Interested in a career as a first responder? Do you relish the idea of performing life-saving medical procedures in the field?
If so, consider becoming a paramedic.
In this article, we'll talk about what it takes to pursue this exciting career path, including all educational requirements, as well as licensing and certification information.
What Does a Paramedic Do?
A paramedic is a first responder trained to provide pre-hospital patient care. They often work for fire departments or local emergency medical providers.
Paramedics often work together with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on ambulances or fire trucks. They have more training than EMTs, so they are in charge of providing more advanced care.
A paramedic may have many job duties, including:
- assessing patients for emergency health concerns
- providing advanced life support, such as defibrillator use, IV therapy, medication administration, and more
- providing emotional support to patients
- transporting patients to hospital emergency rooms
- writing patient care reports
Paramedics often work long or irregular shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. They are regularly exposed to bodily fluids and communicable diseases.
What Qualities Are Necessary to Become a Paramedic?
Working as a paramedic can be intense and stressful. Paramedics must have a great amount of emotional and mental stability to avoid burning out.
Paramedics have a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology. They must be able to quickly identify whether a patient is dying or in danger of dying and provide appropriate interventions.
Paramedics must be able to make decisions quickly and while under pressure. They must be decisive, confident, and have the ability to take the lead in an emergency situation.
Paramedics must be resilient and tough while also treating patients with compassion and empathy.
They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they must interact with patients from all walks of life, as well as other healthcare professionals.
So, do you have what it takes to become a paramedic? Follow the step-by-step career guide below.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
You must have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to enter a paramedic training program. This is a basic prerequisite.
While in school, consider taking classes in anatomy and physiology, biology, and life science. These classes will prepare you for various healthcare roles, including becoming a paramedic.
You may also decide to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree after school, although this is not necessary. If you choose this path, consider majoring in health sciences or a related field.
Step 2: Complete EMT Training
Most paramedics start their careers as EMTs. In some departments, paramedics must have at least six months of professional experience as an EMT to be hired as a paramedic.
EMT training programs consist of at least 170 hours of classroom training, as well as clinical experience working on an ambulance or in a hospital.
Advanced EMT training programs may require additional classroom and clinical hours and will teach more advanced skills that prepare you for becoming a paramedic.
After successfully completing an EMT training program, obtain EMT certification and licensure through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and your state, respectively.
Then, find a job as an EMT and gain practical, hands-on experience as you prepare to become a paramedic.
Step 3: Complete a Paramedic Training or Degree Program
Paramedic training programs are much longer than EMT programs; they require anywhere from 1,200 to 1,800 classroom hours and additional clinical hours. Some may require a field internship.
These training programs often last six to 12 months. They may be held at hospitals, community colleges, and city or county emergency service departments.
Paramedic training programs teach highly advanced skills, as paramedics are the most skilled medical professionals in pre-hospital settings.
Once you complete your paramedic training, you're ready to pursue the credentials necessary to begin working in the field.
Step 4: Get Certified and Licensed
Aspiring paramedics must seek certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
To do this, they must pass two exams — a hands-on skills test and a written test. You must pass the skills test in order to qualify for the written test.
Once you successfully pass the NREMT exams, you will be a nationally registered paramedic and can apply for licensure in your state.
Licensing requirements may vary by state, so find out what is required in your state ahead of time. In many cases, all you will have to do is submit an application, proof of training, and NREMT results.
Step 5: Complete Continuing Education
Once you are certified and licensed in your state, you can start looking for jobs as a paramedic. Throughout the course of your career, you will need to maintain your certification and license.
Your NREMT certification will need to be renewed every two years. To renew your certification, you will need to complete 60 hours of continuing education or pass a cognitive test.
Your state may also have requirements for maintaining your license. Find out what continuing education is necessary in your state.
It's best to complete all continuing education over the course of each two-year block, rather than trying to do it all right before recertifying.
You can receive continuing education credits by taking classes online or in person, as well as attending conferences and conventions.
Start Your Path to Becoming a Paramedic Today
Working as a paramedic is a fast-paced, challenging experience, but it can be extremely rewarding. If you think you have what it takes, consider becoming a paramedic today.
