Program Director: Joanne Piccininni, EdD, NRP, MICP
Location: Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands-Room P-111
Phone: (201) 301-1590
Program Secretary: Amanda Sanzari
Room: HP-312
Phone: (201) 879-7878
Clinical Coordinator: Stephanie Niemiec
Location: Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands-Room P-111
Phone: (201) 301-1592
Department Chair: Amy Diaz MBA,RT(R)(T)(ARRT)
Department Secretary: Esmeralda Armendariz
Our Mission
The mission of the paramedic science program at Bergen Community College is to train students to deliver emergency critical care treatment and advanced life support in the field to become certified paramedics. An emergency medical technician (EMT) provides basic life support to patients in the pre-hospital environment. Paramedics bring the emergency department to the field by providing critical treatment and advanced life support — equivalent to treatments offered in the first 15-20 minutes of care in the emergency room. Paramedics and EMTs, both EMS practitioners, work cohesively to stabilize the patient’s condition during emergency transport and transfer.
The program’s curriculum employs a workforce development model. Students complete all general education courses in the first year followed by core courses in the second year. Students can also easily transfer completed general education courses that meet transfer guideline criteria. During field assignments, students fulfill externship hours on paramedic units three days per week in varied geographic response areas. Through integrated instruction, laboratory and clinical experience, students strengthen skills and bridge knowledge gaps.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation Of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions.
Career Paths
The Health Professions Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in paramedic science is designed to provide students with the coursework and training needed to enter into the field as a certified paramedic. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in paramedic science. Once students complete the program, they are prepared to take the paramedic licensure exam. Once students pass the licensure exam and requirements, they become a certified paramedic. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in paramedic science may consider transfer opportunities into other allied health and science majors. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.