Paramedic Certificate

School: Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning
Academic Dept: Allied Health Careers
HEGIS: 5299

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2020 to Summer 2021. 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.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

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

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate entry-level cognitive competence as a Paramedic as defined by accreditation standards.
Demonstrate entry-level psychomotor competence as a Paramedic as defined by accreditation standards.
Demonstrate entry-level affective competence as a Paramedic as defined by accreditation standards.

Program Requirements

Complete these courses to earn this certificate:

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

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.

2017 Outcomes for Graduates
Results on NYS Written                     82%
Retention Rates                                56%
Positive Placement                            82%

Accreditation Disclosure Statement

The Westchester Community College Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 25400 US
Highway 19 N., Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

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 Paramedic Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Please see important program requirements below:

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.

Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.