Paramedic How To Become

Becoming a paramedic is a great career choice for those who want to help people, but it’s also one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Paramedics are required to have an extensive education, as well as complete all of the training required by their state or country. They must also be able to work well under pressure and be able to make quick decisions when they are at work. There are many steps that you should take if you’re considering becoming a paramedic, and this article will discuss some of them.

The first thing that you must do is get your high school diploma or GED equivalent. This will allow you to enroll in college and then become eligible for EMT certification through an accredited course program. You’ll need to complete this training before going on to become an EMT or paramedic because it will prepare you for what’s next: additional training.

You’ll need to take courses like anatomy and physiology, CPR certification (or even EMT-B certification), pharmacology, anatomy and physiology labs; some schools may also require sociology classes or other similar courses as well as internships or volunteer hours at hospitals or ambulance companies so that they can measure your skills against those who already work there before allowing

Paramedic How To Become

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 and therefore require more extensive education and training.

This guide reviews the basic responsibilities of EMTs and paramedics and highlights the educational steps needed to enter the field. The following sections also cover average earning potential and projected job growth for occupations in the field.

What Does a Paramedic/EMT Do?

Paramedics and EMTs work in a variety of capacities, including providing immediate medical treatment for sick and injured people in emergency situations and transporting patients to medical facilities.

Emergency medical technicians respond to 911 calls and medical emergencies. EMTs transport patients to hospitals, perform basic medical tasks, and act as first responders. As a medical professional, you must work well under pressure to make life-saving decisions in high-stress environments.

EMTs work closely with other medical professionals, including:

• Paramedics
• Police
• Firefighters

Your responsibilities as an EMT depend on your education and training. Some first responders only administer basic care, while EMTs with more training can perform more complex medical procedures in the field and on the way to the hospital.

What’s the Difference Between an EMT and Paramedic?

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• EMTs provide basic medical care to patients in the field, including stopping external bleeding, applying neck braces, and administering CPR.
• Many EMTs work for ambulance services, hospitals, and fire and police departments.
• EMTs must complete 120 to 150 hours of training to obtain certification.
• EMTs take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
• Most EMT training programs do not award a degree.

Paramedic

• Paramedics provide advanced medical care to patients in the field, including administering medication, inserting IVs, resuscitating patients, and providing breathing support using tubes and ventilation devices.
• In addition to working for employers that hire EMTs, paramedics can work in air ambulances and for other advanced emergency services.
• 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.
• Some paramedic training programs offer a two-year degree.

Source: UCLA Center for Prehospital Care

Did You Know?

According to the 2018 Annual Report of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, there are currently more than 400,000 nationally certified emergency medical services personnel in the United States.

Paramedic/EMT Salary and Job Growth Data

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.

The following table shows the highest-paying states and areas for paramedics, based on BLS data.

1. Hawaii

Average Annual Salary: $58,580

2. Washington

Average Annual Salary: $56,910

3. Maryland

Average Annual Salary: $53,440

4. Alaska

Average Annual Salary: $50,030

5. Alaska

Average Annual Salary: $48,280