Larel
How many years does it take to be a paramedic?
#paramedic
4 answers
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
HOW TO BECOME AN EMT OR PARAMEDIC
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics typically complete a post-secondary educational program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed; requirements vary by state.
• Both a high school diploma or equivalent and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification typically are required for entry into post-secondary educational programs in emergency medical technology. Most of these programs are non-degree award programs that can be completed in less than 1 year; others last up to 2 years. Paramedics, however, may need an associate’s degree. Programs in emergency medical technology are offered by technical institutes, community colleges, universities, and facilities that specialize in emergency care training. Some states have EMR positions that do not require national certification. These positions typically require state certification.
• Paramedics have the most advanced level of education. To enter specific paramedical training programs, they must already be EMT certified. Community colleges and universities may offer these programs, which require about 1,200 hours of instruction and may lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Paramedics’ broader scope of practice may include stitching wounds or administering intravenous medications.
COURSES TO TAKE WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL
• High school students interested in becoming EMTs or paramedics should take courses in anatomy and physiology and consider becoming certified in CPR.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
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David George
David’s Answer
Larel, it looks like they are about a year long now. I highly recommend the two year associate degree programs. I also recommend riding along with the paramedics, especially in New York City. You will know real quick, if that’s what you want to do. I did this when I was 18 and I knew right away that’s what I wanted to do. You can contact your local EMS and ask to speak to a supervisor. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.
Jennifer Paschal
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Larel!
I am in no way qualified to give you a definite answer on this but I saw your question and got curious to learn more about paramedics. So I did some research and I found out the general sequence of events to become a paramedic...
1) graduate with a high school diploma or obtain your GED
2) become EMT-Basic certified
3) pass a licensing exam
4) gain work experience (it looks like 1-3 years is the norm)
5) complete a paramedic training program (looks like 1-2 years is the norm)
6) obtain state licensure
Here is one of the resources I used to find this information: https://study.com/articles/EMT_-_Paramedic_How_to_Become_a_Paramedic.html
I hope this helps!
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Montressa Johnson
Montressa’s Answer
Great question! You can become an EMT and get your hours then you can start Paramedic school/training within two years of being an EMT. They want you have some experience before moving up.