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% |
Information About the Program
For current and prospective partner agencies seeking detailed program information, the following topics are available upon request:
-
Accreditation Status – Institutional and programmatic accreditation details.
- CAAHEP Information – Name and official website of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Admissions Policies & Practices – Criteria and procedures for program entry.
- Technical Standards – Required competencies and abilities for successful program completion.
- Occupational Risks – Potential hazards and safety considerations within the field.
- Advanced Placement & Credit Transfer – Policies regarding transfer of credits, advanced placement, and credit for experiential learning.
- Program Credit Requirements – Total number of credits needed for program completion.
- Articulation Agreements – Availability of agreements for seamless credit transfer.
- Tuition & Fees – Estimated costs, including tuition and additional expenses.
- Withdrawal & Refund Policies – Procedures and policies for tuition and fee refunds.
- Clinical Assignments – Policies and processes governing clinical experience placements.
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
O: (410) 313-1115
F: (410) 313-1322