Paramedic Certificate

Serve your community

The primary goal of the 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.

Program terminal objective: To prepare competent entry level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

What you will learn

When you graduate from the Paramedic program with a certificate you will be able to:

• Understand human body systems and pathophysiology.
• Deliver patient care, including patient assessment and the development and implementation of treatment plans.
• Exercise appropriate clinical decision-making and professional behavior.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities in the emergency medical services systems.

Benchmarks

• May 2015 - Graduate rate 55% - 1st time State exam pass rate 90% - Job placement rate (in the field) 100%
• May 2016 - Graduate rate 43% - 1st time State exam pass rate 100% - Job placement rate (in the field)  100%
• May 2017 - Graduate rate 50% - 1st time State exam pass rate  75% - Job placement rate (in the field)  100%

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.

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 (EMT) 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, English, 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.

Paramedic Program Readmission Procedure

• If admissions requirements have changed, students must meet new admission requirements.
• If it is less than 12 months since student has been in the program, the student shall submit a personal statement and updated copies of EMT and CPR cards.
• If student has been out of the program greater than 12 months, the student shall submit a new complete application.
• Applications for readmission should be submitted at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student seeks readmission. 
• Readmission applications will be reviewed by the paramedic program director, in consultation with the program medical director. 
• Readmission students will be given the same consideration as first time admitted students. 
• There are no restrictions on the number of times a student may be readmitted to the paramedic program.

Qualifications:

• Complete the Application for Emergency Medical Services Certification (DOH-65), including affirmation regarding criminal convictions
• Successfully complete an approved New York State EMT-B or AEMT course
• Achieve a passing score on the practical and written certification examinations
• Must be at least 18 years of age by the end of the month in which they are scheduled to take the written certification examination
• Knowledge and Skills required show need for high school or equivalent education
• Ability to communicate effectively via telephone and radio equipment
• Ability to lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance)
  Ability to interpret oral, written and diagnostic form instructions
• Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situations
• Ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights
• Ability to function efficiently without interruption throughout an entire work shift
• Ability to calculate weight and volume ratios
• Ability to read English language, manuals and road maps
• Ability to accurately discern street signs and addresses
• Ability to interview patients, patient family members and bystanders
• Ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such
• Ability to converse, in English, with coworkers and hospital staff with regard to the status of the patient
• Possesses good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to the highest quality patient care
• Ability to bend, stoop and crawl on uneven terrain
• Ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture
• Ability to work in low light situations and confined spaces
• Ability to work with other providers to make appropriate patient care decisions

Requirements for the Paramedic Certificate

Effective Fall 2018

Total Credit Hours 34