EOU launches EMSA degree

EOU launches emergency medical services administration program

EOU’s new program is designed primarily for paramedics seeking advanced knowledge related to the management and administration of emergency medical systems (EMS). Classes start this fall and are available entirely online.

June 2, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University will soon be the only school on the West coast offering a degree in emergency medical services administration that meets standards set by the National Fire Academy.

It is designed primarily for paramedics and EMT’s seeking advanced knowledge related to the management and administration of emergency medical systems (EMS) and is available entirely online.

The new program starts this fall with classes in EMS risk management and safety, EMS communications management and management of EMS. Curriculum is based on the National Fire Academy’s Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education model for a bachelor’s degree in EMSA.

“Our program fills in the gaps to give managers the skills they need, but typically don’t receive with on the job training alone,” said Kevin Walker, EMSA program chair, associate dean and professor in EOU’s College of Business. “We cover everything from communications to legal aspects and the fundamentals of business with courses tailored directly to the specialized field of emergency medical healthcare.”

Walker has been busy answering questions from community colleges interested in the new degree, and he sees a clear route for students looking to advance their educations and careers.

Students who have not yet completed paramedic training can also enroll in the program and earn their paramedic certification or licensure at the same time. If they come to EOU with an associate’s degree, they will complete their bachelor’s as a BA, BS, or BAS depending on how their credits transfer in.

“With our interdisciplinary approach, I believe this program has the ability to distinguish EOU nationally, even internationally. I can’t tell you how happy I am to get this off the ground,” Walker said.

Walker’s passion is fueled by his own experience working as an EMT and paramedic before returning to college to finish his bachelor’s degree. He also feels strongly about following the requirements of the National Fire Academy and considers this to be another boon for EOU’s program.

“I’m a huge believer in the standardized model, and we’ve been using it as the foundation for our fire services administration program for years with great results,” Walker said.

And EOU’s program is more affordable, he added, with online tuition at $210 per credit hour compared to $500 per credit hour at other institutions offering the same degree.

Applications will be accepted until the first day of classes September 28.

For more information, reach Walker at 541-962-3373 or kwalker@eou.edu, or contact Dan O’Grady, EMSA program advisor, at 971-722-5498 or dogrady@eou.edu.

> Download the EMS program brochure (PDF)