Paramedic Certificate

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Division: Natural and Health Science
Academic Dept: Pre Hospital Emergency Medical Services
HEGIS: 5299
Curriculum Chair: Prof. Robert Gurliacci
Telephone: 914-606-6796
Email: robert.gurliacci@sunywcc.edu

A Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2016. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description

The Paramedic program prepares students for careers as paramedics, the most advanced pre-hospital EMS provider. In addition to certification by the New York State Department of Health, paramedic students have the opportunity to become Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician–Paramedics (NREMT-P).

Program Learning Outcome

The purpose of the paramedic program at Westchester Community College is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Paramedic Admissions Requirements

The paramedic program is a selective curriculum. Departmental consent is required for acceptance into this program and is based on the following criteria.

Current certification by the New York State Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician.* (Students are required to maintain this certification for the duration of the degree requirements.)
Experience in a commercial EMS system.

For admission to this program, contact either the Health Sciences Counselor sabrina.hochberg@sunywcc.edu or the Paramedic Curriculum Chair robert.gurliacci@sunywcc.edu.

*This certification may be obtained upon successful completion of EMS 101 or any other NY State Department of Health approved Emergency Medical Technician Course. Visit www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/training.htm for more information.

Program of Study

BIOL 109 - Basic Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab
EMS 121 - Paramedic 1, Lab and Clinical Studies
EMS 122 - Paramedic 2, Lab and Clinical Studies
EMS 221 - Paramedic 3 (Lab & Clinical)
EMS 222 - Paramedic 4 (Lab & Clinical)
EMS 231 - Paramedic 5

Minimum Total Credits - 40

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click here to Download the Educational Plan .

Program Notes:

Sequential Courses and Cohort Model
There are courses that need to be taken in sequence for this program. Therefore, a cohort of students that begin EMS 121 can expect to progress through the remaining courses together. To facilitate entry into the program two cohorts are started each year, one in the fall semester and another in the spring. Please see below for details.

Part-Time and Full-Time Options
The fall semester cohort as listed above utilizes 7.5 week semesters and follows a full-time class schedule. Students that begin this cohort in the fall semester may complete the program within one year and sit for the NY State Department of Health Paramedic Certification Exam in August.

The spring semester cohort is designed for students looking for a part-time course of study and begins in the spring semester. Students that begin this cohort in the spring may complete the program in a year and a half, sitting for the NY State Department of Health Paramedic Certification Exam in August of the following year.

Required Screening
Students admitted into this program must complete, at their own expense, a successful criminal background check and drug screening prior to beginning clinical courses. Please consult the Curriculum Chair for additional details regarding the timetable and procedure for completing these requirements.

Health Requirements
Prior to EMS 221 , each student will submit to the college Health Services office the results of a physical examination, laboratory tests, and documentation on forms provided by the college.

Clinical Practice
Clinical practice is an integral part of all paramedic programs and is a large part of EMS 221 , EMS 222 , and EMS 231 . Transportation to clinical agencies is the responsibility of the student. Malpractice insurance must be carried by all students throughout the program. (See Financial Information/Fees )

Uniforms
School uniforms are worn in the clinical area and must be purchased by the student.

Outcomes and 3-Year Averages for Graduates
Results on NYS Practical                   96%
Results on NYS Written                     78%
Retention Rates                                54%
Positive Placement                            72%

Accreditation Disclosure Statement
The Westchester Community College Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation Standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT’s Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

To contact CoAEMSP:

8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Emergency Medical Technician–Paramedic Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.