The EMS Program...
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, in conjunction with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's Paramedic Program, offers an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services with a Paramedic Certificate. Our program is designed to advance those individuals currently in the EMS field or introduce the EMS profession to individuals interested in a new career.
This 74-credit program is designed so that individuals will receive a paramedic certificate in addition to the Associate Degree of Emergency Medical Services. The program allows individuals to learn the skills needed to recognize, assess and manage a variety of medical emergencies. The degree not only provides field experience leading to a paramedic license, but will provide courses to prepare the student for supervisory and administrative positions. Individuals who currently possess one or both of the Emergency Medical Certificates are required to complete courses needed to meet the Associate Degree requirements.
Individuals considering a career in Emergency Medical Services should possess good verbal and written communication skills, emotional stability, good team leadership skills, physical agility and coordination, acceptable dexterity, good eyesight, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads.
Paramedics are responsible for the recognition, assessment and management of medical emergencies of acutely ill or injured individuals before they reach the hospital. Graduates work directly under physician supervision, usually via radio communication. Often, the paramedic becomes the eyes, ears and hands of the hospital command physician. Under the physician's orders, the EMT-P may administer an advanced level of care. With additional experience and education, individuals may also choose to become supervisors, or directors of emergency services.
All students must maintain a 2.0 or higher Quality Point Average to continue and graduate from this program.
Before the Associate Degree..
If you are currently a high school student considering a career in EMS, we recommend your high school curriculum include science and math courses such as Chemistry, Biology and Algebra. Successful completion of the EMT Certification course is required prior to Fall admission. If you do not currently hold an EMT certificate, a UPJ Allied Health Programs advisor may be able to assist you relative to where and when this certification may be obtained.EMS Courses of Study
Professional courses are listed in bold print. They are team taught by UPJ faculty and hospital instructors within their area of expertise.
EMT Certificate must be obtained before First Year Fall Term!
First Year-Fall Term
| Anatomy/Physiology I/Lab | Bio 0950 | 4 credits |
| English Composition | Eng 0005 | 3 credits |
| Chemistry for the Health Prof. | Chem 0190 | 3 credits |
| Chemistry for the Health Prof. Lab | Chem 0192 | 1 credit |
| Introduction to Respiratory Care I | Resca 0020 | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | | 14 credits |
First Year-Spring Term
| Selected Topics | Resca 1041 | 3 credits |
| Algebra I | Math 0001 | 3 credits |
| Medical Microbiology | Bio 0980 | 3 credits |
| Med Microbiology Lab | Bio 0981 | 1 credit |
| Introduction to Psychology | Psych 0200 | 3 credits |
| Anatomy/Physiology II/Lab | Bio 0970 | 4 credits |
| TOTAL | | 17 credits |
Second Year-Fall Term
| EMS Principles I | EMS 1010 | 3 credits |
| EMS Clinical Practicum I | EMS 1020 | 5 credits |
| Advanced Paramedic Tech I | EMS 1030 | 3 credits |
| Health Care Management | HRP 1054 | 3 credits |
| Elective | ---------- | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | | 17 credits |
Second Year-Spring Term
| EMS Principles II | EMS 1040 | 3 credits |
| EMS Clinical Practicum II | EMS 1050 | 5 credits |
| Advanced Paramedic Tech II | EMS 1060 | 3 credits |
| Legal Aspects of Health Care | HRP 1119 | 3 credits |
| Elective | ---------- | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | | 17 credits |
Second Year-Summer Term
| EMS Prin II (continued from Spring Term) | EMS 1040 | |
| EMS Clin / Prac (continued from Spring Term ) | EMS 1050 | |
| Elective | ---------- | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | | 3 credits |
TOTAL OF 74 CREDITS
(includes 6 credits for EMS Certification)
State / National Exam
Completion of the program will lead to Paramedic Certification and will allow you to sit for the State/National Exams.
...Beyond the Associate Degree
Individuals who complete the requirements for their Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services may opt to continue at UPJ to receive a Bachelor in Science in Health Related Professions (BSHRP).Employment Outlook
Employment in Emergency Medical Services is expected to grow faster than average through the decade, due to an ever-expanding population. Jobs can be found in fire, police and rescue squad departments, private ambulance services, hospitals, and helicopter emergency transport services.
Salaries for EMS range from $25,933 to $33,070, with a median of $29,271.