B.S. in Public Administration – EMS

B.S. in Public Administration – EMS

Further your career with Point Park University’s EMS Administration Degree 

Discover how an online EMS degree can help you succeed

The Emergency Medical Service Administration concentration in public health at Point Park University will teach you the latest techniques that EMS administrators are using to successfully manage emergency medical teams. We offer EMS professionals the advanced education they need to move into leadership roles. The flexible online Bachelor of Science in Public Administration — EMS Administration degree can help you successfully reach the next phase in your career.

Fully Online Emergency Medical Services Curriculum Overview 

This fully online public administration degree program offers the skills and knowledge community leaders are looking for in EMS professionals, including risk reduction, new regulations, and performance management. Further certification is available through our partnership with the National Fire Academy.

At Point Park, we know experience is the best instructor; that’s why our online public administration degree courses are developed by seasoned EMS professionals. You’ll learn the latest strategies and techniques used across the country, so you are ready for the emergency medical service needs of the future. Our online public administration degree program is flexible enough for working EMS professionals, and our supportive environment is designed to help you go further.

Transform your experience into college credit towards your Online EMS Degree

Point Park University works to make sure your degree is affordable, designed to help those with experience level up their EMS career. We offer robust Prior Learning Assessment and Advanced Standing/Experiential Learning Credit opportunities. Students can transfer credits from qualifying experiences including other college institutions, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST exams) or UEXCEL exams, Advanced Placement (AP) credit and experiential learning assessment portfolio submissions.

Please note that experiential learning credits are not considered current coursework for financial aid, and they do not fulfill any of the minimum 30 credits that must be completed at Point Park University to graduate. In addition, experiential learning credits through portfolio submissions are capped at 18 credits.

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

  • Next Start Date: October 22, 2023

Est. Program Length: 2 - 4 Years
Credit Hours: 120
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $495
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

  • Est. Program Length: 2-4 Years

  • Credit Hours: 120

  • Course Length: 8 Weeks

  • Cost Per Credit: $495

  • Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Tell me more about Point Park University’s Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration EMS Concentration

First Response

Point Park Online invites you to enjoy this humble interview with Public Administration Program Director and Associate Professor Robert Skertich, Ph.D.

B.S. in Public Administration EMS Online Course Offerings

Admission Requirements

Course Description
This course included communication theory as well as speech preparation, delivery, and communication technology. Student learning focuses on researching, composing, and delivering formal and impromptu speeches and presentations. Topics include research, analyzing and adapting audiences, message construction, outlining, delivery of messages and effective use of visual aids and technology. This course will develop each student’s ability to communicate effectively with respect to audience and purpose. The major emphasis is on the preparation and delivery of presentations ranging from one-on-one pitches and small group discussion to large audience speeches.

Course Description
Students will write argument-based assignments leading to an independently researched project based on academic and professional goals. Students will be required to 1.) find and integrate a variety of sources, 2.) read and analyze these sources, 3.) develop strong thesis statements that reflect perspectives on topics or issues, and 4.) construct persuasive arguments that engage with the viewpoints of experts and commentators. As the term progresses, students will have the opportunity to re-think or revise the ideas and perspectives they explored in earlier writing assignments by engaging with peer feedback and revising earlier drafts. Placement recommendations will require students to take ENGL 101 as a three credit course OR in conjunction with an additional credit of lab or studio instruction. Students who earn F or NP grades in ENGL 101 will be required to re-take the course in conjunction with a one-credit Writing Studio course.

Course Description
This course introduces students to the different kinds of communities that people construct for themselves (e.g. social, political, artistic, etc.) and the values and dynamics that define such communities (e.g. cooperation, civility, tolerance, responsibility, etc.). The notion of what it means to be a responsible member of the community will actively be explored and discussed by engagement and analysis of multiple communities: the classroom community, the Point Park University community, and the Pittsburgh community. Students will also examine the responsibilities they have to their personal academic development.

Choose two of the following courses:

  • ECON 201 – Principles of Macroeconomics
  • GCS 175 – Intro to Global Cultural Studies
  • GCS/MLNG – 205 Languages of the World
  • HIST 201 – Western Civilization I
  • HIST 202 – Western Civilization II
  • PADM 210/POLS 204 – Public Administration
  • POLS 205 – World Geography
  • POLS 250 – Intro to Study of Gov’t Systems
  • PHIL 215 – World Religions
  • SOC/MLNG 260 – Japanese Culture
  • THEA 225 – History Theatre I
  • THEA 226 – History Theatre II

Choose one of the following courses:

  • CHEM 101 – General Chemistry I
  • NSET 110 – Intro to Natural Sciences I
  • NSET 111 – Intro to Natural Sciences II
  • NSET 120 – Environmental Science
  • NSET 122 – The Science of Light

Course Description
This course introduces logic and mathematical thinking as a way of posing, communicating, and solving problems. It relates mathematics to other branches of knowledge. Topics of exploration include problem solving, logic, number theory, business mathematics, and statistics. This course is intended to fulfill the core mathematics requirement if chosen by individual departments.

Choose one of the following courses:

  • EDUC 252 – Children’s Literature
  • ENGL 120 – Introduction to Literary Studies
  • ENGL 251 – World Lit: Novels
  • ENGL 252 – The Art of Creative Nonfiction
  • ENGL 253 – The Art of Poetry
  • ENGL 254 – The Art of Short Story
  • ENGL 255 – Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Literature
  • JOUR 225 – Deconstructing the Story

Choose one of the following courses:

  • EDUC 220 – Family and Community Diversity
  • EDUC 228 – Educational Psychology
  • HIST 206 – Foundations in Feminism: Women’s History in Western World
  • PSYC 150 – Psychological Foundations
  • PSYC 203 – Theories of Personality
  • PSYC 214 – Psychology of Emotion
  • PSYC 230 – Characterological and Psychotic in Film and Fiction
  • SOC 150 – Sociological Foundations

Choose one of the following courses:

  • BMGT 271 – The Money Thing: Life and Finances During and After College
  • BUS 404 – Business Ethics
  • CMPS 330 – Electronic Commerce
  • ECON 202 – Principles of Microeconomics

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ART 100 – Intro to Visual Arts
  • CINE 170 – Intro to Screenwriting for Non-Majors
  • COMM 290 – Seminar in Media Studies
  • COPA 250 – Exploring the Arts
  • EDUC 251 – Art and Music in Teaching
  • ENGL 200 – Creative Writing
  • ENGL 252 – The Art of Creative Nonfiction
  • ENGL 253 – The Art of Poetry
  • ENGL 254 – The Art of Short Story
  • MLNG 220 – French Literature in Translation
  • PHOT 101 – Photography for Non-Majors
  • THEA 230 – Introduction to Theatre

Course Description
A course on how Information Technology impacts organizations and how to use Information Technology to solve problems. Topics include: main concepts of Information Technology at a general level, online collaboration tools, application software, and information literacy as applied to searching and using the Internet. In addition, students will become proficient at an intermediate level in using application software. The student will learn each of the four software applications (Spreadsheets, Database, Word Processing and Presentation) and be able to apply them successfully to problem solving scenarios.

Course Description
Course chosen with advisor near completion of degree.

Course Description
This course is an introduction to leadership in nonprofit organizations (NPO). Topics include the theoretical, historical and legal foundations of NPOs, governance, fundraising, accountability, personnel and ethics.

Course Description
This course is an intensive study of governmental and non-profit organizations, including organizational structures and functions, including planning, budget, finance, management and leadership. The course emphasizes the interaction and interrelationship of agencies and administrators at all levels of government and the non-profit sector. Dual listed as POLS 204.

Course Description
Emphasis on the major theories and functions of management. Students develop an understanding of why management is needed in all organizations and what constitutes good management. Dual listed as BMGT 208. Pre-requisite: BMGT 101 or PADM 210.

Course Description
This course addresses the principles of governmental and non-profit organizations’ revenue, expenditure and budgeting. A special focus is placed on the planning and management aspects of budgeting, and the associated measurements and evaluation. Pre-requisite: PADM 210 or PADM 206 or permission.

Course DescriptionsPADM 301 – Methods of Public Management
This course applies quantitative analysis and forecasting methods to plan and evaluate decisions in public agencies. Additional topics include basic research design and techniques, and reading and interpreting research findings. Prerequisites: PADM 210 and MATH 150; ECON 201 or 202 or permission of the instructor.
ORPADM 303 – Policy and Decision Analysis
This course will cover quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to defining, structuring, analyzing and evaluating policies and decisions in government and non-profit agencies. Pre-requisites: PADM 210 and MATH 150 (or greater) or permission of the instructor.

Course Description
An overview of the design and operation of emergency medical services (EMS) systems, delivery of services, and the echelons of care. The history of EMS, the interface of public and private organizations and review of the various personnel who comprise these systems will be examined in relation to their impact on the health care delivery system. Prerequisite: Junior Standing or prior Fire/EMS experience.

Course Description
This course provides the emergency medical services (EMS) leader with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for high performance services. Topics include interagency relations, strategic planning, personnel development, fleet management, data collection, communications and incident management for private, government and volunteer-based services. Prerequisites: Junior Standing or prior Fire/EMS experience.

Course Description
This course explores the health and injury risks faced by our communities, the demands they place on the emergency medical service (EMS) system, and public education and prevention strategies to reduce their impact. Topics include determining and understanding community demographics, morbidity and mortality studies, emergency care resources and effective communication of risk and prevention. Prerequisite: Junior Standing or prior Fire/EMS experience.

Course Description
This course introduces the student to the risk management principles of an EMS agency. The emphasis is on safety from the perspective of the field provider. Prerequisite: Junior Standing or prior Fire/EMS experience.

Course Description
This course examines the legal aspects of emergency medical services (EMS) and the political and social impacts of legal issues. This course includes a review of the American legal system and in-depth coverage of legal and political issues involving operations, personnel, healthcare regulations, reimbursement and insurance. Prerequisite: Junior Standing or prior Fire/EMS experience.

How do we know that emergency medical services (EMS) are meeting the standards and needs of the community? The course includes quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research approaches, applies to quality assurance, program evaluation and customer service to validate and improve patient care and transport. Prerequisite: Senior Standing and PADM 301 or PADM 303, or permission of instructor.

Students may use general electives to complete a double major or one or more minors.

EMS Bachelor’s Degree Career Outcomes

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for leaders such as EMS Directors was $76,250 annually as of 2020. Advanced education can help you move beyond entry-level roles and into a variety of careers, including:

Advanced emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are first responders for patients outside of health care facilities. They usually work under paramedics or nurses and are responsible for providing primary care such as basic life support, airway management, patient assessment and automatic defibrillator usage. Advanced EMTs must be able to remain calm under pressure and must possess superior judgment.

Also called “deputy chiefs” or “directors,” EMS administrators are upper-level managers who oversee EMS organizations. They are charged with ensuring that the large-scale performance of their organizations is successful and may also respond to emergencies when they involve mass casualties or several agencies working in tandem. EMS administrators generally report to boards of directors.

EMS field training officers oversee paramedics-in-training when they begin to work in the field. They are responsible for providing field orientations, ensuring that their charges understand policies and procedures, and assessing trainees. EMS field training officers are ideally experienced both in EMS and training, and they have excellent knowledge of the local systems in which they work.

Ambulance managers, also known as “operations managers,” serve as leaders of ambulatory services within their areas. They may monitor the overall level of care provided by their department, develop mass emergency plans, appoint support managers and other staff, prepare budgets, maintain relationships with other relevant departments, serve as the face of their department to the media and much more.

Emergency services directors are administrative professionals charged with overseeing the emergency or ambulatory services within a municipality. They may be responsible for creating policies, regulations and work methods, preparing budgets, providing guidance and leadership for changing operations, performing public relations, preparing work schedules for employees and more. Emergency services directors must be well-versed in emergency medical care procedures and duties.

Next Steps

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Official Transcripts

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