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Erie County Paramedic Program

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The Paramedic Program empowers interested students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a paramedic. Our up-to-date curriculum and unique clinical experiences will expose students to all aspects of pre-hospital medicine, making them prepared for their certification exams and ready to perform in the field. Expanding on the knowledge previously given in our EMT and AEMT programs, students will learn advanced airway management techniques, ECG monitoring and cardiac care, pharmacology and medication administration, IV therapy, and among many other skills. Our goal is for students to complete our program prepared to enter the workforce as a paramedic by possessing appropriate medical knowledge, being able to perform the skills of a paramedic, and can communicate effectively and professionally with patients, bystanders, and other health care providers. Our program also prepares our students for other careers in Allied Healthcare Professions.

Paramedic Courses

Status Course Course # Location Lead Instructor(s) Days Dates Times Schedule Register
Full Paramedic -Original #236031  Commerce Campus 
500 Commerce Dr 
Amherst, NY 14228		 Turner
Stouter		 Mondays
Thursdays		 1/5/26 - 11/5/26 0900 - 1600 Day Course Schedule Registration closed.
Full Paramedic -Original #236032  Commerce Campus 
500 Commerce Dr 
Amherst, NY 14228		 Mondschein Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday 1/5/26 - 11/19/26 18:00 - 22:00 Night Course Schedule Registration closed.

Paramedic Program Information 

Functional Job Description of a Paramedic, Career Outlook, & Occupational Risks

Qualifications:

  • Complete the Application for Emergency Medical Services Certification (DOH-65), including affirmation regarding criminal convictions
  • Successfully complete an approved New York State AEMT course
  • Achieve a passing score on the practical and written certification examinations
  • Must be at least 18 years of age prior to the last day 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 judgement 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

Competency Areas:

  • Must be capable of utilizing all EMT-B and AEMT skills and equipment. Must be able to perform under Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) standards. Must be knowledgeable and competent in the use of a cardiac monitor/defibrillator and intravenous drugs and fluids. The EMT-Paramedic has reached the highest level of pre-hospital care certification.

Description of Tasks:

  • Responds to calls when dispatched. Reads maps, may drive ambulance to emergency site using most expeditious route permitted by weather and road conditions. Observes all traffic ordinances and regulations.
  • Uses appropriate body substance isolation procedures. Assesses the safety of the scene, gains access to the patient, assesses extent of injury or illness. Extricates patient from entrapment. Communicates with dispatcher requesting additional assistance or services as necessary. Determines nature of illness or injury. Visually inspects for medical identification emblems to aid in care (medical bracelet, charm, etc.) Uses prescribed techniques and equipment to provide patient care. Provides additional emergency care following established protocols. Assesses and monitors vital signs and general appearance of patient for change. Makes determination regarding patient status and priority for emergency care using established criteria. Reassures patient, family members and bystanders.
  • Assists with lifting, carrying and properly loading patient into the ambulance. Avoids mishandling patient and undue haste. Determines appropriate medical facility to which patient will be transported. Transports patient to medical facility providing ongoing medical care as necessary enroute. Reports nature of injury or illness to receiving facility. Asks for medical direction from medical control physician and carries out medical control orders as appropriate. Assists in moving patient from ambulance into medical facility. Reports verbally and in writing observations of the patient’s emergency and care provided (including written report(s) and care provided by Certified First Responders prior to EMT-B/AEMT arrival on scene) to emergency department staff and assists staff as required.
  • Complies with regulations in handling deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at scene.
  • Replaces supplies, properly disposes of medical waste. Properly cleans contaminated equipment according to established guidelines. Checks all equipment for future readiness. Maintains ambulance in operable condition. Ensures cleanliness and organization of ambulance, its equipment and supplies. Determines vehicle readiness by checking operator maintainable fluid, fuel and air pressure levels. Maintains familiarity with all specialized equipment

Source: NYS DOH Policy 00-10: Functional Position Description EMT/AEMT

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Paramedic Functional Job Analysis/ Technical Standards

Occupational Risks:

Provision of emergency medical services poses inherent occupational risks for EMS responders. Risks include the following.

  • Violence/assaults
  • Verbal threats/aggression
  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Infectious disease
  • Lifting injuries
  • Sprains and strains
  • Psychological trauma
  • Hazardous chemical exposure
  • Hyper/hypothermia

As a student in the program, you may be exposed to all the risks above.

Program Accreditation Status

The Erie County Health Department Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the National Registry's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

The Erie County Health Department Paramedic program holds a Letter of Review, which is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, but is a status granted by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

To contact CAAHEP: 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

CAAHEP logo

To contact CoAEMSP:

8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org

CoAEMSP logo

The Erie County Health Department is an approved NYS EMS Course Sponsor by the New York State Department of Health. The Erie County Health Department has been approved to provide Paramedic Original courses since November 1st, 2024.

Application & Admission Policy

The Erie County Health Department Division of EMS Paramedic Program will not discriminate in its admission policies on the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion, or sexual preference in its admission policies.

All candidates must complete the following to be considered for entry into the program:

  • Complete a program application.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a resume.
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be currently certified as a New York State EMT or AEMT. A copy of your certification card must be submitted prior to acceptance. This certification must be maintained current throughout the course until its conclusion.
  • Score at least 80% on an EMS admission exam.
  • Score at least 70% on a math admission exam.
  • Successfully pass a skills admission exam.
  • Complete an interview with a member of the program staff.
  • Be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Satisfy the qualifications listed in the functional job description of a Paramedic.

It is recommended that all candidates have the following qualities:

  • Be an active EMS provider for a volunteer, commercial, or municipal EMS agency.
  • Have at least 1 year working experience as an EMS provider.

Each candidate must possess certain physical and mental attributes to be able to complete the paramedic program. These attributes are as follows:

  • Communicate effectively via telephone and radio equipment.
  • Lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
  • Interpret oral, written and diagnostic form instructions.
  • Use good judgment and remain calm in high stress situations.
  • Be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights.
  • Function efficiently without interruption throughout an entire work shift.
  • Calculate weight and volume ratios.
  • Read English language manuals and road maps/GPS.
  • Accurately discern street signs and addresses.
  • Interview patients, patient family members and bystanders.
  • Document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format, in light of legal ramifications of such.
  • Converse, in English, with coworkers and hospital staff with regard to the status of the patient.
  • Perform all tasks related to the highest quality patient care.
  • Bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven terrain.
  • Withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture.
  • Work in low light situations and confined space.
  • Work with other providers to make appropriate patient care decisions.

Any candidates who do not meet the technical standards as outlined above is ineligible for admission to the program. Any student whose status changes while enrolled and no longer meets the technical standards as outlined above may not be allowed to continue to progress through the program. 

Final determination of acceptance into the program will be at the discretion of the Paramedic Program Director.

Any student may appeal their rejection from the course. The appeal must be made in writing to the Paramedic Program Director for review. The Paramedic Program Director will coordinate a meeting with the Lead Instructor, Medical Director, and Sponsor Administrator to discuss the matter.  One of these parties may contact the student to discuss it further. The student will then be informed of the outcome of this meeting in writing and by phone within 3 business days. The outcome of the appeal will also be documented in the student’s file.

If you have any questions, please call the EMS office at (716) 681-6070.

Tuition, Withdrawal, and Refund Schedule

  • Tuition for the Paramedic Original course is $5,000.00.
  • Tuition will include the following:
    • Course enrollment
    • 2 uniform shirts
    • AHA BLS Provider, ACLS Provider, and PALS Provider certifications.
    • NAEMT PHTLS Provider certification
    • AHA BLS Provider Manual 2025 Standards, AHA ACLS Provider Manual 2025 Standards, AHA PALS Provider Manual 2025 Standards to be borrowed during the course.
    • PHTLS: Prehospital Trauma Life Support, 10th Edition textbook to be borrowed during the course.
    • Nancy Caroline's Emergency Care in the Streets 9th Edition textbook to be kept by the student.
    • Arrythmia Recognition: The Art of Interpretation 2nd Edition textbook to be kept by the student.
    • Platinum Planner and EMS Testing subscription
    • Navigate subscription
    • PSI Testing Center fee for the NYS Paramedic written certification exam.
  • Tuition for the course is due prior to the first course session. Any student who does not submit their tuition payment or any other specified registration documents prior to the first course session without notification and approval from the ECEMS Paramedic Program staff will be dismissed from the course. Prices may not reflect additional costs related to the program.
  • While program tuition is due in full by the first course session, the ECEMS Paramedic Program may be able to offer a tuition payment plan to that student on a case by case basis. A student may make a request for this by writing to the Paramedic Program Director via email. The request will be approved or denied by the Paramedic Program Director and the Course Sponsor Administrator.
  • Accepted forms of payment include checks and money orders. Checks and money orders should be made out to the “Erie County DOH EMS” and mailed or hand delivered to the EMS office.
  • Students who are a member of NYS EMS Agency at the start of the first session are eligible to receive state funding reimbursement. Students must submit Verification of Membership in a NYS EMS Agency form (DOH-3312) no later than 14 days after the first class session. Those students who do not submit a verification form within the designated time period will be considered ineligible for New York State EMS tuition reimbursement funding. Students must become certified in order to be eligible for state funding/ reimbursement.
  • Erie County EMS will submit NYS voucher reimbursements for students who are ECEMS employees only. All other students are encouraged to contact their EMS agencies to submit NYS voucher reimbursements on their behalf after successfully obtaining NYS Paramedic certification. It may be possible for ECEMS to submit a NYS voucher reimbursement for non-ECEMS employees and issue a reimbursement to the student for the amount of the voucher but that would be on case by case basis and with the approval from the Course Sponsor Administrator.
  • Students can withdraw from the course at any time. Withdrawals must be made in writing to the Lead Instructor. Failure to notify the Lead Instructor formally in writing will result in the student failing the course instead of withdrawing. Tuition will be refunded after withdrawing based off the following schedule.
Prior to the 1st Session First Session to 9th Week After 9th Week
Full Refund 50% No Refund

Students must be aware that reimbursement may take up to 180 days to be returned.

Required Supplies & Additional Fees/ Expenses

  • Students are responsible for purchasing all the following:
    • Stethoscope (Pricing varies depending on where you purchase it from)
    • 1 inch binder recommended for printed notes
    • Loose leaf paper or notebook for note taking
    • Students must have a laptop and/or tablet for this course.
      • This device will be used to access the Navigate Premier as well as Platinum Planner web-based software.
      • Any device that the student is planning on using for the program must satisfy the technology/software requirements for these two software programs.
      • The County may be able to supply a laptop and/or tablet to the student if the student is unable to purchase this item on their own due to financial hardship.

Course Goal and Successful Program Completion Criteria

Course Goal

  • To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Successful Program Completion Criteria

  • Students will successfully complete the program and become eligible to sit for the NYS Paramedic Certification Exam after completing the following:
    • Achieve a grade of at least 75% on each modular exam.
    • Achieve an overall cumulative course grade of at least 75%. This grade is based on an average of all course modules, midterm, and final exams (cognitive, psychomotor, affective).
    • Achieve a final written examination grade of at least 75%.
    • Complete all minimum clinical requirements set forth by the Medical Director.
    • Successfully pass all practical skills examinations.
    • Achieve a final psychomotor assessment grade of at least 75%.
    • Obtain an AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
    • Obtain an AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification.
    • Obtain an AHA BLS Provider CPR Certification or equivalent.
    • Obtain a NAEMT Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Certification.
    • Attend every class session and/or complete all approved make up sessions.
  • Students who have a cumulative class average of less than 75% will be placed on academic probation and may be removed from the program. The class average at any point in the program is defined as the average of all completed modules course modules, midterm, and final exams (cognitive, psychomotor, affective).
  • Upon successful completion of the Program, students will then need to take the National Registry and/or New York State certification exam to become a Paramedic. This process currently involves a written examination taken at a testing facility.

Prerequisites

Students must complete the following courses and forms prior to the start of the first class. All course certificates and forms can be submitted to the Lead Instructor via email or ECEMS Program Staff prior to the start of the first day of class. All forms and certificates should be saved or scanned as a PDF. Please do not submit screenshots.

  • For IS-100 and IS-700, you need a Student Identification (SID) number. Follow these instructions to create your SID.
  • Complete one of the following Hazardous Materials Courses:
  • Verification of Professional Liability Insurance using one of the two following methods:
    • Submit a Certificate of Personal Professional Liability Insurance through any vendor of your choosing.
      • Students are required to provide and maintain professional liability insurance coverage with claim coverage of up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) and aggregate coverage of up to three million ($3,000,000).  Students must have insurance prior to the start of the first session and must remain active for the entire course.  The cost of the insurance is the responsibility of the student.
      • Students can purchase this insurance coverage from any vendor of their choosing. The County does not formally endorse one vendor over another. However, students can purchase insurance coverage on-line from Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO). Follow the instructions below:
        • Go to HPSO website
        • Click “Get a Quote”
        • Click “Student”
        • When asked to select your “Primary area of study”: Basic/Intermediate EMT
        • Receive and file a copy of your insurance certificate
        • Provide a copy of this certificate to your instructor
    • If your EMS agency will be providing professional liability coverage to you while in the course and at clinical, please have your agency complete the EMS Agency Liability Agreement Form
  • Verification of Health Insurance using one of the two following methods:
    • Submit a copy of your insurance card
    • If your EMS agency will be providing worker’s compensation coverage to you while in the course and at clinical, please have your agency complete the EMS Agency Health/Worker’s Compensation Agreement Form
    • Students are responsible for all payments for medical care related to exposure/ injuries/illnesses while in the program.
  • Complete an Erie County Health Screening Form completed by your physician.
    • Students must complete a physical exam within 1 year prior to the start of class and obtain medical clearance to attend class from their primary physician.
    • Documentation of this exam must be completed on the Erie County DOH EMS Student Health Screening Form, which includes a verification of their vaccination history.
    • Prior to the start of the first session, students must be vaccinated for at a minimum Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, Varicella. 
    • Students are recommended to be vaccinated for Meningococcal Meningitis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Polio, COVID-19, and Influenza. Students who do not receive the recommended vaccinations must sign the declinations on the Erie County DOH EMS Student Health Screening Form. 
    • Students must also complete a PPD test. 
    • Students must submit the Erie County DOH EMS Student Health Screening Form to the Clinical Coordinator prior to the start of class for approval or they will be placed on clinical suspension until it is submitted, reviewed, and approved.
  • Must be a certified NYS EMT or AEMT and submit a copy of your certification.
    • Students must maintain an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification throughout the course.
    • If the student’s certification expires during the course and the student fails to recertify, then the student will be expelled from the program the day after their certification expiration date.
    • In all cases, it is the responsibility of the student to provide the program with a copy of their current EMT or AEMT card and any extension verification forms that apply.
  • Complete an Application for Emergency Medical Services Certification (DOH-65) form. This must be brought with you to the first course session.
  • Complete a Verification of Membership in a NYS EMS Agency (DOH-3312) form. This is only required if you belong to an EMS agency and must be brought with you to the first course session.

Advanced Standing, Refresher Courses, Credit Transfers, & Experiential Learning

  • Erie County Health Department will not be offering refresher courses at this time.
  • Erie County Health Department will not be offering advanced standing at this time for any medical profession.
  • Erie County Health Department is not a credit issuing institution; therefore, we will not be accepting transfer credits from students from other paramedic programs based on their progression through their previous program, nor will we accept transfer students into our program while a cohort is in session.
  • Erie County Health Department will not be providing any credit to students for experiential learning.

Contact Hours

Erie County Health Department’s Paramedic Program is a 10-month program that requires a student to complete 1208 hours of didactic instruction, laboratory skill practice and evaluation, and clinical rotation in order to successfully complete the program. The following table displays a breakdown of contact hours and credit hours per course in the program.

Course Number Course Name Didactic Laboratory Clinical Total Hours
EC401 Paramedic Preparatory 58.5 6 4 68.5
EC402 Pharmacology 24 34 44 102
EC403 Paramedic Patient Assessment 18 33 40 91
EC404 Airway Management, Respiration, Ventilation, and Respiratory Emergencies 23 37 40 100
EC405 Cardiovascular & Neurological Emergencies 46 30 56 132
EC406 Medical Emergencies 31 28 72 131
EC407 Trauma Emergencies 30 34 56 120
EC408 Special Patient Population 32.5 24 52 108.5
EC409 EMS Operations 20 13 28 61
EC410 EMS Profession Specialties 27 10 24 61
EC411 Capstone Internship 12 37 184 233
Total: 322 286 600 1208

Clinical

  • Students will be required to complete clinical rotations in various settings with their progress being gauged by a combination of hours completed and proficiency of skills.  All clinical rotations must be completed for the student to be eligible for certification. Clinical course syllabi will be distributed separately that clearly outlines all policies and procedures pertaining to clinical time. Falsification of any clinical experience will make the student subject to expulsion from the program.
  • ECEMS has clinical agreements with multiple hospitals and EMS ambulance services in WNY. Your instructor will let you know what sites are available to you in class.
  • The following are the locations and the minimum hours that a student must complete in order to successfully complete the program.
    • 168 hours ED
    • 8 hours CCU/MICU
    • 8 hours TICU
    • 8 hours Neuro ICU
    • 4 hours OR
    • 4 hours Endovascular Lab
    • 16 hours L&D
    • 4 hours Inpatient Physical Therapy
    • 8 hours Burn Unit
    • 4 hours Dialysis
    • 8 hours CPEP
    • 8 hours Crisis Services
    • 8 hours Nursing Home
    • 24 hours Pediatric ER
    • 2 hours EMD-ADI Dispatch Center
    • 4 hours Cadaver Lab
    • 1 hour REMS Co Meeting
    • 1 hour REMAC Meeting
    • 168 hours Ambulance Field Experience Time
    • 144 hours Ambulance Capstone Internship
  • These hours are MINIMUM requirements and are subject to change based off student performance, preceptor evaluations, and outstanding terminal objectives at the discretion of the Paramedic Program Director and the Clinical Coordinator. Students can also voluntarily pick up more shifts for additional practice as long as it does not hinder other students from completing their requirements.
  • All clinical scheduling and documentation will be completed using the Platinum Planner.
  • All terminal competencies and clinical hours must be successfully completed by the End of Course date in order for the student to successfully complete the program.
  • Further information will be described in detail in the Clinical Policies for your course.

Preceptors

  • Field Experience and Field Internship must be completed on a transporting ALS EMS unit at an agency that has a valid clinical contract with ECEMS and only with a preceptor pre-approved by ECEMS.
  • In order for a paramedic to serve as an internship preceptor for the ECEMS Paramedic Program, they must meet the following requirements:
    • Must be a paramedic of at least 3 years.
    • Must be employed and practicing as a paramedic at a transporting agency.
    • Must not have had any patient care issues within the last 12 months.
    • Must not have been pulled offline in the region or in NYS at any time.
    • Must not have received complaints within the last 12 months.
    • Must be approved to serve as a preceptor by their primary agency.
  • Provided they meet the requirements above, the paramedic must then complete the ECEMS Internship Preceptor Application and submit it to the Program Clinical Coordinator. The Clinical Coordinator will then contact the paramedic and schedule an interview with the Clinical Coordinator or designee. Once approval is given by the Program Medical Director, the paramedic must then complete preceptor training using the clinical management system application before they can be a preceptor for any paramedic student.
  • The preceptor will be evaluated annually by the program faculty through the review of student evaluations. The Clinical Coordinator will conference the preceptor to discuss and/or fix any issues that are reported and validated. The preceptor can lose their preceptor privileges at any time if any repetitive issues occur that are unable to be fixed through feedback or if a significant violation to ECEMS code of conduct occurs. The preceptor can lose their preceptor privileges at any time for any reason deemed by ECEMS.
  • Click here Erie County EMS Paramedic Program Preceptor Application to download the application and email it back to the Paramedic Program Director.

American with Disabilities Act

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it possible for students with verifiable disabilities to request an accommodation for the New York State Certification Examinations with proper documentation of their disability. All students will be provided with Bureau of EMS Policy Statement 22-03, which contains instructions regarding how the student must proceed with their request for accommodations. Accommodation requests for the NYS Certification Examination must be made no later than eight (8) weeks prior to the end of the course date. Students must make an accommodation request to NYS.  It is the responsibility of the student, not the instructor, to make the request.
  • With regard to the Psychomotor Skills Examination, the National Registry of EMT’s (NREMT) and the NYS Bureau of EMS does not allow testing accommodations but will consider the use of certain aids by candidates, which they would be responsible to provide, and reasonably be able to bring to the patient’s side in actual practice. The only types of aids which are permitted are those which do not alter the functions of the EMT. For example, the use of prescription or reading glasses, hearing aids, and personal stethoscopes have been permitted since they serve as an aid to the provider, while Braille sphygmomanometer would not be permitted since sight is considered an essential function of the certified EMS provider. It is important to note that the process of requesting an accommodation for the NREMT and NYS Certification Examinations is separate and distinct from that of requesting an accommodation for the educational portion of the ECEMS course.
  • All students enrolled in the Paramedic course will be provided with a copy of the Functional Position Description for a Paramedic.  Students will be given time to review this and have all their questions answered. Students must be able to satisfy all the qualifications listed in the description regarding any disabilities.
  • ECEMS, nor its staff, discusses or screens for disabilities, or considers addressing any potential disabilities prior to a student’s admission into the course or during the course.
  • If a student would like to discuss a disability that may affect his/her performance during the educational portions of a course (classroom, clinical and/or field rotations, laboratory sessions, etc.) the student should speak privately to the Lead Instructor and/or contact the Paramedic Program Director. All students must successfully complete all aspects of all course requirements as outlined elsewhere in this documentation in order to proceed to the Psychomotor Skills Examination and then to the NYS Written Certification Examination. The program will provide accommodations within its ability providing it does not create an unreasonable financial hardship for the program. All efforts will be made to accommodate any disabilities, including the involvement of local resources and organizations to assist with providing accommodations.

Grading, Testing, and Retesting Policy

Grading & Testing:

The overall course grade will be determined by averaging all course modules, midterm, and final exams (cognitive, psychomotor, affective) to obtain a cumulative class average. Individual module grade breakdown will be defined in the syllabus for that module. Students must achieve a cumulative class average of 75% or greater to proceed to the New York State and/or National Registry certification process. Any student who fails the cumulative class final exams will not be eligible for NYS and/or National Registry certification. General assessment and retest policies are as follows.

  • Module Assessments: The Program will consist of modular exams and quizzes. Students must obtain a grade of at least 75% on all modular exams. Students will be allowed two retests for failed module exams throughout the program, with a maximum possible grade of 75% regardless of the score achieved on the retest.  Retests must be taken within 14 days of the original exam date. Any student who fails a third module exam will be removed from the program. There are no retests for quizzes. To prevent any exam compromise, exams and quizzes given during the program shall not be redistributed to the students after the exam is completed. Exams are retained for review by the Program Director and will remain in the possession of the Department. Faculty will be available to review exams at a specified time. No tape recording of exam review is permitted at any time.
  • Homework Assignments: Each week students are required to do lecture assignments in the chapters outlined for that week. Completion of these assignments is crucial for successful participation in the class. Failure to complete the lecture assignments by their due date constitutes a lack of preparedness and will reflect on the student’s affective behavior scoring.
  • Project Assignments: Occasionally, students will be assigned a project to complete in some modules based on the concepts being taught. These projects can be assigned and completed as a group or individually. Failure to complete the project assignments by their due date constitutes a lack of preparedness and will reflect on the student’s affective behavior scoring.
  • Behavioral/ Affective Score: This score will be developed with input from instructional staff, clinical preceptors, field preceptors, fellow students, and patients when possible. We want to ensure that not only is the student a knowledgeable and skillful practitioner, but also demonstrates professionalism, and is a conscientious, compassionate, and empathetic student. Scoring will be based on professional presentation, i.e.: timeliness, appearance, interactions with team members and patients, etc. Although a mostly subjective score, there will be criteria established through a points matrix.
  • Summative Midterm Written Exam & Comprehensive Final Written Examination: The final exam is a cumulative exam designed to provide an indication of how the student will perform on the actual state and national exams. This exam must be passed with a grade of 75% or higher.  The final exam is included in the allowable retests described in the previous section, and when a third exam (including the final) is failed, the student will be removed from the program.
  • Practical Skills Examinations: Students must pass all practical skill examinations in order to stay in the program. Students will be allowed two retests of each individual skill station. Each skill will be graded using a rubric and Pass/Fail criteria. However, the score obtained during the evaluation will be used to calculate the module grade that the skill was part of. Students will have ample time to practice all skills before any formal assessment.
  • Summative Final Psychomotor Examination: All students must pass two final psychomotor examinations on a medical and trauma scenario. Students will be evaluated utilizing current AHA Guidelines as well as applicable protocols. This assessment is designed to incorporate all elements of the course into life-like exercises. Students must score at least 75% on both simulations. Failure to successfully pass this assessment will result in a failure in the program. Students will be allowed two retests for this assessment at a time designated by the instructors.

Grade Appeals: 

Students who wish to appeal a grade should follow these guidelines.

  • The student must speak with the Lead Instructor first to understand the posted grade.
  • If the student is still unclear about the posted grade or is dissatisfied with the Lead Instructor’s response, then the student can speak with the Program Director.
  • If the student is unsatisfied with the Program Director’s response, then the student can speak with the Sponsor Administrator about their grade.
  • The Program Director, Sponsor Administrator, and Lead Instructor will then meet to discuss the issue. The student may be invited to this meeting. This meeting will be the final determination of the grade. Students will receive formal notification in writing about the grade determination and the reasoning.

Attendance Policy

  • Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled class sessions. Attendance will be taken at the beginning and end of class every day and will serve as a written record for the course.
  • You are responsible for signing the attendance sheet at each session. If your signature does not appear, you are considered absent. The EXACT time of your arrival and departure must be legibly printed on the attendance sheet.
  • Students are expected to attend every session and be ready to start on time. Any student arriving to class less than 30 minutes after the start of class will be marked late. Any student arriving more than 30 minutes late will be marked absent. Any student who is marked late ten (10) times may be immediately expelled from the Program. Any student who anticipates being late must notify the Lead Instructor immediately. Legitimate excuses will be accepted on a case-by-case basis; however, proof may need to be provided.
  • It is understood that some emergencies may arise; therefore, all students are expected to attend at least 90% of the scheduled sessions and satisfactorily make up all missed sessions. Failure to attend at least 90% of the scheduled session may result in expulsion from the course. Students are expected to notify the Lead Instructor immediately if they plan on being absent. Written proof may need to be provided to justify the absence.
  • The manner in which the student will make-up missed sessions shall be determined by the course Lead Instructor. Some make-up activities that may be assigned to the student by the Lead Instructor include attending appropriate sessions of another EMS course offered by ECEMS, participation in remedial sessions, or preparation of a written outline. Students that do not fulfill this requirement will be subject to possible expulsion from the course. All make up assignments must be completed before the last scheduled session.
  • Too many absences or lates can result in a student being unable to successfully complete the program.

Articulation Agreements/College Credit

Empire State University logoEmpire State University
2 Union Avenue 
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 
800-847-3000 
Empire State University website

  • ECEMS is not an accredited higher level of education institution and therefore cannot offer college credit for our courses. However, ECEMS has partnered with Empire State University to make college credit available to our students who successfully complete our courses.
  • Students who successfully complete the AEMT course and obtain a NYS AEMT certification are eligible to receive twenty (20) college credits from Empire State University. Students shall receive these credits after they matriculate into a SUNY Empire degree program, pay current tuition and fees, and provide a copy of their NYS AEMT certification to SUNY Empire as proof that they completed the program.
  • Students will also receive a waiver of the $50 orientation fee and a one-time $100 Better Together scholarship from SUNY Empire once receiving a partner code from the ECEMS Administrative Staff.
  • Students are encouraged to contact SUNY Empire Admissions Department or view their degree programs to learn more about this opportunity.
  • This is an optional benefit to students who complete the program. It is not a mandatory requirement for students to participate in it.

Trocaire College logoTrocaire College
360 Choate Avenue 
Buffalo, NY 14220 
716-826-1200 
Trocaire College website

  • Erie County Paramedic students have the potential to earn academic credit for the following course offerings at Trocaire College: (BIO 300, BIO 333, PSY 303, MAP).  These courses may be applied to certificate and degree programs at Trocaire College.
  • Requirements:
    • Student must remain in good academic and disciplinary standing in the Erie County Paramedic Program
    • Student must successfully complete the Erie County Paramedic Program, and successfully pass the NYS Paramedic Certification Exam
    • Student must apply for credit for prior learning at Trocaire College in order to receive all applicable academic credits.

Erie County EMS Paramedic Program State Exam Pass Rates, Attrition/Retention, and Six Month Positive Placement Data

Graduation Year 2025 2026 Overall
Total Number of Paramedic Students Enrolled 20 24 44
Total Number of Paramedic Students Attrition (Academic & Non-Academic)  4    
Total Number of Paramedic Students Graduated  16    
Total Number of Paramedic Students Attempted a Certification Exam (NYS or NREMT)  16    
Total Number of Paramedic Students Certified  15    
Paramedic Certification Exam (NYS or NREMT) Pass Rate  94%    
NYS Paramedic Certification Exam 1st Attempt Pass Rate  91%    
Paramedic Program Student Attrition Rate  6%    
Paramedic Program Student Retention Rate  94%    
Paramedic Program Employer Placement Rate  87%    
As of December 29th, 2025

Forms, Policies, & Useful Links

Erie County EMS Forms:

NYS EMS Forms & Links:

Platinum Planner:

Textbook:

Treatment Protocols:

Articulation Agreement/College Credit:

Regional EMS Councils/Program Agencies:

Professional Liability Insurance:

Contact

Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) 
Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 
3359 Broadway 
Cheektowaga, NY14227 
Office: (716) 681-6070
Email: ems@erie.gov

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