Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Paramedic Program Paramedic
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, first accredited in 2012 with continual accreditation forward, and continues to be a valuable asset to the department today.
Goals
"To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession."
In addition to preparing competent entry-level Paramedics, the program strives to develop graduates who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, professional behaviors, and clinical decision-making abilities necessary to successfully complete the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services credentialing process and function effectively within the local EMS system.
Accreditation
"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)."
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: (214) 703-8445
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.
Student Outcomes for National Registry Exams, Retention, and Positive Placement
CoAEMSP standards require HCDFRS publicly report our Paramedic program's student outcomes for national registry exams, retention, and positive placement.
Paramedic Class 8, 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.
Paramedic Class 9, 2023:
National Registry written exam: 100%
Retention: 80%
Positive job placement: 100%
Paramedic Class 10, 2024:
National Registry written exam: 100%
Retention: 75%
Positive job placement: 100%
2025:
No graduates during the 2025 reporting year.
Paramedic Class 11, 2026:
National Registry written exam: 100%
Retention: 75%
Positive job placement: 100%
Paramedic Class 12, In-Progress for 2027
Paramedic Certificate
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Paramedic Program offers an Emergency Medical Services Professions - Paramedic Certificate designed to prepare individuals for advanced pre-hospital emergency care roles.
Program Outcomes and Credentialing
Successful completion of the program does not guarantee eligibility for state licensure, certification, employment, or successful completion of the National Registry examination. Graduates must meet all requirements established by the Maryland EMS Board, MIEMSS, and applicable credentialing agencies.
Program Information
As an employer-based, in-house educational program, current students, prospective students, and affiliated agency personnel (career and volunteer) may contact the Program Director using the contact information listed below to request a copy of the Student Policy and Procedure Handbook.
The Student Policy and Procedure Handbook contains detailed information regarding program requirements, policies, and procedures, including, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Admissions Policies and Practices – Eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and application procedures.
- Technical Standards – Required cognitive, psychomotor, behavioral, and physical abilities necessary for successful program completion.
- Occupational Risks – Safety considerations and potential hazards associated with EMS education, clinical experiences, and field internships.
- Advanced Placement and Credit Transfer – Policies regarding transfer credits, advanced placement, prior learning assessment, and recognition of experiential learning.
- Program Credit Requirements – Total credit and contact hour requirements necessary for program completion.
- Articulation Agreements – Information regarding agreements that facilitate the transfer of academic credit to partnering colleges and universities.
- Tuition and Fees – Estimated program costs, tuition, required materials, testing fees, and other associated expenses.
- Withdrawal and Refund Policies – Procedures for voluntary withdrawal, dismissal, and applicable refund guidelines.
- Student Grievance and Due Process Procedures – Processes for addressing concerns, appeals, and complaints.
- Clinical and Field Internship Assignments – Requirements, expectations, and processes for clinical and field placement assignments.
Contact Information
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Paramedic Program Director:
Donald L. Weigel, BA, NRP
Program Director
Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Paramedic Program
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