Careers

Paramedicine is a field in which formally trained prehospital emergency care professionals treat acutely ill or injured patients and transport them to appropriate medical facilities. The paramedic is already trained and certified as an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT) by the New York State Department of Health prior to beginning the advanced level training course.

Statistics indicate that paramedicine is one of the health care occupations that will be growing faster than the overall workforce according to the NYS Department of Labor. Students who become certified as paramedics are in high demand due to the aging of the population, expanding knowledge of advanced emergency treatment of cardiovascular disease and other medical conditions in the field, and the need for field treatment of traumatic injuries.

Salaries range from approximately $35,000 to $65,000 per year in the Greater New York area.

Recent articles in the NY Daily News and NY Post indicate that the New York City Fire Department is recruiting heavily to fill positions in the Emergency Medical Services sector due to attrition and retirement.

LaGuardia Community College can assist you in preparing for your job search and with job placement.

Paramedics may decide to become supervisors, field lieutenants, instructors or specialists in tactical EMS, or continue their education to the physician assistant or physician level. There are many opportunities available in the EMS career ladder.