MVCC reinstates EMS/paramedic degree program

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), through an agreement with Midstate EMS, has reinstated its EMS/Paramedic associate-degree program.

It provides a pathway from an EMT-Basic certification to a degree as a paramedic. The program provides flexible payment options to those pursuing training through Midstate EMS, which is an affiliate of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS).

“MVCC is thrilled to collaborate with MVHS and Midstate EMS in the development of a novel approach to overcome the critical workforce crisis facing regional EMS providers,” MVCC President Randall J. VanWagoner said in a news release. “The Mohawk Valley has a long history of relying on strong institutional partnerships to persevere through adversity, and we are honored to perpetuate this tradition by joining this partnership as a solution for the current pandemic staffing challenge.”

The program, which begins this fall, includes technical instruction through Midstate EMS and general education coursework through MVCC. Students will have access to MVCC’s human-tissue lab as part of their clinical education. Those who complete the program are eligible to take certification exams to receive New York State Department of Health endorsements to practice as paramedics.

“Paramedics serve a crucial role in the health of our community — the reinstatement of the EMS/Paramedic degree program is a critical move for our community, and I’m so proud to partner with MVCC and Midstate EMS to make this happen,” MVHS President/CEO Darlene Stromstad, said. “As a health system, we work hand-in-hand with EMS providers, relying on the expertise of paramedics to safely triage and transport the patient to the hospital all while communicating ahead to the emergency department team so they can prepare for the patient’s arrival. This is especially vital with our stroke and cardiac services, as time is crucial to saving lives. This partnership is so important to creating a paramedic community that can properly support the healthcare needs of the population we serve.”

Students may enter the program as an EMT-B or Midstate EMS will provide that training as part of the student’s degree plan.

More information about the program is available at midstateems.org.

The EMS/paramedic degree is one of about 90 degree and certificate options at MVCC, which services 6,000 full- and part-time students.