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Why Creighton Paramedicine

Unsurpassed Excellence in EMS Education

Whether you’re interested in an Paramedicine degree program that will give you a competitive edge, an EMS certification that will provide you with more options as a health professional or continuing education credits you can earn close to home, Creighton University has the innovative paramedicine education you need. We’re one of the few universities in the nation to offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Paramedicine. We also offer American Heart Association (AHA) certification courses.

Superior Preparation

Creighton EMS has a national and international reputation for excellence. Our EMS faculty and staff are experienced professionals with extensive medical backgrounds—from doctors to nationally registered paramedics. Their commitment to your success is reflected by our students’ exceptional pass rates, which consistently exceed the national average.


Dedication to Service

If you’re like most of our EMS students, you want more than an EMS education. You want an EMS education that will allow you to make a difference in the world. From volunteering in area elementary schools to participating in high-impact public service campaigns, Creighton’s Jesuit, Catholic approach to education ensures you’ll be of service to others.

By pursuing an innovative Paramedicine education at Creighton University, you demonstrate your desire to make a difference in the world through service. “Women and men for and with others” is one of the Ignatian values central to your Jesuit, Catholic education at Creighton. You will go beyond receiving cutting-edge Paramedicine education to develop the compassion and empathy you need to be an extraordinary EMT, paramedic or other healthcare provider.

Opportunities to Serve

Some volunteer in area elementary schools, teaching young children how and when to call 911. They assist with Creighton’s annual effort to offer free seasonal flu vaccinations to all Creighton students, faculty and staff. They also participate in public service campaigns on important topics, such as the importance of seatbelt use and the dangers of texting while driving. Learn more about Creighton in the community.

Ignatian Values

The teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus, are woven throughout your EMS education. Creighton is committed to the following Ignatian values:

  • Magis: Literally translated as “more,” this is the challenge to strive for excellence.
  • Women and Men for and with Others: You’ll have opportunities to be of service in Omaha and across the country and the world.
  • Faith that Does Justice: You’ll seek justice grounded in faith through activities and events.
  • Cura Personalis: This Latin phrase means “care for the entire person.” This is reflected in your Creighton education and in the care you give to others through service.

One of the Nations Best EMS Programs.

When you pursue your EMS education at Creighton University, you’ll be attending a university with a national reputation for excellence.

Creighton University ranks in the top third of National Universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings for “Best Colleges.” For a fifth consecutive year, Creighton returns to the prestigious list of National Universities, recognized for offering a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s and doctoral programs, and for producing groundbreaking research. A top-ranking National University classification marks an elevation in Creighton’s reputation. For 16 years in a row, Creighton had been recognized as No. 1 in the Midwest category. Review our rankings.

Our industry-leading EMS education, taught by industry-experienced instructors, is recognized among healthcare providers locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Innovative EMS Programs

For more than 100 years, Creighton has been educating medical professionals. In 2019, we celebrated 45 years of EMS Education and the 25th anniversary of our Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine (BS). Creighton is one of the few universities in the nation to offer a BS and an online Master of Science in Paramedicine.

Nationally Accredited

On the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions, our cutting-edge paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Creighton EMS program is also recognized as a Nebraska-approved EMS training agency by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.

Outstanding Pass Rates

Learn more about how our pass rates consistently exceed the national average.

Best Value National University

Your investment in a top-ranked education will pay off. U.S. News & World Report named Creighton a “Best Value” school. 

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. 

The amount of practical, skills-based clinical experience Creighton offers is unparalleled. You learn how to be calm under pressure, make quick decisions and interact with a variety of patients under stress.
— Gregrey Berry, BS EMS’17, School of Medicine '21

Contact Us

Department of Paramedicine
Old Gym/Vinardi Center
Corner of 24th and Burt

402.280.1280
800.327.7530
Fax: 402.280.1288
ems@creighton.edu

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