Becoming a paramedic may be your dream career, but it requires determination to achieve that goal. There will be numerous courses to undertake and master. Skills and training are extensive due the fact that as a first responder, a life could be in your hands. You’ll learn and practice techniques right along with your peers.
Both EMT Basic and EMT Paramedics work in a variety of settings which can include:
• Private Ambulance Companies
• Fire Service
• Law Enforcement
• Hospital Systems
• Prison Systems
• Casinos
• Sports Arenas
Whether functioning at a basic (EMT) or an advanced (Paramedic) level, the profession is to provide medical to the injured and/or ill. This is an extremely important job. For that reason, EMS professionals need to pass strict guidelines to obtain certification and then they need to maintain their skills through refresher courses and testing.
A question that often arises is this: “What is the difference between EMT and Paramedic?” The answer is the level of training and the level of authority. EMT beginner programs can be as short as 12 weeks or as long as 6 months. The education and schooling required to become a licensed paramedic can take 12 to 24 months on average if pursuing this field full time. It is possible and often times necessary to pursue certification as a paramedic while working part time as an EMT basic.
Seasoned EMT’s make better paramedics. In fact a paramedic is an advanced EMT Basic position. Most paramedic programs require candidates to have at least a year of experience as an EMT basic. An EMT basic “certification” is not enough, however. So many of the skill required to be a good medic will be acquired at the basic level. In addition, many of the skills routinely performed by seasoned paramedics are basic level skills.
EMT Paramedic course work includes: Pediatric Advanced Life Support, CPR, Defensive Driving, Pharmacology, Cardiology, EMT System Management, Disease Control, First Aid, Advanced Life Support Training, Medical Terminologies, Basic Anatomy and Physiology and their respective labs, Psychology of Aging, Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services and Neonatal Resuscitation.
In order to become nationally certified as an EMT basic or paramedic a formal certification exam needs to be completed after course completion. Passing the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam enables you to pursue a nationally certified EMS career as a nationally certified professional and apply for licensing anywhere in the United States.
Both paramedic and EMT basics are expected to attend annual refresher training to remain current on techniques, new processes and policies. In most circumstances, the company employing an EMT or paramedic may require the paramedic to complete yearly certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), and other continuing education programs which often meet the state requirements for continuing education.
Paramedics and EMT’s may desire to advance their careers by attending training courses in EMS systems management, general management or sales and marketing in order to work with at a higher level within their company. Additional options include training and supervising other paramedics and EMT’s. EMS professionals have also been known to continue with their education to become registered nurses, physician assistants and physicians. EMS provides some of the best experience for those who wish to advance in health care.
Becoming an emergency medical professional 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.