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How to become a paramedic?
Tell us everything we need to do to become a paramedic.
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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2 answers
Nikki .
Emergency Room Nurse
10
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Nikki’s Answer
To become a paramedic in the US, you must get your high school diploma or GED.
Then you need to become an EMT basic. Any state approved program is suitable. Many are run through community colleges as well as private companies depending on the state but make sure they are state approved by checking with the state health department or whichever department grants EMT licenses in your state. Some employers will contract with you to provide the funds or EMT basic training in exchange for service upon graduation. Firefighters also usually include EMT certification as a part of training.
Some EMT schools will require CPR cerification upon application while others include it in class. There also may be background checks, vaccination and health requirements that vary from school to school.
After graduating from EMT school you will have to sit a national examination called the NREMT although a few states allow licensure with only a state exam. Following the test you can apply for your state EMT basic license which requires a background check and fingerprinting.
Most paramedic programs require some work or volunteer experience as an EMT basic. It is recommended to work for a while before applying to paramedic school.
When applying to a paramedic school, just as with EMT basic, it can be through any state approved program and many companies will pay for their employees to advance to paramedics in exchange for service. It is often times an associates degree at community college. There are also a few bachelors degree programs that include paramedic certification (at the University of New Mexico for example).
The same process occurs upon graduation with national or state testing followed by applying for state licensure.
Then you need to become an EMT basic. Any state approved program is suitable. Many are run through community colleges as well as private companies depending on the state but make sure they are state approved by checking with the state health department or whichever department grants EMT licenses in your state. Some employers will contract with you to provide the funds or EMT basic training in exchange for service upon graduation. Firefighters also usually include EMT certification as a part of training.
Some EMT schools will require CPR cerification upon application while others include it in class. There also may be background checks, vaccination and health requirements that vary from school to school.
After graduating from EMT school you will have to sit a national examination called the NREMT although a few states allow licensure with only a state exam. Following the test you can apply for your state EMT basic license which requires a background check and fingerprinting.
Most paramedic programs require some work or volunteer experience as an EMT basic. It is recommended to work for a while before applying to paramedic school.
When applying to a paramedic school, just as with EMT basic, it can be through any state approved program and many companies will pay for their employees to advance to paramedics in exchange for service. It is often times an associates degree at community college. There are also a few bachelors degree programs that include paramedic certification (at the University of New Mexico for example).
The same process occurs upon graduation with national or state testing followed by applying for state licensure.
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
I remember the early days when I was among the first wave of paramedics in New York City. Things have certainly evolved since then. Now, I find myself in sunny Florida, working intimately with aspiring paramedics, conducting their physical exams, and guiding them on their journey.
The path to becoming a paramedic varies from state to state. Some states offer programs exclusively through their state academy, while others operate more like a community college. In the latter, you'll need to secure acceptance into the school before embarking on your training journey. Some programs might suggest that you complete an EMT program initially, but it's not a hard and fast rule, as they often incorporate this into their training regimen.
Becoming a paramedic is indeed a rewarding pursuit. It's a thrilling ride, filled with moments of danger, exhaustion, and even physical strain (so remember to look after yourself!). However, don't think that ambulance-related work is your only option.
Once, I found myself in a temporary position on an oil tanker. My main role was to be on standby for emergencies and to keep the crew up-to-date with basic first aid and CPR. This adventure took me from New York to the West Coast, and then on a breathtaking journey to Alaska. Everything was taken care of, and the experience was priceless, something money could never buy. So, as you can see, the life of a paramedic can take you places you've never imagined!
The path to becoming a paramedic varies from state to state. Some states offer programs exclusively through their state academy, while others operate more like a community college. In the latter, you'll need to secure acceptance into the school before embarking on your training journey. Some programs might suggest that you complete an EMT program initially, but it's not a hard and fast rule, as they often incorporate this into their training regimen.
Becoming a paramedic is indeed a rewarding pursuit. It's a thrilling ride, filled with moments of danger, exhaustion, and even physical strain (so remember to look after yourself!). However, don't think that ambulance-related work is your only option.
Once, I found myself in a temporary position on an oil tanker. My main role was to be on standby for emergencies and to keep the crew up-to-date with basic first aid and CPR. This adventure took me from New York to the West Coast, and then on a breathtaking journey to Alaska. Everything was taken care of, and the experience was priceless, something money could never buy. So, as you can see, the life of a paramedic can take you places you've never imagined!