Paramedic Program

Advance Your Skills. Elevate Your Career. Make a Difference.

Your next step in Emergency Medical Services starts here!

Are you ready to take your EMS career to the next level? Clarkson University's Paramedic Program offers an exciting opportunity for motivated Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to advance their clinical knowledge, develop lifesaving skills, and become leaders in prehospital emergency care.

Designed with the working EMS professional in mind, our 12-month Paramedic Program combines high-quality classroom instruction, realistic hands-on training, and invaluable clinical and field experiences—all within a supportive, student-centered learning environment.

Developed first at Clarkson University's School of Health Sciences, this innovative program is helping address the critical shortage of advanced-level EMS professionals throughout New York's North Country and surrounding rural communities.

Our mission is simple: Prepare confident, competent, and compassionate paramedics who are ready to make an immediate difference in the communities they serve.

Why Pursue the Paramedic Program at Clarkson?

A Program Designed Around Your Career

We understand that advancing your education shouldn't mean putting your career on hold. Our 12-month program offers a structured schedule that allows many working EMTs to continue their employment while pursuing paramedic certification.

Small Classes. Big Opportunities.

With enrollment limited to approximately 20 students per cohort, our program emphasizes individualized instruction, meaningful faculty interaction, and a collaborative learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Train with Confidence. Learn by Doing.

Experience hands-on education using modern simulation technology, advanced medical equipment, and realistic emergency scenarios. From critical patient assessments to complex medical and traumatic emergencies, students develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills essential to becoming successful paramedics.

Real-World Clinical and Field Experience

Classroom knowledge comes to life through supervised clinical rotations and field internships. Students work alongside experienced healthcare professionals and EMS providers, gaining practical experience in patient care, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Scholarship Opportunities

We recognize that investing in your education is an important decision. Several scholarship opportunities may be available to help eligible students pursue their professional goals.

A Career with Purpose and Opportunity

Paramedics are essential members of today's healthcare system. Graduates will be prepared to pursue rewarding opportunities in emergency medical services and other healthcare settings, where their advanced training and clinical expertise can make a lasting impact.

Program Structure: Your Path to Becoming a Paramedic

Our comprehensive 12-month program provides a progressive educational experience, building from foundational knowledge to advanced patient care and real-world clinical practice.

Phase One: Classroom and Simulation Education

First 7 Months | Approximately 512 Hours

Classes held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and select Thursdays
Class hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Engaging classroom instruction and practical skills development
Advanced patient assessment, medical and trauma management, and clinical decision-making
Simulations and team-based emergency scenarios
No regularly scheduled weekend class commitments

Phase Two: Clinical and Field Internships

Final 5 Months

Clinical/Hospital Experience: Approximately 284 hours
Field Internship Experience: Approximately 364 hours
Supervised patient care in clinical and prehospital environments
Opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-life situations
Progressive development of confidence, independence, and professional responsibility

Clinical and field internship schedules are coordinated with participating agencies and may include evening or weekend hours.

More Than an Education—An Investment in Your Future

At Clarkson University, we believe exceptional paramedics are developed through more than textbooks and examinations. They are shaped through mentorship, experience, teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to serving others.

Two students in green Clarkson shirts practice hands-on medical training inside a vehicle. One student secures an oxygen mask while the other operates a bag-valve mask on a mannequin in the driver's seat, surrounded by medical supplies.

Whether your goal is to advance within your current EMS organization, pursue new career opportunities, or become a stronger clinical leader, Clarkson University's Paramedic Program is ready to help you take that next step.

Your Community Needs You. Your Future Is Waiting.

Take the next step. Become a Paramedic at Clarkson University!

For additional information about admission requirements, program schedules, tuition, and scholarship opportunities, contact:

Clarkson University EMS Education Department
Clarkson University | Potsdam, New York
Phone: 315-268-4444
Email: dwilderm@clarkson.edu

The Clarkson University EMS Education Department Paramedic Program has a site visit schedule for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

National Registry: There were no graduates during the 2025 reporting year.

New York State: There were 24 graduates that have attained their NYS paramedic in the first three cohorts.

Scholarships

To address financial constraints faced by some EMS providers in rural areas, Clarkson’s new paramedic program will offer a range of scholarships to qualifying applicants. These scholarships can assist with the financial obstacles that may hinder individuals who are passionate about this field from pursuing their dreams. With these resources, students can focus on their studies and the practical application of their skills in the community. Learn more about your options by clicking on the links below.

AHEC Scholarship

How to Apply

Potsdam rescue ambulance and car parked outside Clarkson's Old Main Hall

To apply to the Clarkson University EMS Education Paramedic Program you must possess a valid New York State Emergency Medical Technician certificate throughout the duration of the program and submit the following items to be considered in the application process.

Items that must be submitted with your application:

A signed application.
A resume and cover letter. Within the cover letter, please include why you would like to become a paramedic and why you are interested in our program.
At least one letter of recommendation. Only signed and dated letters written on department/company letterhead will be accepted. A maximum of three letters are accepted.
Copy of High School Diploma or GED.
Attach any Post-secondary transcripts.
Copy of current NYS EMT certificate.
Copy of current BLS (CPR) card.
Proof of course prerequisites (ICS 100, ICS 200,ICS 700, ICS 800 and HazMat Awareness).
Proof of health insurance.
Please paperclip the application in the top left corner. Please don’t place it in a report cover. A $50.00 nonrefundable application fee. Cash or check made payable to Clarkson University and submitted before the registration deadline.