Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
EMTs and paramedics are first responders who provide urgent medical attention to those in need. If you envision yourself helping others in emergency situations, you're exploring the right career path.
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.
EMT - Paramedic Programs
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.
FLCC offers two EMT-to-paramedic pathways:
A.A.S. EMT - Paramedic
This 63-credit degree program prepares you for a career in the emergency medical field. You’ll be qualified to meet the city, state, and federal requirements to become a certified paramedic. Communications and EMS management courses help you to move up the career ladder into administrative and leadership positions. General education courses round out the curriculum and strengthen the soft skills that employers value.
EMT - Paramedic Certificate Program
This 32-credit certificate program provides the essential training EMTs need to become certified paramedics. The certificate program focuses on the medical skills and field expertise that paramedics must have to offer the highest level of pre-hospital care to their patients. For those interested in continuing their education, a shared core curriculum makes transfer into the A.A.S. program simple. If you're already working as an EMT, the certificate program is the quickest path toward becoming a certified paramedic.
CAAHEP Accreditation
The Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic program at Finger Lakes Community College 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).
EMT - Paramedic Program Outcomes
In accordance with CAAHEP Standards, FLCC publishes the program outcomes annually.
For the most recent 5-year period, our outcomes are:
- 96% success rate for the National Registry of EMT Paramedic/State Cognitive exam
- 95% positive placement rate for graduates
- 61% retention rate
Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as "employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military." Positive placement is measured at completion of the program.
View our most recent Program Outcomes Data Sheet 
for more information.