Paramedics and a patient in an ambulance

Paramedic Degrees

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Munson Regional EMS have partnered to offer an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) with a Paramedic focus. All general education classes are offered at NMC. All paramedic classes are offered through Munson Regional EMS. It is designed so students can transfer 43 paramedic credits from Munson Regional EMS to NMC. Once an additional 18 or more general education credits are completed as identified in the NMC program map, the student will earn an AAS–Paramedic.

About Paramedic Careers

Working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is interesting, exciting, and rewarding. Treating victims of sudden illness or injury in the pre-hospital and inter-hospital environment is challenging and requires a strong educational background to succeed. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care.

Paramedic careers are expanding beyond the traditional ambulance services and fire departments. Paramedic careers now include hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, industry and manufacturing companies, "flight medicine" as a member of a helicopter or airplane crew, "community medic", and several other unique opportunities.

Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services, and transporting patients to medical facilities. When taking a patient to a hospital, one EMT or paramedic may drive the ambulance while another monitors the patient's condition and provides additional care. EMTs and paramedics also transport patients from one medical facility to another. Some patients may need to be transferred to a hospital that specializes in treating their injury or illness or to a facility that provides long-term care, such as a nursing home.

Paramedics provide more extensive pre-hospital care than do EMTs. In addition to being able to carry out the tasks of EMTs, paramedics can give medications, establish vascular access, perform advanced airway management, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs) — used to monitor heart function — and perform many other advanced procedures with the use of complex equipment and monitors.

Job outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, or acts of violence, will continue to create demand for EMTs and paramedics. Demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas will also continue.

Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increase in the number of age-related health emergencies, such as heart attacks or strokes. This, in turn, will create greater demand for EMT and Paramedic services. An increase in the number of specialized medical facilities will require more EMTs and paramedics to transfer patients with specific conditions to these facilities for treatment.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 500 job openings for EMS professionals. According to Salary.com, paramedic salaries in Michigan range between $41,806 and $52,157 annually.