You’re wondering how to become a paramedic and have a career that provides options across the U.S. and other countries. Your job will require being dispatched to emergency scenes by 911 operators, working with police and fire department personnel and you will often be the first responder there to determine the severity of the situation and to provide immediate emergency care while patients are delivered to hospitals. Some EMTs and paramedics are able to administer drugs, interpret EKGs, operate monitors and other technical equipment and perform endotracheal intubations.
The steps of how to become a paramedic vary depending on what level of training you want to complete. Basic EMT certification requires the least amount of education, but if you want to be able to get the best jobs and perform the most medical care, you will need to become an EMT/Paramedic. This higher level of EMS certification requires more advanced degrees. You will need to graduate from a paramedic school program, which includes extensive coursework and clinical field experience. Then you will need to take the National Registry Examination, and some continuing education may be required throughout your career.
There are many options to choose from if you decide to get your paramedic training and certification. Most community colleges offer training and certification programs for paramedics, and some hospitals and state colleges offer them as well. You can expect to complete between 750 and 1,500 hours of classroom and field instruction before you can take the certification exam and begin working in the field. The median salary for paramedics in the United States is $38,932. You can earn more with additional courses and experience, and a paramedic education could serve as your stepping-stone to another career such as in the firefighting or police fields.
This career is very rewarding because you are involved in saving lives, and it is also challenging because you never know what to expect, and you’re always on the go. Speaking with a working paramedic can also help to answer your questions about how to become a paramedic.
Start your path to a rewarding career today. Visit our articles for specifics on training, states and schools, and find the perfect Paramedic School or EMT courses for your educational needs.