Paramedic: Certificate

Program Mission

The Paramedic Certificate program prepares students to enter the field as a New York State certified paramedic by meeting the objectives of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and New York State Department of Health (DOH). This program prepares students to take the NYS DOH Paramedic exam. This program promotes critical thinking, professionalism, and ethical responsibility by providing a diverse and rich classroom and clinical experience.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will develop contextual, integrative, and adaptive competence of a professional entry-level paramedic.
Students will apply the fundamental knowledge of the Emergency Medical System (EMS).
Students will demonstrate conceptual, technical, and interpersonal competence by meeting all knowledge (cognitive), skill (psychomotor), and behavioral (affective) objectives of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and New York State Department of Health.

Save lives with a degree in Paramedic.

The Paramedic Certificate prepares students to administer the highest level of pre-hospital care to patients in emergency situations. Graduates are prepared for careers as Emergency Medical Technicians and become eligible to sit for the NYS examination for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P).

The program is a collaborative effort between SUNY Broome and Guthrie Lourdes Hospital. Guthrie Lourdes Hospital is the NYS Department of Health course sponsor. The Guthrie Lourdes Hospital Paramedic Program is delivered at SUNY Broome Community College. Guthrie Lourdes Hospital Paramedic Program’s mission is to provide the community with outstanding Paramedics in a timely and affordable manner.

The Paramedic Certificate course sequence includes classroom, hands-on skill development, hospital clinical experience, and field internships. The program includes courses required for admission to the New York State Department of Health Paramedic certification exam.

The curriculum is segmented into 7.5-week courses which are scheduled in the afternoons. The program can be completed over two years, with one summer semester. Qualified students, with the approval of the Program Director, may design a customized full-time or part-time program. Students may be able to sit for the NYS Paramedic exam in 12 months.

Completion Rates:

NYS Paramedic Written and Practical Skills Exam Pass Rates
Graduation Year	2024	2023
# of Graduates	18	11
1st Attempt Pass	17	8
Passing Subsequent Attempts	18	10
Total Written Pass Rates	100%	90%

Paramedic Program Retention & Attrition Data
Graduation Year	2024	2023
# of Students	25	16
Attrition	7	5
Percent Attrition	28%	31%
Percent Retention	72%	69%

Paramedic Positive Placement/Employment
Graduation Year	2024	2023
# of Paramedic Graduates	18	11
# of Graduates Employed	18	10
Positive Placement Rate	100%	90%

The program follows the national standard curriculum determined by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, and requires classroom hours, hospital clinical time, and ambulance ride time, providing students with broad clinical opportunities and hands-on experiences. Students are eligible to take the New York State Paramedic practical and written exams upon successful completion of all nine (9) PMD courses and Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 101) or Anatomy & Physiology I or II (BIO 131 or 132).

NYS Department of Health – Functional Position Description

Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook

Program Registration Notes

All new students must contact Joshua VanSteenburg, Program Director, Leigh Martindale, Chairperson of CJES, or David Michalak, Academic Advisor.

Program Notes

Program starts in the Fall only (for Paramedic courses).
All students wishing to start Paramedic courses must hold a valid New York State Emergency (EMT) certification (minimum 3 months).
Students who do not hold the EMT certification can take the EMT Basic course at SUNY Broome.
Program can be completed in two-years and one summer of part-time study.
Eligibility to take the New York State Paramedic practical and written examinations are achieved after successfully completing all nine (9) paramedic courses, and Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 101) or Anatomy & Physiology I or II (BIO 131 and 132).
Prior to starting Paramedic (PMD) courses, interested students should meet with the Paramedic Program Director for specific information.
At the conclusion of the capstone Paramedic course (PMD 225), students also have the opportunity to be certified in ACLS, PALS, AMLS, ITLS, etc.

Program Faculty and Contacts

Paramedic Program Director
Joshua F. VanSteenburg
Office: Business Building, Room 002
Telephone: +1 (607) 778-5542
E-mail: vansteenburgjf@sunybroome.edu

Paramedic Clinical Coordinator
Nicole M. Hoppes
Office: Business Building, Room 003
Telephone: +1 (607) 778-5453
E-mail: hoppesnm@sunybroome.edu

Program Supervisor
Leigh Martindale, Chairperson
Office: Business Building, Room 106
Telephone: +1 (607) 778-5135
E-mail: martindalelt@sunybroome.edu

Medical Director
Dr. Ryan Hill, DO
Guthrie Lourdes Hospital