Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Paramedics provide a valuable service to the community by responding to urgent medical care situations. Learn leadership and management techniques to help you move up the career ladder.

Career Outlook: First Responders

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic careers to grow 11% by 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Hospitals are some of the largest employers in Ontario County, which creates job opportunities for first responders and emergency care providers. The demand for paramedics is so strong in the region that some healthcare employers provide tuition reimbursement to EMTs who complete paramedic training.

A.A.S. Program Overview

Paramedics assess and treat patients after an emergency has taken place. They rely on decisive skills and medical expertise to analyze critical situations quickly and respond to the circumstances accordingly. While EMTs provide basic medical care in a crisis, paramedics have a wider range of medical training that allows them to administer the highest level of pre-hospital care to patients in need.

Our EMT - Paramedic programs align with the National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards for Paramedics and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

EMT Certification Courses

You must be certified as a New York State EMT (basic level) to enroll in our paramedic programs, which begin in January. FLCC offers EMT certification courses every Fall and Spring Semester, preparing you to enter the paramedic program the following year.

If you do not have a basic EMT certification, you can complete our 6-credit EMT training course in the Fall and begin taking the core paramedic courses in the Spring.

Comprehensive Clinical and Field Experiences

Acquire valuable real-life experience responding to emergency situations through 180 hours of clinical experience in hospitals and an additional 300 hours of field experience in ambulances. Learn to work in emergency departments, operating rooms, intensive care units, psychiatric treatment units, delivery rooms, and other specialized care units.

By the end of the program, you will be proficient in both life support and patient assessment. Our clinical and field experiences prepare you to serve as a team leader capable of running an emergency call from start to finish.

Hands-on Learning at the Geneva Campus Center

FLCC offers the majority of its Emergency Medical Services (EMCR) courses at the Geneva Campus Center, where we have two fully equipped EMS labs. These hands-on learning facilities feature:

• Industry-standard ambulance equipment
• Simulation labs for skills practice
• High-fidelity simulation mannequin
• Moulage used to accurately model injuries

A.A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate general medical knowledge expected of an entry level paramedic in order to function in a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrate the ability to thoroughly assess a patient utilizing various diagnostic tools and assessment techniques, and then perform a broad range of clinical skills and procedures based on the assessment findings.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact effectively with non-clinical and clinical persons in various healthcare and scene environments.
• Develop contextual, integrative, and adaptive competence of a professional entry-level paramedic.

New York State Paramedic Exam Pass Rate

As a graduate of this program, you will be ready to take the New York State Paramedic Certification exam. Our EMT - Paramedic degree and certificate programs have pass rates that are consistently above state average, and we maintain an employment placement rate of over 90%.

Earn Emergency Care Certifications

You will acquire a series of American Heart Association (AHA) certifications and other emergency care work credentials. These include:

• AHA Basic Cardiac Life Support
• AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Difficult Airway Course
• Trauma Life Support

Regional Employment Opportunities

This program trains you for a career as a paramedic with opportunities to advance into EMS management positions. Program graduates work for a variety of local healthcare facilities, including:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Many hospitals and ambulance service agencies provide tuition reimbursement to EMTs who complete paramedic training. If you're already working as an EMT, ask your employer if this is an option for you.

Experienced EMT Faculty Certified by NYS

All faculty members in the program are professional EMT instructors certified by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Together, the instructional team has an extensive amount of real-world experience to share with you.

Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosures:
SUNY's academic programs leading to licensure or certification are carefully designed to meet and exceed New York State requirements. Other states may have their own requirements. If your goal is to practice in another state, please review that state's requirements. View professional licensure disclosures.