What are the Qualifications of Being a Paramedic?

Because paramedics play a crucial role in emergency medicine, they need to be certified to provide this type of care in their state. Although the pay for paramedics is on the low-end at around $27,000, the job does require significant amounts of training as described below.

Training Needs

• Before you can become a paramedic, you need to complete three levels of emergency medical technician (EMT) training: Basic, Intermediate, and Paramedic. They must be completed in order because the coursework becomes increasingly difficult with each level of training. For example, at the paramedic level, students must study anatomy. To complete each training level, participants must take a certification test. These tests usually include both a written and a skills portion. The requirements for certification, especially at the Intermediate and Paramedic levels, depend on the state. The completion of the Paramedic training course typically takes one to two years by itself.

Becoming Licensed

• To be hired as a paramedic, you must be licensed in your state. To get your license, you will need to pass the state examination mentioned above. Each state can provide its own certification exam or may require applicants to pass the National EMT certification test known as NREMT. Once obtained, the license is not permit. You must go through the certification process again every two years. To get your license renewed, you must be able to show that you are currently working as a paramedic and that you are continuing your education with additional coursework and training.

Other Important Attributes

• Successful paramedics need to have additional attributes besides a willingness and ability to complete the required training. Because paramedics are on-call 24 hours a day, they need to be prepared to work irregular hours and may also be required to work weekends and holidays. The job can also be stressful and mental exhausting, so emotional stability is also critical. Good eyesight, dexterity, and coordination are important as well.

Advancing

• Paramedics do have opportunities to go further with their training. With experience and continued training, they can take on leadership roles in the emergency medical services, including working as an administrator. However, other paramedics use this training as the start of a medical career. They may end up pursuing additional training to become a registered nurse or even a physician. Additionally, experienced paramedics can become instructors of the courses required for certification.

Future Outlook for Paramedics

• More full-time paramedics will be needed in the coming years so paramedics can expect good job possibilities once they meet the required qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for EMTs in general will be 19% between 2006 and 2016. The growth is primarily attributed to a need to use more paid professionals instead of unpaid volunteers who are difficult to find and costly to train. Another reason for the growth is the aging Baby Boomer population which will experience a higher rate of emergencies as they grow older.