Essential Information
In paramedic certificate programs, students take both lecture and clinical courses covering areas such as airway control, advanced life support and pharmacology. Programs vary in length but generally take 8-17 months.
Applicants must hold current emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, and they may need to have work experience and to pass health, drug and background checks. To become certified, graduates must pass a national licensing exam and complete any applicable state requirements. Continuing education and re-certification are normally required.
Certificate Programs for Paramedics
This type of program typically includes traditional classroom instruction, laboratory practice and clinical experience components. Coursework may cover:
- Human anatomy
- Airway control
- Physiology
- Managing medical emergencies
- Trauma emergencies
- Special needs patients
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to 2019-2029 BLS projections, employment for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow by 6%. Two contributing factors are a greater number of emergency calls coming from an increasing elderly population, and the increase of specialized medical facilities will require paramedics and EMTs to get patients with special needs to those facilities. Individuals with advanced credentials should have the most opportunities. May 2019 data from the BLS indicated that EMTs and paramedics earned an annual average salary of $38,830.
Certification and Continuing Education Information
Paramedics must be licensed in each state; however, state licensing requirements vary. The BLS reported that certification from NREMT suffices for many states, but some require paramedics to pass a state exam. To earn NREMT paramedic certification, candidates must be 18 years old, hold current basic level NREMT certification or state certification, complete an approved paramedic training program and have a current professional-level cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Students can further their studies by taking additional courses to earn an associate degree. Additionally, some credits may transfer to other health-related bachelor's degree programs, such as health science or health care administration.
In conclusion, students wanting to complete a certificate program for paramedics will not only engage in classroom courses, but also laboratory classes and clinical experience. Graduates will be prepared to seek national certification and state licensure.
