Paramedic – EMT Schools and Training
Deciding to become a paramedic takes time and a thorough evaluation of the requirements necessary to become a paramedic. The education process can take 18 to 24 months if pursuing this field full time. It is possible and often times necessary to pursue certification as a paramedic part time while working full time. If that is the route you are considering, your time investment may be up to 36 to 48 months. Consideration must also be given to the 12 months of required training on an ambulance or “field training”.
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The education component of paramedic training will include the following for stages:
• Basic training as an EMT-B.
• Working in an ambulance for 12 months.
• Taking preparatory classes at a paramedic school
• Enrolling full time in a paramedic training program
EMT-B training includes:
• Conduct preliminary diagnosis of patient
• Administer drugs and fluids in an emergency setting
• Apply manual defibrillators
• Insert emergency orotracheal equipment
• Transport patients without causing additional injury or harm.
• Work with police department and detectives
A question that often arises, “what is the difference between EMT and Paramedic?” The answer is the level of knowledge and skills of anatomy, physiology, advanced topics, diagnosis, and assess patients in emergency with accuracy.
A paramedic candidate will need to attend and pass courses in: Pediatric Life Support, CPR, Defensive Driving, Pharmacology, Cardiology, EMT System Management, Disease Control, First Aid, Life Support Training, Medical Terminologies, Basic Anatomy and Physiology and their respective labs. Spanish for Professionals in Emergency Medical, Employment Preparation, HAZMAT for Health Care, Psychology of Aging, Advanced Pediatric Life Support, Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services and Neonatal Resuscitation Program. This is a partial listing of courses required. The complete paramedic course can include approximately 30 courses.
In order to become a certified paramedic a formal certification exam needs to be completed after the 12 month emergency ambulatory experience. Passing of the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam enables you to pursue a career as a paramedic.
A paramedic is expected to attend an annual refresher training to remain current on techniques, new processes and policies. In most positions, the company employing a paramedic may require the paramedic to complete yearly certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Supports, Basic Trauma Life Support, Advanced Clinic Skills Training, and other continuing education programs.
Paramedics who have completed their certification may desire to advance their careers by attending paramedic training courses in management, sales or marketing in order to work with pharmaceutical companies. Another option would be to work overseeing an emergency healthcare facility or training and supervising other paramedics. Paramedics have also been known to continue with their education to become a registered nurse or physician.
Becoming a paramedic is a rewarding career choice. With continuing education and annual refresher courses, your skills can remain at or above the levels required for certification. The benefits will be appreciated by your patients, their families, your employer and the local hospitals. Keep in mind that there are now online paramedic schools and paramedic online training.
