Paramedic Career Road Map

A paramedic is in most cases the first at scene in a emergency situation. To become a paramedic, one is required to be certified and licensed their selected state. However most work is in field yet some paramedics can be assigned to deal with minor injuries in hospitals. The Formal education duration will take around 2 years to complete followed by exams.

This article will outline the standard process of becoming a paramedic. Some states vary in terms of requirements to start a paramedic training program. But the majority of states will follow the procedure of something exact or similar to what is outlined beneath.

Step 1: Meeting The Requirements for EMT Training

Anyone who is interested in becoming a paramedic, must first go through emt training. In order to enrol in emt training one must possess a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age.  Some states also requires that you have a driver’s license .

Applicants are also required to pass a physical exam and undergo a screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis B. It’s also required that the person has a clear record in terms of criminal activity.

Step 2: EMT-Basic Training

EMT-Basic training is the first step in becoming a paramedic. EMT-basic training can be found at most 2-year and community colleges. EMT-Basic training will cover mostly cardiac emergencies, airway management, trauma and patient assessment.

EMT-Basic technicians will be able to assess trauma, manage airways and be able to provide advanced first aid. One must complete EMT-basic training before one can move on to more advanced levels of training.

Step 3: EMT Intermediate Training

EMT Intermediate training expands  on the EMT-B training program and prepares you for the more advanced Paramedic Training. A requirement for EMTs at the intermediate level varies from each state.

It  can take around 30-350 hours to complete the formal education. As an EMT-Intermediate one has the training and ability to administer intravenous fluids, administer appropriate medications and analyze heart rhythms . A minority of states does however not require you to participate in EMT Intermediate training – in those states you can directly jump to paramedic training. Please check each states requirements to be sure.

Step 4: Paramedic Training

The Paramedic training program covers  advanced medical skills as well as anatomy and physiology. The training program will usually takes 4 semesters to complete which is around 2 years. It is he highest level one can reach within the field.

Students will have to participate in ambulance runs, clinical rotations and classroom study. So having experience working either as a EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate would be an advantage. A paramedic can perform all the duties of  emt-basic and emt-intermediates. In addition they can read EKGs, use sophisticated medical equipments and perform endotracheal intubations.

Step 5: Become Certified

In order to earn Certification and license as a paramedic, the student must successfully pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians(NREMT) exam.

There are some states which also offer their own state certificate exams for paramedics and do not use the NREMT for certification and licensure. It is generally require that licensure should be renewed every 2-3 years. Continuing education and refresher courses are often required by individual states, to make sure one is qualified and is up to date with paramedic procedures.

Tags: career, emt training, paramedic training, road map

By Jack in Paramedic Training in Alabama on October 10, 2011