NEW EMS MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE INTRODUCED AT WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE    

Westchester Community College is offering a new program designed to prepare Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics for management positions. The one-year EMS Management Certificate Program is aimed at future leaders in the field of emergency medical services; between 25-30 students are expected to be enrolled in the program’s first year.

According to Prof. Stephen J. Nardozzi of Goldens Bridge, who chairs the college’s Department of Prehospital Emergency Medical Service, the Certificate in EMS Management will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to effectively coordinate a response to emergency situations. The program develops the EMT or paramedic’s management level perspective and ability to assume responsible positions that affect procedures and influence policy. 

Many highly experienced EMTs and paramedics lack a formal educational background. This new program offers these professionals a chance to look at the larger picture and to participate in critical thinking and planning exercises within the context of a systems approach to EMS. The course of study includes such areas as disaster preparedness, global terrorism, legal aspects of EMS, and overall program administration and leadership.  

“Graduates will be better prepared to participate in planning and decision-making within the EMS System,” says Nardozzi, who is a past president of the Goldens Bridge Volunteer Fire Department. He also serves as a guest lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, where he has taught in their EMT program since 1998. 

Westchester Community College has been offering EMS programs since 1988. Students can choose between a two-year Associate degree in Emergency Medical Technology, or a one-year Emergency Medical Technician Certificate program. Completion of either course of studies makes a student eligible for certification by the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of EMS certification as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician—Paramedic. The new EMS Management program will enable these graduates to take their careers to a new level. 

For information on these programs, contact the college’s Admissions Office at 914-606-6735, email admissions@sunywcc.edu or click here.