Online EMS Schools: Info on How to Choose a School

Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are usually the first responders to the scene of accidents, injuries and other medical emergencies. Full degree and certificate programs in emergency medical services are not normally available online, though continuing education courses for current EMS professionals are available.

How to Choose an Online Emergency Medical Services School

Course and Program Availability

An online education in emergency medical services is not normally available in the form of a degree or certificate program, as most states require emergency medical services providers to attend traditional courses to fulfill education requirements. However, individual continuing education courses are available online for those who are required by their state or their employer to fulfill continuing education requirements. Before enrolling in an online emergency medical services course or program, students should check their state's requirements for emergency medical services providers to ensure that a given course meets their needs.

Format and Time Requirements

Normally, EMS programs that have online components are offered in flexible form to allow students to work while still completing their class work. Common delivery methods include streamed online video for lectures and demonstrations, online testing software and textbooks. Students and teachers communicate individually and as a class through voice or video conferences, message boards and e-mail. Different classes provide different mixes of these tools. Prospective students may want to consider the formats before enrolling, to ensure they are comfortable with the format and scheduling requirements.

Online Program Options in Emergency Medical Services

Online EMS Courses

Online emergency medical services courses are available in both general refresher classes and in specific subject areas within the field. Courses are available in a wide variety of subjects, including poisons, hazardous materials, infections, bleeding, behavioral emergencies, medical-legal issues, substance abuse and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The online courses may last several hour to one week and often times require passing a test to earn continuing education units (CEUs).