Is Emergency and Disaster Health Systems a full academic program at UMBC or just a paramedic certificate program?
The Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems is an academic department in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The department offers two undergraduate Emergency Health Management tracks in addition to a Paramedic concentration baccalaureate degree. A Master’s degree and post-baccalaureate certificates are also available.
What types of students enroll in the department’s undergraduate program?
The department attracts a wide variety of students, but most have an interest in emergency medical services, disaster management, public health, emergency management or the health professions as a career.
Can I continue to work a full-time job and still major in EHS?
If your job is flexible enough to allow you to have weekdays off to attend classes, it is possible. If you are a shift-worker, you will need to adjust your schedule to have weekdays free as the department does not have an “echo” program for courses. However, because of the academic rigor of coursework, students are discouraged from working full-time while pursuing a degree.
I have a AAS degree from a Maryland community college. Will all my coursework transfer to UMBC?
Your transcript will have to be reviewed by the Registrar’s office for transferability to UMBC. If you have an AA degree from a Maryland community college, it is likely most of your courses will transfer.
Can I complete a degree in four years?
Yes. You can complete the paramedic or management tracks in four years if you are a full-time student and follow the suggested course schedule.
What are the areas of study for majors?
There are two undergraduate tracks: management and paramedic.
I am a practicing paramedic and I want to return to school to complete my degree. In which undergraduate track should I enroll?
You should enroll in the management track.
I need to keep working as an EMS provider and can’t come to UMBC as a resident student. Can I get an UMBC degree online?
Unfortunately, the undergraduate program is not available online at this time.
Are there any scholarships specifically designated for emergency responders that can help me pay for my education?
Yes. Scholarships are only for Maryland residents who are active career or volunteer firefighters, EMS, or rescue squad members. Available scholarships are:
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Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Program. Information available at:
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_fire.asp
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Maryland State Fireman’s Association. Information is available at:
http://www.msfa.org/content/scholarship/
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John Arminger Scholarship Fund Information is available at:
http://johnarmigerscholarshipfund.org/
Are there physical fitness requirements to enroll in the paramedic track?
There are no physical fitness requirements for enrollment. However, students will be required to have certain immunizations to attend clinical sites. Students in the paramedic track will be required to function as a member of an ambulance crew in actual field settings, therefore must be able to “perform the job” of a paramedic.
Are there additional costs associated with laboratory or clinical courses?
Yes. Some paramedic track courses have a modest student lab fee associated with them. Students participating in clinical experiences and field internships are required to purchase approved UMBC/EDHS uniforms and scrubs, as well as, malpractice insurance (available through UMBC).
Will I need to have a criminal background check?
Yes. Students must have an acceptable background check to participate in clinical experiences and field internships.
Will I be drug tested?
Yes. Clinical and field sites require that students be drug tested.
Do I need to be an experienced EMT or paramedic to be accepted into the program?
No. Students in the paramedic track will have an opportunity to complete an EMT course and develop a plan to gain experience prior to beginning the paramedic track. Management track students will also complete the EMT course.
I would like to have an opportunity to gain experience in the EMS field. Is an internship available?
Yes. Students in the management track are required to complete a 15-credit semester-long internship.
For a list of the available internship opportunities.