1) Q. What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

 
     A. Both EMTs and Paramedics render emergency care to the ill and injured
            in the prehospital environment, however, EMTs are trained to offer a basic
            level of care and Paramedics offer an advanced level of care.  Paramedics
            must be certified as EMTs before beginning Paramedic training.

            EMTs perform skills such as CPR, defibrillation, bandaging and splinting,
            spinal immobilization, oxygen therapy,  lifting and moving techniques,
            vital signs, patient assessment and histories,  emergency childbirth,       
            treatment of medical and environmental emergencies, etc. 

           Paramedics do all of the above PLUS they can start IVs, administer many
           potent emergency drugs, perform endotracheal intubation, give injections,
           perform transcutaneous pacing and cardio version, read EKGs, and
           perform many invasive techniques such as needle decompression of a
           lung and cricothyroidotomy.

 
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2) Q. What are the prerequisites for the EMT class?

     A. In order to enter the LaGuardia EMT class, you must be at least 18 years of
           age during the month the class ends, take an English reading test (or bring
           in a College transcript showing you passed English in College), and pass
           an interview.

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3) Q. What are the prerequisites for the Paramedic class?

    A. You will need evidence of High School Graduation or a GED equivalent
           along with a current New York State EMT-B certification.

           You will need a minimum of 6 months or 200 hours of patient care
           experience as an EMT. This can include experience as an EMT paid for
           services or as a member of a volunteer EMS organization. In-hospital
           experience is not accepted.

          There are three preadmission tests including a basic math test, a reading
          comprehension test, and an EMT test. The math, reading, and EMT tests
          evaluate your preparedness for the paramedic program. You must score a
          75% on each of these three areas to qualify for a faculty interview. Should
          you need it, there are two re-tests available for any failed categories.

          Practice tests are available to help prepare you for the entrance exams.
 

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4)  Q.  Where do I get EMT experience?

      A. The LaGuardia EMT/Paramedic office has listings of both paid and
              volunteer opportunities for EMTs available for students upon request.

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5)  Q. How long are the classes for EMT and Paramedic?

 
     A. EMT classes are 172 hours over two to four months depending on the 
            schedule. The Paramedic class is 800 hours of classes plus 600 hours of 
            clinical rotations over 12 months.

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6)  Q. When do they meet?

     A. EMT night classes meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 6:00
            PM --9:30 PM.

            EMT day classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. 
            The exception is the summer day class which meets Mondays, Tuesdays,
            and Thursdays from 9:30 AM– 4:30 PM. 

            The Paramedic class meets Mondays – Thursdays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
            and alternate Saturdays from 9:00AM – 4:00 PM.  Saturdays may be
            switched for Sundays for Saturday Sabbath observers if arranged in
            advanced and with permission of the Director.

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7)  Q. How much do they cost?

     A. The EMT class costs $780 +  a $12 registration fee.  The Paramedic class
            cost $5,800 for certificate students.  Degree students pay CUNY tuition
            rates.  Books and uniforms are not included.

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8)  Q. Where are the clinical rotation sites?

      A. EMT rotation sites include: Lenox Hill, Manhattan; Long Island College
             Hospital, Brooklyn; Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Bronx; and Maimonides
             Hospital, Brooklyn.  Students may attend a hospital closer to their home if
             approved in advance by both the hospital and the College.

            Paramedic rotation sites include: Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan; Long
            Island College Hospital, Brooklyn; Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn;
            Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens; New York Medical Examiner, Manhattan
            and Queens; North Central Bronx Hospital; North Shore Forest Hills
            Hospital, Queens; Queens General Hospital Center; Transcare at Einstein
            Medical Center, Bronx; Transcare at New Rochelle/White Plains,
            Westchester.

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9)  Q. Can my Paramedic coursework apply toward my A.A.S degree?

     A. Absolutely. The A.A.S. Paramedic Degree option is encouraged as a way
            of increasing your professional options during your career. Paramedic
            coursework can be applied toward the A.A.S. at LaGuardia by simply
            completing the standard college application process and taking one
            additional course at the College. 30 exemption credits are awarded for
            paramedic certification and 6 credits for EMT certification. Any further
            details can be addressed by the Paramedic Director.

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10)  Q. How can I pay for my Paramedic training?

       A. LaGuardia Community College recognizes the commitment involved in
              undertaking the Paramedic program. We therefore offer two methods of
              tuition payment.

              First,  all students have the option of a convenient
              payment plan through Academic Management Services (AMS)
              www.tuitionpay.com  that enables students to make monthly or more
              frequent payments.

              Second, certificate students may also opt to pay in full, PRIOR to the
              commencement of classes. This option allows the student to take
              advantage of a lower tuition rate. As part of this option students may also
              make payments over time as long as the total tuition is received prior to
              the first day of classes.

              Check the Financial Information section of this website for further
              information on scholarships, loans, etc.

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11).  Q. Will I be able to find a job?

        A. Currently there is a shortage of EMTs and Paramedics in New York City,
                making employment prospects excellent.  The New York City Fire
                Department, hospitals, and private companies have been actively
                recruiting on campus. LaGuardia graduates are sought after by many
                employers.

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12).  Q. Why should I choose LaGuardia as my EMT and/or
             Paramedic Training Center? 

        A. We have the best preparation for the best price.  This is a quality
                program with a 100% pass rate on the NYS DOH exam for 11 years for
                the paramedic program and a 97% pass rate for the EMT program for
                the past 20 years.  With dedicated EMS labs, top notch faculty, a
                minicomputer lab, and a multitude of resources including open skills
                labs, and state of the art equipment are all here for the students. We will
                work with you to help you succeed.

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