What It Takes to Become a Paramedic

Do you have what it takes to become a paramedic?

Paramedics are often among the first to arrive at the scene when there has been an accident or emergency requiring immediate medical attention.  Automobile accidents, childbirths and heart attacks are just a few of the life-and-death situations that you may encounter.

It is not for the faint of heart yet a job as a paramedic is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.  You may have the opportunity to help save a life or at the very least alleviate pain and suffering.  Becoming a paramedic is not easy either but the first time you help deliver a baby or administer CPR successfully you will realize that it’s all worth it.

There are several steps in becoming a paramedic.  It all starts with training as an Emergency Medical Technician or EMT.

Become an EMT-Basic

The first level of training in your journey to becoming a paramedic is to take a basic certification course for EMT or Emergency Medical Technician.  The course takes about 120 to 150 hours.  You will learn how to quickly respond to the needs of injured patients.  You will learn how to assess their medical condition and provide the first-aid medical care they need.  One of the requirements for EMT-Basic is to become certified in CPR.

In addition to patient assessment, your EMT training will include coursework in emergency skills such as basic medical first aid and cardiac emergencies.  You will also become familiar with the use of basic emergency medical equipments like stretchers, splints, backboards, and suction devices.

After you have completed your basic EMT training, you will be required to take a written test as well as a practical exam.  The EMT certification test is goverened by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).  Upon passing the test, you become a Registered EMT Basic.

Earn Paramedic Certification

EMTs and paramedics must earn a certification at all levels.  The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians administers an exam that you must take and pass as part of the steps in becoming a paramedic.  You may also take a state-administered exam.

Paramedics have to renew their certification every two years.  This ensures that you continue your education and keep abreast of the latest developments in your field of work.  Paramedics can take refresher and continuing education courses.

EMT Job

You must work in the field as an EMT Basic in order to gain the experience required for a paramedic training program.  The basic knowledge you have can get you a job in a hospital or local ambulance service.  You will have to work as an EMT for a year or a year and a half to gain the experience you need to become a paramedic.  You can also volunteer with the local fire department or CERT (Community Emergency Response Team).  Check with the local hospital and find out if they need any volunteers for the ambulance crew.

Paramedic Course

As an EMT you receive basic training on how to save a person’s life.  In becoming a paramedic, you will need more extensive training in the anatomy of the human body and medical skills.  You will also learn about physiology, fractures, trauma, gunshot wounds, injections, IV injections and many more.  You will become familiar with the operation of more complex medical equipment.

There are many community and state colleges that offer training for you to become a certified paramedic.  Some hospitals also offer a paramedic certificate program.  While you can complete an EMT course in 150 hours, a paramedic training program takes 750 hours to 1,500 hours.  Your training will take place in the classroom and in the field.

Aside from a certificate program, you can also earn an associate degree.  There are schools that offer an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Care Paramedic program.

A paramedic course is extensive and detailed and most schools have strict requirements.  In addition to the minimum one year experience as a practicing EMT-B, you may be required to submit proof of the number of calls you have responded to.  Part of your training as a paramedic requires that you become certified in Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Working as a Paramedic

Whenever there is an emergency paramedics are usually dispatched to the scene where they may work alongside police and fire department personnel.  They provide the appropriate emergency care to victims.  If necessary, they can provide transport to a medical facility.

In becoming a paramedic, you are qualified to administer drugs orally or intravenously.  They are also trained to interpret EKGs and perform endotracheal intubations.  Minor injuries can be treated at the scene.  For more complicated medical problems, paramedics can administer emergency treatment under the direction of medical doctors by radio, before or during transport.

When you are a paramedic you cannot choose your working conditions.  Paramedics and EMTs work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather, at all hours of the day.  Paramedics have to be physically strong as they may be required to do some kneeling, running, bending, or heavy lifting.

Paramedics can be employed by hospitals where they work 40 to 60 hours per week, or the local fire department where they may work 40 to 50-hour work weeks.  Private ambulance services also employ paramedics who typically work 45 to 50 hours per week.

It is interesting to note that a growing number of fire departments in the United States now require their applicants to become paramedics before they can take the examination.

Job Outlook and Paramedic Salary

EMTs are often volunteers and receive no compensation for their services.  Paramedics, on the other hand, are often paid full-time. There is a growing demand for paramedic services and this career is expected to grow faster than other occupations.  A paramedic typically earns up to $70,000 a year.  Compare this with the EMT salary range which is roughly between $35,000 and $48,000 annually.

The need for paramedics is constantly growing because of urbanization and population growth.  Becoming a paramedic may be very demanding but for the right person becoming a paramedic will lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career in the medical field.

How to find the best school for an online paramedic program

An Online paramedic program lets students learn from their homes with the use of internet and a computer or laptop. The programs are designed in such a way that students can interact with the instructor and other students. Students can also replay class sessions as each class is recorded. Other classes are live while some are pre recorded. Interested individuals can take an online paramedic program for both degree and certificate programs. The Online paramedic program is best for students who are studying or working because they can choose to take the classes at their most convenient time and place.

Examinations are completed at the local facilities or using a secure server so students can take the exam at home or other convenient locations. A Student who is taking an online paramedic program must take field rotations to accumulate experience in an emergency field and must take other online courses such as First aid and CPR; Medical terminology is where students learn the correct terminology of medications, diseases and body parts, Cardiology where students study physiology and anatomy which are very useful in paramedics.

There are schools that offer an online paramedic program and each school has a unique design of their programs. Some schools let students use a headset with a microphone and noise canceling feature. Each student will be provided with a log in Id and needs to log in to interact with the instructor and the other students. One school has a specially designed program that lets students raise a question or discuss a topic by pressing a button which will let him talk and everybody in the virtual room can hear and join the conversation.

Handouts and other documents are also provided to students taking online paramedic program so they can study and learn more. Another school that offers an online paramedic program lets students take quizzes and assignments online using a secure online server. Another school offers an online paramedic program with very flexible schedule that is held every Monday and Wednesday for four hours a day and laboratory sessions and other hands on activities are held for 8 hours every Saturday.

There are several things that an interested individual must consider when finding the most reputable and trusted school that offers an online paramedic program. The tuition fee, miscellaneous, terms and payment options are one of the most important factors. One should also check if the school has knowledgeable and highly trained instructors.

The best school should also offer a curriculum that has a high pass rate for graduate students who have taken the certification examination. One must also seek for a school with modern facilities and innovative programs. The school’s support system is also very important. An ideal school must show support during and after completion of the online paramedic program. After comparing the benefits and features of schools that offer an online paramedic program, the next step is to download the application form from the school’s official website and provide all the important information.