Paramedic

A.A.S.
Certificate
Two EMS professionals pose in front of an ambulance training simulator at Monroe Community College. One holds a first aid kit, while the other wears EMS gear and carries a red medical response bag.
A.A.S.
Certificate

Deliver lifesaving care when it's needed most.

Paramedics are often the first healthcare professionals to help patients during a medical emergency. At MCC, you'll develop the advanced clinical knowledge, critical-thinking abilities, and hands-on skills needed to assess patients, provide lifesaving support, and safely manage care in high-pressure situations. Through classroom instruction, labs, simulated emergency situations, clinical experiences, and field internships, you'll prepare for a career with purpose, responsibility, and impact while working on the front lines of emergency healthcare.

What You’ll Learn

Across MCC's Paramedic programs, you'll learn how to: 

  • Perform Patient Assessments — Evaluate patients and identify emergent medical conditions through comprehensive assessments 
  • Deliver Advanced Medical Care — Administer medications and perform lifesaving interventions according to established protocols 
  • Manage Emergency Situations — Deliver patient care while coordinating safe transport to appropriate medical facilities 
  • Communicate Effectively — Work with patients, families, healthcare providers, and fellow first responders during complex emergencies 
  • Apply Medical Knowledge — Study anatomy, physiology, airway management, trauma care, pharmacology, and emergency medical procedures 
  • Develop Clinical Judgment — Make informed decisions in rapidly changing and high-stress situations 
  • Build Professional Readiness — Learn safety practices, wellness strategies, and standards of professional conduct 
  • Gain Real-World Experience — Apply your skills through clinical placements and field internships 
 

Where Can a Future in Paramedicine Take You? 

Career Services
Whether you're looking to enter the profession or advance your career opportunities, MCC offers two pathways to help you reach your goals.

Start Your Career

The Paramedic certificate program prepares certified EMTs for New York State paramedic certification and entry-level employment in emergency medical services. Program graduates are eligible for admission to the New York State Department of Health Certification Exam and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Services Licensing Exam.

Potential career paths include: 

  • Paramedic 
  • Paramedic/firefighter
  • Flight paramedic
  • Tactical paramedic
  • EMS supervisor or director
  • EMS instructor

Advance Your Career

The Paramedic A.A.S. degree program combines paramedic certification with broader academic preparation, helping graduates pursue expanded opportunities and long-term advancement.  

Potential career paths include: 

  • Paramedic 
  • Emergency medical technician 
  • Cardiovascular technologist and technician 
  • Emergency management director  

Local Employers

Paramedics are essential members of the healthcare and emergency response systems, providing advanced medical care in prehospital settings such as ambulance services, healthcare systems, public safety agencies, air medical services, and community-based emergency care organizations. 

Potential employers include: 

  • AMR (American Medical Response) 
  • Irondequoit Ambulance
  • Monroe Ambulance 
  • CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare 
  • Mercy Flight Central 
  • Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance

Earn Your Paramedic Degree For Free

Good news—MCC’s Paramedic A.A.S. degree program is part of SUNY Reconnect, which covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible adults. Even better, this program is open to those who hold a prior degree to begin a nursing career at no cost. Complete your FAFSA to see if you qualify! 

Ready to Apply?

Applying to MCC is free!

Applicants to this program are required to be interviewed and pretested, submit a resume, cover letter of introduction, proof of certifications, and at least two letters of reference.

Program Options

Prepare for a career in emergency medical services with MCC's Paramedic degree and certificate programs. Build advanced patient care and lifesaving skills. 
A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science

This degree program combines paramedic education with general education coursework to prepare students for careers at the highest level of emergency medical services. In addition to certification preparation, students develop communication, leadership, and critical-thinking skills that support long-term career advancement. Please note that to be accepted into this program, applicants must have a current New York State Emergency Medical Technician Certification, which is available through MCC’s Emergency Medical Services certificate program.

Length

4 semesters / 68.5-70.5 credits
Most students typically complete this program in two years of full-time study.

Location

Public Safety Training Facility

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

CERT

Certificate

Designed for certified EMTs, this one-year program provides the classroom instruction, skills training, clinical experience, and field internships required to prepare for New York State paramedic certification examinations. Graduates are prepared for entry-level paramedic positions and may continue into the associate degree program.

Length

2 semesters / 43.5 credits
Most students must comlete this program in one year of full-time study. 

Location

Public Safety Training Facility & Online

Important Links

The MCC Experience

At MCC, you'll do more than learn emergency medical procedures—you'll build the confidence, experience, and clinical expertise needed to thrive in a demanding profession. Through hands-on training, clinical experiences, and field internships, you'll prepare for real-world emergencies alongside experienced healthcare and public safety professionals.

Hands-On Clinical Training

Paramedic courses combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on learning at MCC's Public Safety Training Facility and partner healthcare organizations. As you study patient assessment, advanced airway management, trauma care, and emergency medical procedures, you'll gain real-world experience through skills labs, hospital clinicals, and field internships that prepare you to provide advanced care in emergency situations.

Learn from Experts

You’ll learn from instructors with years of experience in hospitals, ambulances, and field environments while working alongside healthcare professionals and emergency responders. These experiences help bridge the gap between classroom learning and patient care. 

Paramedic Recertification

Designed for currently certified paramedics, this four-credit course prepares you for New York State recertification and keeps you aligned with current standards of care. 
icon

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget 

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible. 

Get More Information