The medical field requires an individual to have more than high school diploma and in most cases more than associate’s. There are a few necessary requirements to becoming an EMT Paramedic. Though each state may vary most follow the same basic requirements. Entrance into a program can be denied if the following requirements are not met. In most cases these requirements must be met before entrance into a program can be obtained.

Each applicant must be a minimum of 18 years old to apply
Proof of immunization records including, Tuberculosis, Rubella, Measles, Mumps and Varicella are needed.
TB shots cannot be older than six months from the start of class
Satisfactory completion of a college level English course
Proof of a physical exam no older than one year
Hepatitis C vaccination series need to be completed or a form stating you don’t wish to take part in the vaccination is required before the start of class
A Clean background check and proof of medical insurance.

Each state’s requirements may vary. Most EMT paramedic programs can be taken at a college or university that offers the program or a technical school offering Paramedic certification training. They will graduate with an associate’s degree or a certificate. To become a certified EMT paramedic an exam is administered so picking a school that offers hands on training in a clinical setting is vital. The certification test is called a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians but is better known as NREMT. This test certifies an individual to practice emergency medical help for up to two years and must be renewed after the two-year period is over.

Some EMT Paramedic courses can be taken online but students will eventually need to go to the actual college or university to finish the hands on portion of the class. If you choose the online route be sure to choose a school that has a traditional school building that you can get to. If not it will be hard to complete the physical training portion of class. Though it is convenient to go to school online it can be a roadblock to completing schooling.

All Programs are not the same, which is why knowing what you want to do is important in picking a program. There are two different types of EMT’s one is the basic EMT and one is a paramedic. A basic EMT only has to complete between 120 to 150 hours of training; they are not able to give patients shots or to puncture the skin to apply intravenous tubes to assist in breathing. However, they are able to use oxygen. They are much more limited in their abilities. Paramedics complete 1500 to 1800 hours of training and can do a great deal more. They are trained in giving medicine and can puncture the skin to free airways. They are both called on for emergency transport but their abilities and training will determine the level in which they can assist the patient when on location.