Get Hired

Below are detailed steps that will make it easier for you to learn more about how to become promoted to a FDNY EMS Paramedic. Paramedic is a promotional opportunity only available to FDNY EMS members.


Sponsored

We are sponsored by New York State DOH BEMS.

New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
875 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: (518) 402-0996
Fax: (518) 402-0985
https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/

Accreditation

“The FDNY Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the National Registry’s Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation. 

To contact CoAEMSP:
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org” 

Admission

To be admitted into the program, candidates must:

  1. Have a valid NYS EMT certification (that remains valid throughout the duration)
  2. Be currently employed by FDNY as an EMT, lieutenant or captain
  3. Be a candidate on the DCAS Paramedic Civil Service Promotion Exam list
  4. Have an overall annual performance evaluation rating of “good” or better
  5. Have a satisfactory patient care/disciplinary record for the past year
  6. Be full-duty status
  7. Have a satisfactory attendance record
  8. Have a positive recommendation from their respective commanding officer
  9. Pass the FDNY EMS Academy entrance screening exam

The screening exam consists of three sections: reading comprehension, math, and basic EMT knowledge. In order to pass, a candidate must get a 75% or better on all three sections. Exams are given periodically throughout the year and announced throughout the department. Candidates who meet all requirements are offered a place in the program in the order that they appear on the civil service list. A candidate may defer their place in an offered class for one at a later date as long as the civil service list remains active.

While attending the Paramedic Program, all students are required to be full duty. No exceptions will be made. Please see the New York State policy on the Functional Position Description of EMTs and paramedics (AEMTs) for more information: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/policy/00-10.htm

There is no advanced standing available for this program.

Course Completion Requirements

In order to complete the Paramedic Program, students must:

  1. Pass all course module exams and module skills competency evaluations with a 75% or greater, or their corresponding retest.
  2. Complete all skills as outlined in the Skills Minimum Competency matrix.
  3. Maintain a success rate of at least 80% for the last 20 intubations performed in the lab or clinical setting.
  4. Have fewer than 14 missed sessions.
  5. Complete the Capstone Field Internship and all requirements therein.
  6. Pass the Practical Skills Examination as outlined by New York State
  7. Pass the Paramedic Written Examination as outlined by New York State
  8. Pass the New York City REMAC Examination

Program Goal and Minimum Expectation: To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Rotation

Rotation Sites

  • ALS Ambulance
  • Adult ED
  • ICU/MICU/SICU
  • Pediatric ED
  • Anesthesia / O.R.
  • Phlebotomy/IV Team
  • Airway/Anatomy Cadaver Lab
  • MAYDAY
  • Medical Control
  • Psychiatry ED
  • Burn Center
  • NICU
  • Asthma Clinic
  • Capstone Field Internship

(If any rotation site is unavailable for any reason, the hours will revert to patient care simulations at the FDNY EMS Academy, ALS ambulance rotations, or both.)

Forgivable Loan

The signing of a forgivable loan is required of all students upon admission to the paramedic program. The student agrees to a three-year employment commitment to the FDNY upon graduation. Failure to complete the three-year commitment will result in recoupment of loan obligations. Program failure or withdrawal results in a default of the loan and being barred from entering another FDNY Paramedic Program for the duration of two years.

Course Fees/Cost and Student Pay

The Paramedic Program is available with no fees and only the commitment to the forgivable loan to the student. All textbooks and required learning material will be provided by the FDNY EMS Academy. All initial credentialing exam fees associated with New York State Paramedic certification and New York City REMAC are also paid by the FDNY. Students will be paid for classroom and clinical rotation time.

Students are required to purchase a short white lab coat that is to be worn for clinical rotations. Students must also purchase “business attire” clothing to be worn while on clinical rotation. Students are responsible for all transportation to and from all classes and rotations, including but not limited to tolls and parking fees. Students may be asked to attend classes or rotations anywhere within the New York City limits and surrounding areas.

Withdrawal from the Program

If a student wishes to resign from the program, they must contact the program IC or Program Lieutenant to do so. Students will return all issued material and sign paperwork stating that they have withdrawn from the program. The Program Lieutenant will then call the Commanding Officer of the student’s last assignment for re-assignment there.

Any student who resigns from the FDNY EMS Academy Paramedic Program will not be permitted to enter another FDNY EMS Academy Paramedic Program for a minimum of two (2) years from the date of separation from their original program. Readmission is possible after two years have passed and a student successfully completes the screening process.

Success

Paramedic Program Class Number 30 31 32 33 34 35
Dates 2/2021- 11/2021 9/2021- 8/2022 2/2022- 11/2022 9/2022-7/2023 2/2023-11/2023 8/2023-6/2024
Program Retention 87% 78% 83% 76% 89% pending
Pass NYS Exam 96% 100% 100% 100% 100% pending
Job Placement 100% 87% 96% 100% 100% pending

*Statistics Updated 12/2023