Best Online Associate in Paramedic Programs

Associate in paramedic programs prepare students for careers as medical emergency first responders. These study paths focus on techniques for delivering lifesaving care to people suffering from traumatic injuries or acute health episodes.

Like most associate degrees, it usually takes the equivalent of two academic years of full-time study to complete graduation requirements.

Some online associate in paramedic programs have self-pacing features that may shorten the typical timeline. Others offer advanced standing to licensed first responders seeking to upgrade their educational credentials.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates above-average increases in demand for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. The BLS projects 11% employment growth in these professions from 2020-2030.

Students in these associate programs can gain the knowledge they will need to obtain and maintain licensure as a paramedic or EMT. Associate in paramedic programs also can provide a strong knowledge base for specialized first-response positions, such as cardiovascular technologists.

This guide profiles the top online schools with associate in paramedic programs. Read on to learn more about curricula, admissions processes, career paths, and more.

Successful paramedics and EMTs have several important skills. Medical first responders have the ability to remain calm under pressure. They also benefit from having strong verbal communication and leadership abilities along with empathy and patience.

Keep in mind that paramedics and EMTs assist critically injured and ill people. You will be exposed to traumatic and stressful situations. If you doubt your ability to perform under such circumstances, becoming a paramedic might not be right for you.

Conduct an honest self-assessment of your suitability for the career path before applying. If you decide to proceed, you will find most online associate in paramedic programs share several defining characteristics:

Many programs include in-person requirements beyond psychomotor skills tests. For instance, associate in paramedic programs often feature internships. These take place in field settings and expose students to the professional realities they will encounter in their future careers.

In most cases, associate degrees lead to associate of science (AS) or associate of applied science (AAS) designations. Both options feature comparable curricula. However, AAS programs typically take a stronger focus on practical skills. AS programs usually concentrate more toward academic learning.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

This required course introduces students to human body structures and their functions with an emphasis on negative feedback mechanisms. Some programs cover this material across multiple semester-length modules.

This course draws on knowledge gained from anatomy and physiology coursework. Students learn best practices and techniques for delivering emergency care to patients suffering acute medical episodes.

Learners build lifesaving, prehospital first-response skills for assisting patients who have suffered serious and traumatic injuries. Coursework also covers airway management, oxygen and intravenous fluid administration, and crime scene awareness.

Degree-seekers build on previous coursework in learning to recognize and treat the symptoms of cardiovascular emergencies. The course requires students to master cardiopulmonary revival techniques endorsed by the American Heart Association.

Graduation candidates complete a supervised applied learning period in field settings with licensed paramedics. Participants initially perform support roles before gradually taking on increased levels of responsibility.

The BLS projects labor market demand for paramedics and EMTs will increase by 11% from 2020-2030. This outpaces the average projected growth rates for all professions. The BLS also projects there will be approximately 20,700 job openings each year for paramedics and EMTs from 2020-2030.

According to the BLS, several factors are fueling the expected rise in demand for medical emergency first responders. First, the BLS notes that the U.S. population is aging. This will prompt a corresponding rise in health emergencies associated with older age and declining health.

Additionally, the BLS cites increases in the number of specialized medical facilities operating in the United States as another growth-driving factor. More paramedics and EMTs will be needed as patients with particular medical conditions are transported to these facilities.

EMTs work in the field as first responders, usually in ambulances. They perform basic and intermediate medical interventions to stabilize patients suffering from acute illnesses or injuries en route to the hospital. EMTs respond to medical emergencies, accidents, natural disasters, and criminal acts of violence.

Average Annual Salary (as of November 2021): $44,000

Paramedics also serve as emergency medical first responders. However, they have more complete training and are able to perform more advanced and complex treatments than EMTs. Paramedics typically serve in leadership or supervisory roles in ambulances and on other first-response teams.

Average Annual Salary (as of November 2021): $50,760

Search and rescue (SAR) medics are EMTs who participate in search and recovery missions involving lost or missing people. When search targets are located, SAR medics provide necessary prehospital medical care. Professionals seeking these roles may require additional training in SAR-specific techniques and best practices.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $36,650

Cardiovascular technologists usually work in healthcare facilities. Some also perform field duties and respond to emergency calls for assistance. These specialists assist doctors in diagnosing heart problems and provide medical aid to patients suffering from cardiac episodes. They also maintain specialized monitoring equipment, troubleshoot equipment problems, and refer faulty equipment for testing and repairs.

Average Annual Salary (as of November 2021): $66,300

Medical assistants prepare treatment facilities and equipment, interview patients, and perform basic medical tests such as monitoring vital signs. They also document patient information, update medical files, sterilize instruments, and administer basic medications. Some job settings include additional administrative duties.

Average Annual Salary (as of November 2021): $35,220

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) notes that paramedics and EMTs must renew their licenses every two years. Some first responders opt to recertify through a continuing education path. This path includes targeted education in specialized practice areas including:

Voluntary continuing education programs in these areas are also readily available.

Paramedics and EMTs are known for having relatively high burnout and stress rates compared to those in nonmedical professions. As such, some opt to pursue additional degrees to expand their range of employment options beyond first-response field settings.

U.S. schools offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in paramedicine. These may appeal to those transitioning into non-frontline roles in paramedic education, paramedicine research, and other related fields.

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