Graduates Are Eligible to Gain Certification and National License
Launched in 2021, the Paramedic Science Program at County College of Morris (CCM) is the region’s only program that is meeting the growing demand for frontline professionals to respond to emergencies, drawing applicants from a wide section of New Jersey.
“To meet industry demand for more prehospital advanced life support clinicians, CCM developed the Paramedic Science Program to prepare individuals for state and national licensing,” says Andrea Murray, program director. “Our first class will be graduating in December, and we’re now accepting applicants for the spring 2023 cohort.”
Students who complete the program, earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, are eligible to obtain a National Registry paramedic license and New Jersey paramedic certification.
Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing potentially life-saving medical services and transporting patients to healthcare facilities. The employment of paramedics is projected to grow 11 percent, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Zip Recruiter reports that the median salary in New Jersey is $43,449. Full-time positions include health coverage and other benefits.
“The foundation of the paramedic profession is meaningful interaction with people,” says Murray. “Paramedics are set apart from others by virtue of dignity, worthiness and level of responsibility. It’s a field where you can gain a lot of personal and professional satisfaction, knowing you have helped others during times of crisis.”
That desire to help others is what prompted Courtney De Waal Malefyt, of Sussex, to enroll in CCM’s program.
“I got certified as an EMT and got my first full-time job and have been working as an EMT for the past five and a half years. I realized about four years ago I wanted to become a paramedic and be able to do more for people,” she says. “Having a program close to home was a life changer. It helped especially with fuel prices and being close to my job. This program has made me feel ready to become who I want to be and what I want to be and more. It has opened so many doors for me and my future.”
Another EMT who decided she wanted to take the next step and become a paramedic is Julia Cobleigh, of Mt. Arlington.
“During the pandemic, I was working together with paramedics more than I ever had in my career. It sparked my passion for wanting to do more and providing the highest level of care possible to my patients,” she says. “When my parents showed me the application for the paramedic program at CCM, I was ecstatic. It was close to home and would provide me the opportunity to finally get my degree. This has been the best decision I’ve ever made. The director and instructors are incredibly invested in each and every student.”
CCM’s program aligns with the National EMS Education Standards and Scope of Practice to provide students with a curriculum relevant to current day needs and situations. To provide students with realistic, hands-on learning in a safe environment, they work with high-fidelity simulators prior to entering clinical and field rotations.
There are two phases to the Paramedic Science Program at CCM: pre-professional and professional. The program is a competitive based admissions program. A separate application is required for acceptance into the professional phase, where students take part in clinical and field rotations. Acceptance is based on grades achieved in the pre-professional phase. An advanced placement sequence is available for currently certified New Jersey paramedics who would like to complete an AAS degree.
To learn more about the program, go to https://bit.ly/CCMParamedic/.
