how to take a paramedic course

by Anabelle Pfeffer Sr. 7 min read

How to Become a Paramedic/EMT

  1. Complete EMT Basic Training Both EMTs and paramedics must obtain CPR certification. Organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association regularly provide CPR training. ...
  2. Pass a National or State Exam to Become Certified EMTs and paramedics both need state certification to practice. Some states require a state-specific certification exam. ...
  3. Complete Advanced EMT Training (Optional) Some EMTs complete additional training. These advanced courses do not qualify EMTs to become paramedics. ...
  4. Complete a Two-Year Degree Program (Optional)

The first of the training requirements to be a paramedic is to get certified as an EMT-B, which is the first and most basic level of EMT training. The EMT-B training is available through many community colleges and other institutions. It usually takes about six months to complete the 120 to 150 hours of training.

What education do I need to be a paramedic?

  • Important Facts About This Occupation
  • Educational Options. Paramedic training programs may be found at a community college or technical school. You can also pursue an associate's degree.
  • Licensure. Every state requires that paramedics be licensed. ...

What training is needed to be a paramedic?

To provide advanced medical care to patients in the field, paramedics must:

  • Complete high school or earn a GED
  • Do 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training, including basic EMT training, intermediate EMT training and paramedic training
  • Get certified by passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam (NREMT) and the National Registry Paramedic cognitive exam
  • Passing a state licensing exam, if applicable

More items...

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic?

You can get ready for the paramedic entry exam by:

  • Preparing: Register as a paramedic in whichever province you wish to practice.
  • Training: Complete an EMR training program recognized by your provincial regulator. ...
  • Writing: Pass the licensing exam. ...
  • Applying: Submit your application approximately seven weeks before the exam date.

How long does it take to become a paramedic?

Typically, a paramedic program can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete. At the Goodwin College Paramedic Program, for example, the hours of education and experience you’ll receive breaks down like this: 670 hours for classroom time; 360 hours for clinical rotations; 225 hours for field internship.

What do you need to be paramedic?

To practise as a paramedic, you'll first need to successfully complete an approved degree in paramedic science or with an apprenticeship degree. You'll then need to apply to an ambulance service as a qualified paramedic and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

How do I become a paramedic in Alberta?

A current list of approved programs is posted on the Alberta College of Paramedics website. In general, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have obtained a Standard First Aid certificate and CPR certification at the Basic Rescuer Level (C) within the previous year.

How much does a paramedic course cost in South Africa?

How Much Will Paramedic School in South Africa Cost? The cost of your courses will vary a lot based on what you're trying to achieve. For those seeking to enroll in a Basic Ambulance Assistant course, you can expect to pay anything from R8500. 00 if you're a full-time student to R9000.

How much does a paramedic get paid in Alberta?

Paramedical occupationsWages*Low (5th percentile)AverageStarting$20.00$30.32Overall$20.50$34.24Top$21.25$37.50

How long is the paramedic program in Alberta?

2 YearsLength: 2 Years With a typical full-time course load, this program will take 2 Years to complete.

Can I study paramedic without matric?

In most cases, no you cannot become a paramedic without a matric certificate. EMT training for paramedics you unfortunately do need to have a matric certificate. Once you have your matric certificate, there are different paths that can be taken such as studying full-time or getting in-service training.

Which University offers paramedic course in South Africa?

Universities Offering Paramedic TrainingUniversity of Johannesburg: National Diploma: Emergency Medical Care, B Tech: Emergency Medical Care, 4-year Bachelor: Emergency Medical Care.Durban University of Technology (DUT): NDip: EMC, BTech: EMC, MTech: EMC.Nelson Mandela University (NMU): Bachelor of EMC.More items...

Which University offers paramedic in South Africa?

the University of JohannesburgStudy Emergency Medical Care Department of Emergency Medical Care (EMC) at the University of Johannesburg offers various programmes in the field of emergency care.

How old do you have to be to become a paramedic?

Becoming a Paramedic. To start, the easiest requirement to "achieve" is that you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Then there are required courses, exams, and experiences to fulfill to be able to successfully apply for a job as a paramedic.

How long does it take to become an EMT?

EMT courses may take less than six months, but Paramedic courses can take up to a year to complete and typically require 1,200 to 1,800 hours. RELATED: Paramedic to RN Programs.

How much do paramedics make?

As of May 2018, the average annual salary for EMTs and Paramedics was $34,320. While they are grouped together within the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paramedics typically make more on average than EMTs, with a salary range of between $38,000 and $48,000.

Do paramedics work overtime?

Many paramedics will often work odd hours, outside of the typical 9-5 window, and may need to work overtime. Since emergencies such as car crashes, violence, and health issues such as heart attacks are sure to continue, there will be an ongoing need for this type of trained emergency personnel.

How many years of college do paramedics need?

Paramedics who wish to advance their careers may elect to enroll in a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Bachelor’s degree graduates often procure jobs as healthcare administrators, paramedic training managers, or clinical supervisors.

How many hours do paramedics need to be certified?

Paramedics must complete 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training to qualify for certification. Paramedics take the NREMT and the National Registry Paramedic cognitive exam.

What skills do paramedics need to be good communicators?

This is a fast-paced career that demands workers have strong critical thinking skills to make snap decisions about how to treat patients. EMTs and paramedics must be excellent communicators: good listening helps them understand what each patient needs, while strong verbal skills allow them to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.

What software do paramedics use?

Some of the technologies they use include medical software like MedDataSolutions Regist*r, and information retrieval software—such as TechOnSoftware HazMatCE Pro, Epocrates software, and HyperTox.

How long does it take to become an EMT?

Becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic typically takes one to three years, depending on your career goals and educational path. EMT training focuses on life support techniques for first-response situations, including CPR, tourniquet application, and wound treatment. Paramedics perform more advanced procedures than EMTs ...

What is an online paramedic school?

Online paramedic schools are a convenient option for students who want to receive EMT training that can easily fit into their schedules. These programs allow students to combine online classes with in-person training, providing both theoretical and hands-on education.

How much do paramedics make?

Paramedic/EMT Salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paramedics and EMTs earn a median salary of $36,650 per year. However, paramedics typically have a higher earning potential and more professional opportunities than EMTs. The highest-earning 10% of EMTs and paramedics make more than $62,150 per year.

What is the training required to become a paramedic?

Training to become a paramedic requires a willingness to learn everything there is to know about emergency medical treatment , and working as one requires the ability to stay calm and composed in emergency situations. Paramedics respond to 911 calls, rush to the scene in a helicopter or ambulance, assess the situation, and administer lifesaving medical assistance.

How long does it take to get a paramedic license?

Paramedic programs vary, both in scope and length of duration. Some are accelerated and take only six months to complete, whereas others can take up to two years and result in an associate degree upon completion.

What do paramedics need to know about airway management?

Airway Management. Paramedics must know how to provide basic airway management and resuscitation while on the job. They must know how to perform procedures safely and effectively on adults, children, and infants. The airway management techniques that you'll learn include orotracheal intubation, laryngoscopy, fiberoptic intubation, ...

What do paramedics do?

Paramedics respond to 911 calls, rush to the scene in a helicopter or ambulance, assess the situation, and administer lifesaving medical assistance. As a paramedic, you’ll determine the right course of treatment based on each situation. You may need to stop bleeding injuries and bandage wounds, administer IV medications, perform intubations, ...

What is the first class you take in anatomy and physiology?

Body Systems. One of the first classes you'll take is an introductory course on anatomy and physiology. This course will teach you about all 11 systems in the human body, so you'll learn how the body is structured and how it functions. You'll also learn pathophysiology, which is the study on how the body maintains homeostasis ...

What are the requirements to be a paramedic?

This means that the requirements to be a paramedic include strong leadership skills and the ability to perform complex life-saving functions in extremely stressful crisis situations.

How many years of college do I need to become a paramedic?

The educational requirements to be a paramedic are rigorous. Many community colleges have two-year degree programs in paramedic training. Oftentimes there’s a pre-requisite of college-level biology, math and English in order to be accepted in a paramedic program.

What is the job of a paramedic in 2021?

A paramedic is the highest level of EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification. A paramedic's job is to perform advanced life support (ALS), which includes administering IV fluids, injections, ...

What is EMS 101?

EMS 101 articles are intended to educate a non-emergency medical services audience about the emergency medical services profession. These articles are written by EMS1 staff members and EMS1 contributors, and cover a wide range of topics from EMS protocols all paramedics & EMTs should follow to an overview of the necessary requirements for becoming a paramedic.

What is the role of paramedics in rescue?

A paramedic also performs many of the same functions as a basic EMT, such as treating wounds, performing CPR, delivering babies, and performing patient assessments. Paramedics are often the lead member of a rescue team, with the most training and the most decision making power.

How long does it take to become an EMT?

The EMT-B training is available through many community colleges and other institutions. It usually takes about six months to complete the 120 to 150 hours of training.

How many hours do you need to be an EMT?

Most people work as EMTs for a couple of years to get some experience before undergoing the additional 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training to become a paramedic.

How to get a paramedic certification?

Get certified by passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam (NREMT) and the National Registry Paramedic cognitive exam. Passing a state licensing exam, if applicable. Renew certifications and licensure every two or three years through continuing education courses.

What is the training required for paramedics?

Paramedic training includes classroom learning, clinical rotations and ambulance runs. It covers advanced medical skills, anatomy and physiology, how to read EKGs, how to perform endotracheal intubations and how to use a wide range of sophisticated equipment. 5. Pass exams and get licensed.

What do paramedics learn?

These first responders learn how to manage medical emergencies and how to perform advanced life-support measures on people who need emergent medical help. Knowing what education is required to be a paramedic and how long it may take you can help you determine if this is the first responder role that's right for your career goals. In this article, we discuss what a paramedic is and does, the schooling and other requirements to become a paramedic and the steps to become a paramedic.

How many hours of training do paramedics need?

To provide advanced medical care to patients in the field, paramedics must: Complete high school or earn a GED. Do 1,200 to 1,800 hours of training, including basic EMT training, intermediate EMT training and paramedic training.

What is a paramedic?

A paramedic is a medically trained professional who is skilled in managing medical emergencies and treating trauma. Paramedics are usually the first care providers to arrive at the scene of an emergency and render life-saving treatment to suffering individuals, such as heart attack or car crash victims. While both paramedics and emergency medical ...

How long is the EMT course?

The intermediate EMT course takes approximately 350 training hours to complete and builds on the skill learned in the basic EMT course. Students learn how to analyze heart rhythms, administer medications and start an intravenous line. Requirements for intermediate EMTs can vary by state.

How old do you have to be to become an EMT?

1. Meet requirements for EMT training. To begin, you must be a minimum of 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or GED. Paramedic applicants usually have to pass a physical examination, get a background check and undergo screening for hepatitis B and tuberculosis. 2.

How many online paramedic programs are there?

As discussed earlier, there are currently only two online paramedic programs that are accredited by the CAAHEP, although several others are in the process of obtaining accreditation.

What is the scope of practice of a paramedic?

A paramedic's scope of practice, according to the NREMT, includes, "invasive and pharmacological interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with acute out-of-hospital medical and traumatic emergencies.". Paramedics may base care on their advanced assessment and formulation of a field impression.

What is required for NREMT certification?

Certification for all NREMT levels requires completion of a state-approved course. Therefore, students must be certain that any EMS-related course that they consider is approved by the state where they plan to work. Completion of a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program is mandatory for NREMT paramedic certification.

How long is an AEMT course?

These courses are typically around 18 weeks in length, involve coursework, practical labs and clinical field internships. AEMT programs are generally not offered in a self-paced format. Those that are may allow extended time (up to 11 months)for students to complete their coursework.

How many hours of training is required for an AEMT?

Programs for AEMTs typically require about 300 hours of instruction based on jurisdiction scope and practice.

What are the prerequisites for an EMT?

Prerequisites for beginning an EMT course are the same as those for anEMRs including the holding of a current CPR certification.

How long does it take to become an EMT?

EMT programs typically consist of 130 to 150 hours or more of class work and emergency medical experience and take from two to four months to complete. Many online courses, however allow students to work at their own pace with a six-month maximum time for completion.

What is the training required to be a paramedic?

Training to work as a Paramedic means you’ll be able to assist those with respiratory complications, open wounds, medication withdrawals, and other time-sensitive conditions until a doctor or specialist can take over. Paramedics have more experience in the field and additional training compared to a standard EMT.

How long does it take to become a paramedic?

The online coursework for the Paramedic program should be completed within 16 months. However many students complete the work in a shorter period of time. All components of the program – including coursework, hands-on Skills Labs, clinical / field experiences, and capstone internship – must be completed within 18 months.

What is the job of a lead paramedic in Texas?

You’ll serve as the Lead Paramedic on an ambulance at a 911 ambulance service in Texas, while providing direction to your peers and practicing at the highest level of EMS Care.

What is EMS school?

The Texas EMS School online learning environment emphasizes content, not class time. The Paramedic program is developed using adaptive learning technologies that assess what you already know and only provide homework assignments for areas in which you are struggling. That means that you can move forward as you master concepts and spend more time on content that addresses your weaknesses.

How old do you have to be to be an EMS in Texas?

Texas EMS School accepts Texas residents that are 18 years or older to participate in the Paramedic program. All students must have a valid state ID and hold an EMT-B certification or higher to qualify. We also ask that all participants have a high school diploma or equivalent level of education to enroll.

How many assignments can you complete in Texas EMS?

The Paramedic program offered through Texas EMS School calls for students to complete a minimum of seven online assignments per week. We don’t set class times, offering exceptional flexibility for work, school, and other obligations in your personal life.

Does EMS school have to break the bank?

Completing a Paramedic program doesn’t have to break the bank. Texas EMS School makes it easy to enroll in a 24-month financing plan to help you meet your financial goals. Pay the cost of your tuition in affordable installments while you work to start your new career.

How long does it take to become a paramedic?

On average, the paramedic program will take approximately two years to complete. Individuals may wish to begin with a general search of all colleges in the area that offer the paramedic program and compare each school.

What is the purpose of paramedic training?

This training also allows the paramedic to administer specific types of emergency care, including the administration of medicines that normally would not be included during regular emergency transportation, which can help prevent injury or death to the patient.

What is critical care paramedic?

A critical care paramedic will, in fact, receive the same basic training as that of a standard paramedic, along with specialized education that will allow them a greater ability to aid their patients should tragedy strike. The CCEMTP program gives the basic introductory training to medical professionals in dealing with several aspects ...

How many hours of schooling is required for critical care?

In general, the schooling involved in critical care careers will include up to 80 hours of in-class study and 100 hours ...

Do paramedics transport patients?

Often times during field work, paramedics find themselves transporting critically ill patients throughout the course of their day. This can include the transport of a patient from one hospital to another for further care. Although paramedics deal with the transport of these types of patients on a regular basis, ...

image