The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the EHS On-Line Degree Program

What is the Emergency Health Sciences Degree?

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) is offering the first degree of its kind in Texas. This program offers EMS professionals an opportunity to complete a bachelor of science degree. All courses in the EHS program are online offered online through WebCT/Blackboard learning systems.

Who benefits with an EHS degree?

The EHS degree-completion program is especially designed for the certified/licensed paramedic.
It is not a paramedic degree, but rather a degree for paramedics. The course of study available will broaden the medical and educational base of a paramedic, making the EHS graduate better prepared for the changing future of health care and delivery, while broadening the opportunities for their career advancement.

What types of courses are available within the EHS program?

The EHS degree presents the student with a set of courses that expand the EMT-Paramedic medical curriculum with courses such as Human Diseases, History and Physical Examination, and Flight Medicine. In addition, courses are presented that prepare graduates to operate in supervisory positions with courses such as Systems Management, Human Resource and Leadership Development, and Disaster Management. The EHS program is designed to assist paramedics in developing more advanced skills and knowledge, and solidifying their valued positions in prehospital, clinical and supervisory positions.

Can currently certified-only paramedics receive college credit for their certifications?

Yes, students may enroll and take challenge examinations for the EMT and EMT-P courses. If the student successfully challenges all courses, he/she is awarded credit and is considered to have completed the approximately 30 semester hours of EMS certification needed for the EHS degree.

What are the prerequisites for the degree program? (Refer to UTHSCSA Catalog for complete details)

The EHS degree is a degree-completion program. Therefore, there are several courses that must be completed before the student receives a diploma from the UTHSCSA.

Students who will be receiving their first baccalaureate degrees from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) must successfully complete the Texas Core Curriculum requirements. This consists of 42 semester credit hours in specified component areas. The table below lists core curriculum requirements and courses that may be used to satisfy them.

If a student’s transcript from another Texas public college or university indicates that the student has completed that institution’s core curriculum, no additional core curriculum requirements will be required. If a student has not completed the core requirement at another Texas institution prior to entering UTHSCSA, UTHSCSA will accept academic credits from another Texas public college or university those core curriculum courses successfully completed, with grades of “C” or better only. The same requirements also apply to out of state students; however, Texas Law requires that students receiving a degree from a Texas university must have taken a Texas Government class. Check with the Program Director for options.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit also may be accepted for core curriculum requirements. The maximum number of hours accepted for CLEP shall be established by the respective school/program.

Texas Core Curriculum Component Areas and Requirements

Credit Hours
6: Communication (English rhetoric/composition) – ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, ENGL 1311, ENGL 1312, ENGL 2311, ENGL 2314, ENGL 2315, or equivalent*

6: Mathematics
3 hours in Algebra - MATH 1314 or higher
3 hours in Statistics – MATH 1342, MATH 1442, MATH 2342, MATH 2442, or PSYC 2317, or equivalent

9: Natural Sciences – Courses with prefixes BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS, HORT, or other natural sciences

6: Humanities & Visual and Performing Arts
Must include:
3 hours in visual/performing arts – Courses with prefixes ARTS, DANC, MUAP, MUEN, MUSI, DRAM, or equivalent
3 hours in “other,” including literature, philosophy, modern or classical language/literature, and cultural studies**

15: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Must include:
6 hours in U.S. history – either HIST 1301& HIST 1302, or HIST 1301 & HIST 2301
6 hours in political science – GOVT 2301 & GOVT 2302, or GOVT 2301 & GOVT 2305, or GOVT 2301 & GOVT 2306, or GOVT 2305 & GOVT 2306.
3 hours in social/behavioral science – Courses with prefixes ANTH, ECON, CRIJ, GEOG, PSYC, SOCI, SOCW

42: Total Texas Core Curriculum Semester Credit Hours
Texas Common Course numbers are provided for guidance. Information is available on line at http://www.tccns.org, click on ACGM (The Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Community and Technical Colleges Division). Applicants are encouraged to contact the UTHSCSA Office of the Registrar or the respective school/program office to inquire about other courses that may satisfy Core Curriculum requirements.

EMS Certification is a pre-requisite for admission:
Emergency Medical Technician:
(Basic – Paramedic; this is minimum number) 30 credit hours

These courses are offered at the UTHSCSA as part of the EHS degree:
Emergency Health Sciences Curriculum with optional 6 hour internship

Do the degree prerequisites need to be completed before enrolling in the EHS Program?
No. The prerequisites are also considered co-requisites. They can be taken at any regionally accredited college or university before or during enrollment in UTHSCSA; however, it is highly recommended that a minimum of 24 hours be completed before entry to this program. This ensures that the remaining 18 hours could be completed prior to the EMSP 4022 capstone course. All courses must be completed in order for the EHS degree to be awarded.

If I already have an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science, will these courses transfer into the EHS program?
Any college credit awarded from a regionally accredited institution can transfer to the UTHSCSA. Refer to the Course Requirements.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions regarding the Bachelor’s of Science in Emergency Health Sciences Degree Program?

Bruce Butterfras, MS, LP Email: butterfras@uthscsa.edu
Director, Emergency Health Sciences Bachelor Degree Program
University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio
Department of Emergency Health Sciences
7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, TX, 78229-3400
210-567-8719