Staten Island University Hospital EMT Training Program Scholarship Awardees Announced

August 11, 2026 Northwell Health 0 Charity, Economy And Finances, Education, Equality, Health, Jobs and Careers, Morality and Ethics, Staten Island Families, Staten Island News, Staten Islander Exclusive

Editor’s note: One of our questions to Northwell/SIUH related to which New York authorized EMS provider they would be working with. This relates to the pay parity issue, which we covered on two separate occasions. First was a release by EMSPAC before the previous mayor, Mayor Adams, left office. The second was an interview with a representative from EMSPAC about this same issue of pay parity. In essence, an EMT can work for the City and, at least for the first several years, earn about the same that they could working for McDonald’s or another fast-food restaurant. At one they risk their lives (literally) and saving the lives of others; at the other they are making food for people, the healthfulness of which is questionable. But they both at this time pay about the same starting out.

We asked the following questions about this scholarship program, questions in bold, answers in italics:

Were the students all from Staten Island, or were they from surrounding boroughs or other areas as well?

I do not have that information to share.

Also, will they be joining a private EMS unit or is this part of FDNY EMS?

That is up to each individual graduate. They pursue employment opportunities on their own.

SIUH scholarship graduates. Image Credit – SIUH/Northwell

Nine graduates complete Staten Island University Hospital’s EMT Scholarship Program

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Nine aspiring emergency medical technicians are ready to begin careers serving their communities after graduating from Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) EMT Scholarship Program on July 9. 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.

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, with more than five graduates going on to join SIUH’s ambulance service.

“Today’s graduation celebrates far more than the completion of a training program,” said Meagan Sills, SVP & 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.”