Why Creighton Paramedicine

One of the Nations Best EMS Programs.

The Paramedicine Education program began accepting and training paramedics in 1974.  In 1988, Creighton University EMS Education was one of 32 programs accredited by the Commission on Allied Health Education Programs. Initially, the program was established with the intent of educating paramedics locally to serve communities throughout Nebraska and western Iowa. Today, the Creighton University Paramedicine Education program attracts students internationally. In 2014, the program attained two milestones—40 years as an EMS program, and 20 years since conferring its first Bachelor of Science in then EMS now Paramedicine degree. Paramedic students participating in the program can pursue a certificate of completion, or an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Paramedicine. In 2013, Creighton University Paramedicine Education launched a Master of Science degree in EMS, with an emphasis on applied Paramedicine leadership skills. In addition to the paramedic program, Paramedicine Education offers a minimum of 5 EMT courses annually, advanced placement courses for nurses and physicians seeking Paramedicine education, a Critical Care Paramedic course, a full array of American Heart Association courses, and continuing education offerings.

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue a multitude of professional activities.  Several are working as paramedics as primary care clinicians in many healthcare settings, including fire-based Paramedicine, private Paramedicine, third-party Paramedicine systems, hospitals, aeromedical services, and industrial settings.  Some of our graduates are working for some of the busiest Paramedicine service agencies in the country, while others have alternative full-time employment, serving their communities as volunteer Paramedicine clinicians.  Some graduates are serving as officers in the US military; others working for civilian law enforcement agencies.  Finally, some students completing the paramedic program choose to pursue additional education.  Many go on to further their medical education as registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians.

The mission of the Creighton University Paramedicine Education program is to provide high quality Paramedicine education which will empower individuals to become compassionate, respectful, skilled, and knowledgeable care providers who value education as a lifelong process. The Paramedicine program is not a typical undergraduate academic program, serving the needs of a diverse audience. Most courses are offered to satisfy degree requirements, but the program also serves many students completing courses for certificates of completion. To this day, Paramedicine does not require a degree to enter the profession, even at the paramedic level.  Nationally, there are a total of 720 CAAHEP recognized paramedic programs. According to CAAHEP’s website, 404 programs offer an associate degree, and 15 offer a bachelor’s degree. Five academic programs currently offer a master’s degree directly related to Paramedicine.

Administratively, Creighton’s Paramedicine program resides within the College of Nursing.

Core faculty and staff for the EMS program are comprised of 12 individuals, 7 fulltime employees, 3 regular part-time employees, and 2 contractual physician medical directors. Furthermore, there is a cadre of 30-35 active temporary employees who predominantly assist with psychomotor skills laboratory sessions, and American Heart Association courses.