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Ulster County is teaming up with SUNY Cobleskill Agricultural and Technical College to launch a new emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic training program, aiming to bolster the region’s first responder workforce. The partnership, approved by the county legislature on Tuesday (March 18), will keep advanced EMT and paramedic education local for the first time, allowing residents to train and certify at the highest level without leaving Ulster County.
According to NEWS10 ABC, the initiative is part of the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services’ EMS Enhancement and Stabilization Plan. In 2025, the county’s Division of Emergency Medical Services received course sponsorship from the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, permitting local EMT courses at the basic level. With the new partnership, training will now extend through the advanced levels up to paramedic certification.
Everett Erichsen, Ulster County Commissioner of Emergency Services, said, "Bringing paramedic education to Ulster County is a major step forward for our EMS system. This creates new opportunities for our EMTs, strengthens our local workforce, and helps ensure our communities receive the highest level of emergency medical care." He credited the progress to the division’s ongoing efforts and the support of County Executive Jen Metzger.
The first class is set to begin in August, welcoming up to 15 students, with graduation expected in August 2027. The program’s location in Ulster County will be announced once finalized. According to the Daily Dispatch, the goal is to provide field-ready paramedics in about one year after the program starts.
SUNY Cobleskill’s Paramedic Education Program, established in 1996, is recognized statewide for its quality training. The new partnership is expected to address local shortages of EMTs and paramedics while giving Ulster County residents more direct access to advanced emergency medical education.
For more information about the SUNY Cobleskill program, visit SUNY Cobleskill Paramedic Education Program.