Emergency Medical Services Programs

Become a First Responder

With the report of a crisis, EMTs and paramedics use their critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills to take charge of the scene of an emergency. By providing critical life support care to individuals in need in any condition—indoors or outdoors, weekdays, weekends and holidays—before they reach the hospital, emergency medical service workers are vital pieces of society.

Harper College’s degree and certificate programs were designed to comply with the requirements set forth by the National EMS Education Standards (NHTSA, 2009), the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoA), and the Illinois EMS Act and Administrative Rules. They also support and facilitate the growth of the medical skills—such as anatomy and physiology, medications and clinical assessment techniques—and emotional competency needed for a career in this field.

The EMT certificate is an open enrollment program, and the Paramedic certificate is a limited-enrollment program. The AAS degree program offers continued training for students who have earned the Paramedic and EMT certificates.

Earn a career-ready degree

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. Coursework in the AAS may also prepare you for to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Associate in Applied Science—Emergency Medical Services

Earn a workforce credential

Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through additional coursework.

Explore Emergency Medical Services Careers

Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Emergency Medical Services degree/certificate programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Emergency Medical Services Careers page.

Emergency Medical Technicians

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Emergency Medical Technicians career profile for most current data.

$43,365
Median Salary

1.2%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

191
Job Postings

Description:

Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

Core tasks:

Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
Comfort and reassure patients.

Quick facts:

Paramedics

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Paramedics career profile for most current data.

$67,841
Median Salary

1.3%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

37
Job Postings

Description:

Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.

Core tasks:

Administer drugs, orally or by injection, or perform intravenous procedures.
Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.

Quick facts:

Resources

For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.