Paramedic Certificate

Career Opportunities  |  Gainful Employment  |  Certificate Requirements  |  For More Information
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The Program (HEGIS Code 5299)

The primary goal of the JCC paramedic curriculum is to prepare an individual to become a competent entry-level paramedic. Upon successful completion of the program, the student has fulfilled the educational requirements to take the New York State Health Department paramedic-level practical and written examinations.

The paramedic program is an intense program that prepares students to handle the rigors of providing emergency medical care, sometimes in the face of extreme conditions. The JCC paramedic program is designed to prepare the student by providing insightful lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and practical clinical experiences. The student should be prepared to spend several hours each week on class work, studying, and clinical rotations. The program is both intense and rewarding for individuals with the desire to practice pre-hospital emergency medicine.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Paramedic program with a certificate will meet the following learning outcomes:                                                   

• Students will understand human body systems and pathophysiology.
• Students will deliver patient care, including patient assessment and the development and implementation of treatment plans.
• Students will exercise appropriate clinical decision-making and professional behavior.
• Students will understand the roles and responsibilities in the emergency medical services systems.

Career Opportunities

Employment of paramedics is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. Much of this growth will occur as positions change from volunteer to paid positions. Also driving the growth will be an expanding population, particularly in older age groups that are the greatest users of emergency medical services, and due to replacement needs in the profession. Most opportunities for paramedics are expected to arise in hospitals and ambulance services.

Those with the advanced certification of paramedic will enjoy the most favorable job prospects as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.

Earnings for the paramedic ranges from $19,970 to $51,370 depending on the employment setting, geographic location, and the individual training and experience (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).

Of the EMT classifications, paramedics provide the most extensive pre - hospital care. Paramedics are trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. They have the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies. Paramedics also administer intravenous fluids, use manual defibrillators, apply advanced airway techniques and equipment, administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment.

Note:  JCC's paramedic program is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), therefore students are not eligible for National Registry certification.

Applicants for Admission

Applicants for admission to the paramedic curriculum must meet the admission standards of JCC and New York State Department of Health. All applications will be considered competitively. Students planning to enter the paramedic program must have a current Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) certification and a valid cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card. These certifications must remain valid throughout the program. An applicant must also be a high school graduate or have a GED. Students planning to enter the paramedic program need to meet minimum competencies in reading and mathematics. Although not required, having had courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and biology are helpful. The program is two academic years in length.

Any student who has applied for the paramedic program will be considered for the next scheduled class start. All classes start in the fall semester.

For More Information

Jeannine Gomiela, Assistant Professor, Paramedic Program Coordinator jgomiela@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2244

Application and Admissions Information
Office of Admissions
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2277 or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522