Paramedic Program Information and Data
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services paramedic program is a comprehensive paramedic education program that stresses in-depth classroom study, a kinesthetic and context-based approach to learning, and achieving independent clinical competence. The program was started in 2004, and continues to be a valuable asset to the department today.
The Program follows the Standards and Interpretation of Standards established by the CoAEMSP. The HCDFRS Paramedic Program Advisory Committee has adopted the 2023 Student Minimum Competencies from the CoAESMP. The goal is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
25400 US Highway 19 N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33763
Phone: 727.210.2350
Website: www.caahep.org
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: 214.703.8445
Fax: 214.703.8992
Website: www.coaemsp.org
Additionally, the paramedic program is approved as a Maryland EMS Educational Program by the Maryland Emergency Medical Services Board upon the recommendation of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
CoAEMSP standards require HCDFRS publicly report our Paramedic program's student outcomes for national registry exams, retention, and positive placement.
| Student Outcomes for National Registry Exams, Retention, and Positive Placement: |
|---|
|
Year |
Notes |
|
2017 |
No graduates during the 2017 reporting year. |
|
2018 |
No graduates during the 2018 reporting year. |
|
2019 |
No graduates during the 2019 reporting year. |
|
2020 |
National Registry written exam: 100%. Retention throughout program: 82%. Positive job placement: 100%. |
|
2021 |
No graduates during the 2021 reporting year. |
|
2022 |
No graduates during the 2022 reporting year. |
| 2023 |
National Registry written exam:100% Retention 73% Positive job placement 100% |
| 2024 |
National Registry written exam 100% Retention 75% Positive job placement100% |
Paramedic Certificate
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Paramedic Program offers a Paramedic Certificate designed to prepare individuals for advanced pre-hospital emergency care roles
Program Information
Detailed information about the program is available upon request for internal personnel (career and volunteer) as well as current or prospective partner agencies. Topics include:
Admissions Policies & Practices – Eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Technical Standards – Required skills, competencies, and physical abilities for program completion.
Occupational Risks – Safety considerations and potential hazards associated with the field.
Advanced Placement & Credit Transfer – Policies on transfer credits, advanced placement, and experiential learning recognition.
Program Credit Requirements – Total credit hours required for completion.
Articulation Agreements – Available agreements for seamless credit transfer to higher education institutions.
Tuition & Fees – Estimated program costs, including tuition and additional expenses.
Withdrawal & Refund Policies – Guidelines for withdrawal procedures and tuition refunds.
Clinical Assignments – Requirements and processes for clinical placements.
Contact Information
For additional information please contact:
Donald L. Weigel, NR-P, BA
Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Bureau of Education & Training
2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, 2nd Floor
Marriottsville, Maryland 21104
📞 Office: (410) 313-1115
📠 Fax: (410) 313-1322
✉️ Email: dweigel@howardcountymd.gov