How To Become A Paramedic
If you would like to work in a job which is high pressure and most importantly, save people’s lives, then becoming a paramedic may just be the right job for you.
So, how do you become a paramedic?
Paramedics are the highest trained emergency care professionals. This means, that they have reached the highest level on EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training.
Below are the steps you need to take to become a paramedic
Step 1: Become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). Since becoming a paramedic is the highest level of EMT training, you will need to complete the first level of EMT training, EMT Basic. You can get this training at a local community college, hospital or ambulance department after your high school diploma.
Step 2: Get certified in CPR. Whilst this is a requirement in the EMT Basic class, you will need a CPR certification to proceed.
Step 3: Take your National Registry EMT (NREMT) Basic exam. This is a computer exam and if you pass, you are then certified as an EMT.
Step 4: Complete the next stage of EMT training, EMT Intermediate. EMT- Intermediate includes two levels, Intermediate/85 and Intermediate/99 requiring 30 to 350 hours of training.
Step 5: Once completion of EMT Intermediate, you can now proceed to EMT Paramedic. This is the biggest step and takes the most amount of time.
Step 6: Apply to your specific state health department to receive your paramedic license. Note, you will need to renew your license every two years to keep your position.
The specific requirements for becoming a paramedic varies from state to state. Most states require approximately 1200 hours of hands on EMT work and a practical internship. To be sure of your exact requirements, click on the specific state you will be working in for more information.
Paramedics are the first on the scene in an emergency situation and find themselves in situations which are often life and death. It is therefore a very rewarding profession.
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