Paramedic A.A.S.

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 2024 to Summer 2025. 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 Outcomes

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.
Demonstrate competency and broad foundational knowledge in the general education curriculum as required by Westchester Community College.

Program Requirements

64 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 21 credits
Required Degree Courses - 43 credits

General Education Requirements - 21 Credits

Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101 - Writing and Research
Humanities (3 credits): ENG 102 - Writing and Literature
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (3 credits): EMS 115 - Human Body Systems
Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (3 credits): choose from this category of general education courses
Additional General Education Electives (6 credits): Any TWO general education courses

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all General Education Courses .

Required Degree Courses - 43 credits

EMS 121 - Paramedic 1, Lab and Clinical Studies
EMS 122 - Paramedic 2, Lab and Clinical Studies
EMS 221 - Paramedic 3
EMS 222 - Paramedic 4
EMS 231 - Paramedic 5
EMS Elective (6 credits): Select TWO of the following

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Course	Credits
EMS 115 - Human Body Systems	3
ENG 101 - Writing and Research	3
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) Gen. Ed. Course	3
EMS 121 - Paramedic 1, Lab and Clinical Studies	4
Semester Total Credits	13

Semester 2

Course	Credits
ENG 102 - Writing and Literature	3
Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Gen. Ed. Course	3
EMS 122 - Paramedic 2, Lab and Clinical Studies	5
EMS Elective	3
Semester Total Credits	14

Semester 3 (Summer)

Course	Credits
EMS 221 - Paramedic 3	10
Semester Total Credits	10

Semester 4

Course	Credits
Any Gen. Ed. course	3
EMS 222 - Paramedic 4	10
Semester Total Credits	13

Semester 5

Course	Credits
Any Gen. Ed. course	3
EMS 231 - Paramedic 5	8
EMS Elective	3
Semester Total Credits	14

Minimum Total Credits: 64

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 the Tuition and Fees page.)

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

Transfer Opportunities

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Career Opportunities

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