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Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration

bachelor of science in emergency medical services administration

Description

Beyond the Siren: Elevating the Future of Pre-Hospital Care

For those on the front lines, the call of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is often defined by the adrenaline of the scene—the life-saving intervention, the split-second decision, and the chaos of the immediate crisis. Yet, behind every ambulance roll-out and every successful patient outcome lies a sophisticated, invisible architecture of policy, logistics, and leadership.

As the complexities of healthcare evolve, the need for visionary leadership in EMS has never been more critical. The American University’s online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administration is designed for the practitioner who is ready to move beyond the ambulance door and into the boardroom, transforming clinical expertise into administrative excellence.

A Multi-Professional Blueprint for Leadership

This program is not merely an academic exercise; it is a tactical evolution. By bridging the gap between field operations and organizational strategy, the curriculum empowers students to master the "big picture." Through a rigorous multi-professional lens, the program explores the intricate web that holds EMS systems together:

  • Strategic Planning & Development: Learn how to architect robust EMS systems that are resilient, scalable, and responsive to community needs.
  • Risk Management & Regulatory Frameworks: Navigate the high-stakes legal and political landscapes that govern emergency medicine, ensuring institutional compliance without compromising patient care.
  • Operational Health & Safety: Champion the workforce by studying the essential components of healthy work environments and employee safety, recognizing that the most valuable asset in any EMS organization is its people.

Transforming Practitioners into Architects

The American University’s B.S. in EMS Administration program is built on the understanding that exceptional leaders are made, not just born. Upon completion, graduates do more than hold a degree; they possess the analytical toolkit to overhaul and optimize their organizations. They are prepared to:

  • Analyze and Optimize: Deconstruct complex systems to streamline operations and enhance the reliability of emergency responses.
  • Master Human Capital: Evaluate and implement sophisticated staffing models that reduce burnout and ensure the right personnel are in the right place at the right time.
  • Command Fiscal Responsibility: Translate mission success into financial sustainability by managing and implementing operating budgets for both emergency and non-emergency transport systems.
  • Navigate Governance: Act as informed leaders who can interpret and summarize the ever-changing legal and regulatory guidelines that define the industry.

Your Path to the Helm

The future of pre-hospital care depends on leaders who can balance the weight of historical legacy with the demands of modern innovation. Whether you are looking to step into a chief position, manage a regional agency, or influence policy at the governmental level, this degree provides the foundation necessary to navigate the complexities of contemporary EMS.

At The American University, we understand that in EMS, minutes matter. We provide the education that ensures the systems sustaining those minutes work flawlessly, every single time.

Are you ready to lead the future of emergency medicine? Elevate your impact. Secure your future. Administer excellence.

Ready to Get Started ?

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administration provides a comprehensive academic foundation essential for the effective leadership and strategic management of modern EMS organizations. By integrating a curriculum that emphasizes leadership principles, systematic planning, and robust risk management, the program adopts a multi-professional approach to the complex challenges inherent in emergency medical services. Furthermore, students gain critical insights into the legal, political, and regulatory frameworks that govern the field, while simultaneously exploring evidence-based strategies to foster employee safety and cultivate healthy work environments. Ultimately, this degree program equips aspiring administrators with the multifaceted skill set required to navigate the operational, ethical, and organizational demands of the EMS industry.

Major Requirements | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

Major Requirements – Group A

Total Required Semester Hours: 30 HOURS

  • EMS 3303 EMS Operations and Personnel Management>
  • EMS 3305 Risk Management Practices in EMS>
  • EMS 3306 Emergency Medical Communications>
  • MBA 6931: Project Management Strategy and Tactics>
  • FIR 4302 Fire Service Personnel Management>
  • EMS 4320 System Design Project>
  • EMS 4305 EMS Public Information and Community Relations>
  • EMS 4306 EMS Roles During Emergencies and Disasters>
  • EMS 4304 Community Risk Reduction in EMS>
  • EMS 4303 Legal, Political, and Regulatory Environment in EMS>
  • EMS 4301 Finance of EMS Systems>
  • EMS 3304 Foundations in EMS Education>

GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

History

  • HY 1110 AMERICAN HISTORY I>
  • HY 1120 AMERICAN HISTORY II>

Humanities and Fine Arts

  • ART 1301 ART APPRECIATION I>
  • PHL 1010 CRITICAL THINKING>

English Composition

  • EH 1010: English Composition I>
  • EH 1020: English Composition II>

Mathematics

  • MAT 1301 LIBERAL ARTS MATH>

Natural Science

  • BIO 1100 – Non-Majors Biology>
  • BIO 1302 ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT>

Social and Behavioral Science

  • BBA 2401 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS 2>
  • PS 1010 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT>
  • SOC 1010 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY>

Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

  • BHA 3002 Health Care Management>
  • BHA 3501 COMMUNITY HEALTH>
  • BHA 3202 Standards for Health Care Staff>
  • BHA 4201 Health Care Law>
  • FIR 2301: Principles of Fire and Emergency Services>
  • FIR 4313: Terrorism Incident Management and Emergency Procedures>
  • BSL 4060 Team Building and Leadership>
  • HTH 1301 Medical Law and Ethics>
  • HLS 2301 Introduction to Terrorism>
  • FIR 3307 Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services>
  • FIR 3303 Introduction to Fire Prevention>
  • BHR 3352 Human Resource Management>
bachelor of science in emergency medical services administration

Tuition Rates

Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.

Ways to Save

Paying for school is possible. At THE AU, there are many Ways to Save including scholarships, Learning Partnerships and more.
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Textbooks Included
  • Payment Options
  • Learning Partners Discount
  • Scholarships

Flexible Online Learning Options

Giving our students the flexibility they need to fit education into their busy schedules is at the core of our mission. Our courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, moms, dads, and anyone else who is balancing school with other life commitments.

LifePace Learning®

Start anytime with LifePace Learning®. Progress through your course in as early as four weeks or as long as 10 weeks.

  • No Required Login Times
  • No Set Start Dates or Completion Dates
  • Complete Assignments at Your Own Pace
  • Enroll 365 Days a Year

Term Enrollment

Complete assignments at your own pace while working within set course start and end dates. A term lasts approximately nine weeks.

  • No Required Login Times
  • Weekly Assignments Keep You on Track
  • Choose From 11 Term Start Dates Per Year
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THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION is an online university that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY provides student-centered support services that are personal, responsive and geared toward assisting students in achieving their educational goals. Caring, highly-trained faculty and staff create innovative educational programs that incorporate the latest instructional technology with challenging curriculums. THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY focuses on affordable, quality online instruction with a general education core that promotes lifelong learning and success.

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