, health care systems and communications.

The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services takes paramedics to the next level of clinical care and equips them with the background necessary to become leaders in their field. Coursework meets the unique educational needs of the practicing paramedic and builds on prior paramedic education by providing the basic science background necessary to adapt to the ever-changing medical field. Graduates are prepared to understand the full range of subspecialty EMS roles with advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills to succeed in the health care industry.

Program Overview

Like the majority of Bachelor of Science degree programs at the University of Arizona, this program requires 120 units, of which 42 must be upper-division and 30 must be completed as a University of Arizona student.

In addition to the core EMS courses, degree requirements include foundation courses (such as English and composition, a second language and math) and other University of Arizona general education requirements. Learn more about the required coursework.

Research Opportunities

During their senior year, EMS majors are required to complete the EMS Capstone course in which they work on an ongoing research project or one of their own design, with the approval of the program director and program manager. Students are expected to produce an abstract of suitable quality to be presented at a local, regional or national scientific meeting.

The program is offered on the University of Arizona main campus and Arizona Online. Learn more about the program, the required courses, and potential career paths.

U of A Degree Programs

Arizona Online

Find EMS course descriptions in the University of Arizona Course Catalog.

Course Catalog

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Students holding a current NREMT certification can find additional clinically focused study and experience by completing a minor in EMS. See the U of A Course Catalog for an overview and course requirements.

Minor in EMS

Application Process

This program is designed to give paramedics additional subspecialty EMS clinical training as well as a foundation in the fundamental science, communications, math, language, leadership and health care systems knowledge they will need to be the leaders of tomorrow’s EMS systems.

Students enrolling in this program must hold a current national certification as a paramedic. We recognize that paramedic training includes a large amount of fundamental health care knowledge and practical skills, so we want to ensure that each student is given as much transfer credit as possible. Therefore, before starting this program, all potential students should email a program adviser who will identify any units that may be transferred from other institutions. Transfer units do not generally count for EMS selective units.

Set up an appointment with academic adviser Shannon Scott

Questions to discuss with your adviser

Do I meet the program requirements?
Do I have credits from another institution that will transfer to the U of A?
If I am already a U of A student, how do I change my major?
If I am already a U of A student, how do I add/change my minor to EMS?
Do I have questions about my paramedic or EMT certification status?
Do I need to take all of my classes on campus?
If I am a military veteran, active duty or reserves, where do I go for information specific to my situation?

Apply to the University of Arizona main campus using the following steps: double-check - I don't have a login so can't check to see if these instructions work

Visit the University of Arizona Admissions webpage and create a Future Wildcat Application login
Select How to Apply.
Complete steps listed for your particular status: Applicants will be considered transfer students based on paramedic certification

On your main campus application, please select the following categories: