By Columbia Southern University, an Official IPSA Supporter

The importance of earning a university degree, whether it is an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate, cannot be underestimated. Aside from looking great on a resume, a degree enhances a person’s life on so many levels. Particularly when the degree is in a field that an individual seeks a career in or wants for advancement.

This applies directly to those seeking a position or advancement in emergency medical services administration. As a behind-the-scenes field for emergency medical services, EMSA is key to the management, planning, organizing and improving of emergency medical services. A degree in EMSA educates a student on the business aspects of emergency medical services and leadership skills to help direct and assign services, both in urgent and routine situations.

Hera are five things an EMSA degree do for you.

1. Expertise: Overall, the main benefit of earning a university degree is to help ensure a person’s knowledge and skills meet a certain standard of quality. Colleges and universities that offer EMSA degrees have criteria that students must meet in order to earn the degree. Those standards are meant to give a person a strong set of skills and formal training that can make them truly qualified to work in EMSA.
   
   
2. Salary: Americans with four-year college degrees made 98 percent more an hour on average in 2013 than people without a degree. In fact, when comparing salaries, those with a high school diploma average about $35, 256 while those with a bachelor’s degree average $59,124, according to the Balance.
   
   According to the 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, EMTs and paramedics earn an average salary of $32, 670 with some postsecondary education and no degree.
   
   However, a bachelor’s degree in EMSA adds to an individual’s earning potential. For example, a degree in EMSA allows a paramedic or EMT to become an EMS coordinator and earn an average salary around $52,000, according to Payscale. As a manager, this puts the individual on track for positions such as an EMS director who average about $69,158, as indicated by Payscale.
   
   
3. Academic learning: Whether you are a rookie or veteran in the EMS world, there is always a need to learn more to improve your skills and knowledge. Not to mention, the industry is always seeing change in equipment, operational methods, life-saving techniques and more. These updates and trends are vital for EMSA students to be aware of so they can stay ahead of the learning curve in the industry. A strong EMSA degree program should provide this information so that students receive current and relevant information about the degree topic.
   
   In addition to the subject matter, students taking EMSA courses are exposed to a formal level of writing and reading through academic work. As Entrepreneur magazine points out, “academic assignments develop skills that are in high demand among top employers.” From communication to collaboration to research to writing, a university education gives a student valuable skills for interaction and prosperity in the work environment.
   
   
4. Career opportunities: Those interested in pursuing a career in EMSA have various options in the fields of fire and rescue, emergency management and EMS. In addition, a degree in EMSA can lead to careers at the federal, state and local government levels and the private sector, particularly in health care.  Some administrative jobs include: EMS Coordinator, EMS Supervisor, EMS Director and Federal Emergency Management Agency Employee.
   
   While these are key positions linked to an EMSA degree, it is important to note that these are not all that are available to an enterprising student seeking administrative training in EMS.
   
   For example, paramedicine continues to grow as EMS facilities and private health care companies combine services to meet the urgent care needs of their communities. Jobs in paramedicine and related areas can be filled or created by those with an EMSA education. Enrolling in EMSA programs can gain a distinctive advantage for jobs that will be created to meet the demands of paramedicine as it expands to more cities.
   
   
5. Provide a reputable education: Reputation carries a weight in higher education, particularly when it comes to the field or industry pertaining to the degree. As mentioned above, industry recognition also plays a role in how the degree is regarded.
   
   Columbia Southern University features a staff of distinguished emergency medical professionals and EMS experts. CSU’s multidisciplinary approach in its EMSA degree program considers the administration of EMS settings and organizations to provide students with a challenging and comprehensive learning experience.
   
   To learn more about Columbia Southern University’s EMSA degree, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/EMSA.

About the Author

Columbia Southern University is one of the nation’s pioneer online universities. It was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.

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