The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine (EM) program is housed within the Department of Community Health Services and Rehabilitation Science. Emergency Medicine is an upper-division program. This means students are required to have 60 college credits before beginning the program in the fall term. During your first- and sophomore years of college, you will complete the program prerequisite courses along with introductory courses and electives you may need for a second major, minor or intended graduate studies. You will apply to the program spring term of your sophomore year, or after completing roughly 45 college credits. Students may be in the process of completing all required credits and admission requirements when applying to SHRS.
High school and transfer students interested in an SHRS undergraduate major will apply to the University through the Office of Admissions. Most SHRS students begin their studies in the first year-entry Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, continue into a field study within SHRS for their junior and senior years (like Emergency Medicine) and complete their education in one of our top-ranked graduate or professional programs. Remember to select a Guaranteed Admission Program for Pitt graduate studies on your application and reach out to the SHRS Enrollment Team to discuss your path ahead!
Qualified students pursuing career advancement options through the degree completion format and Active Duty military students enter the senior year of the program to complete their bachelor’s degree in 2 terms with 100% online, asynchronous courses! Apply to the program as a transfer applicant through the Office of Admissions. Applicants must have 51 transferable credits and current certification as a paramedic, Advanced Tactical Paramedic or equivalent.
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Junior-year entry: Enter the program with 60 prerequisite credits. Complete the program in 2 years (4 terms)! |
Contact SHRS Admissions for more information regarding application. |
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Senior-year entry: Enter the program with 51 prerequisite credits and current certification* as a paramedic or equivalent. Complete the program in 1 year (2 terms)! |
Program starts fall term only Average class size: 50 students |
Prerequisite Courses
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Becoming a Paramedic
For over 50 years, paramedics have functioned in the out-of-hospital environment, providing emergency care to people with life-threatening illness or injury. Today, the field of out-of-hospital medicine is expanding rapidly to include community paramedicine and other aspects of patient care in addition to emergency response. As this field continues to evolve, academically prepared leaders and educators are needed to help shape the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and overall patient care. Following successful completion of the junior year, students are eligible to sit for the National Registry of EMTs Paramedic Certification Examination. Students will be certified paramedics upon successful completion of the examination.
*Recognizing that students will be entering the program with varying levels of education and experience, students are admitted into the program at the appropriate level based on the student's career and academic experiences. Currently certified paramedics and Advanced Tactical Paramedics will be awarded 39 credits of advanced standing.
Emergency Medicine Career Options
Due to the ever-changing health care industry and the integral part EMS has played in public safety and public health, EMS has evolved to more than an emergency response system. We now play a vital role in improving the general health of the population in the communities we serve. The demand is also growing for EMS professionals to have expertise in business, management, teaching and clinical techniques. This program is intended to give its students an edge in the field.