ROXBURY & MARGARETVILLE — Roxbury Central School District and Margaretville Central School District are pleased to announce an exciting new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, set to launch for the 2026–2027 school year.
Developed by Roxbury Central School in partnership with Margaretville Hospital, this innovative program will provide high school seniors from both districts with access to hands-on training and real-world experience in emergency medical services. The program will initially operate as a local CTE offering, with plans to transition to a BOCES CTE program in the following year.
Michael Hochman, Executive Director of Margaretville Hospital and Mountainside Residential Care Center, shared that Margaretville Hospital has secured a federal grant to support the administration of the EMT course. The grant will cover instructional staffing, materials, supplies, classroom space, and related program costs. The only expense not covered under the grant is the required digital textbook.
This half-day senior program, designed by Roxbury Superintendent Stacy Ward, will prepare students for both immediate employment and continued education in healthcare fields. Students will engage in a combination of classroom instruction, lab-based training, and real-world emergency simulations.
“This has been an exciting opportunity to develop a program that brings real-world skills and meaningful career pathways to our students,” said Roxbury Superintendent Stacy Ward. “We are hopeful that this offering will not only benefit students as they prepare for future careers, but also strengthen and support the broader community.”
Coursework will include patient assessment techniques, emergency response procedures, treatment of medical and traumatic emergencies, safe patient handling, and effective communication in high-pressure situations. Through partnerships with local healthcare and emergency service providers, students will also benefit from valuable clinical experiences and career exploration opportunities.
Students must be 17 years old by September 10, 2026, to enroll in the program. Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to pursue industry-recognized certification aligned with New York State Department of Health standards and will have up to one year to take the New York State EMT-Basic Certification Exam; however, students must be at least 18 years old to sit for the certification test.
“This program represents an exciting opportunity for our students to explore rewarding careers while gaining life-saving skills,” said Margaretville Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt. “Through this partnership, students will graduate better prepared to make a difference in their communities. We are especially grateful to Stacy Ward for her expertise and persistence in helping make this opportunity possible for our students.”
The EMT CTE program is open to high school seniors interested in healthcare or emergency services who are motivated to engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
For more information about the program, please contact Stacy Ward at wards@roxburycsd.org
