Carol Ann Benanti
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Trained in the fast-paced environment at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital , this year’s graduating class of medical technicians combines rigorous academic study with hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical practice.
Skilled professionals, they’re ready to perform complex diagnostic testing, maintain strict safety standards and support patient care with speed and accuracy. They are ready to begin careers serving their communities after graduating from SIUH’s EMT Scholarship Program in July.
The graduates completed five months of intensive classroom instruction, hands-on training and clinical education designed to prepare them for the fast-paced demands of emergency medical services.
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The graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the scholarship recipients while highlighting SIUH’s continued investment in developing the next generation of emergency medical professionals for Staten Island and beyond.
Since the program launched in 2021, 59 students have graduated from the EMT Scholarship Program.
“Today’s graduation celebrates far more than the completion of a training program,” said Meagan Sills , senior vice president and hospital president of SIUH. “Each graduate has demonstrated remarkable commitment, balancing months of rigorous coursework, practical training and personal responsibilities in preparation for a career dedicated to serving others. Programs like this create meaningful opportunities for members of our community while strengthening the future of emergency medical care.”
Throughout the program, students developed the clinical knowledge and practical skills required of emergency medical technicians, including patient assessment, emergency response, teamwork, communication, critical thinking and leadership. The curriculum combined classroom education with hands-on experience, preparing graduates to respond confidently and compassionately during medical emergencies.
The scholarship program is made possible through the generosity of the Ollis family, whose ongoing support helps remove financial barriers for individuals pursuing careers in emergency medical services. During the ceremony, hospital leaders recognized the family’s continued commitment to expanding access to education and strengthening the local emergency care workforce.
Sills also thanked the hospital’s ambulance leadership team, instructors and community partners, including the Training Institute for Medical Emergencies and Rescue (TIMER), for their dedication to mentoring students throughout the program.
“Becoming an EMT requires compassion, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure,” Sills said. “These graduates are prepared to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. We look forward to seeing the impact they will have throughout our community and hope many will return to SIUH as members of our emergency medicine team.”
As the graduates begin the next chapter of their careers, they join a growing network of SIUH-trained EMTs dedicated to delivering compassionate, lifesaving care across Staten Island and the surrounding region.
“As EMTs, you will be the first to answer the call when someone is facing one of the worst moments of their life,” said Michael Caridi , chair of the Staten Island Regional Executive Council . “You’ll make quick decisions, provide critical care and bring reassurance during emergencies. The work you do will have a lasting impact on the people and communities you serve.”
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