What Do You Need to do to Become a Paramedic in Spokane, Washington?

Paramedics are often the first on the scene during an emergency. Paramedics must receive several years of training, as well as acquire certain certificates, before they can work in the field. Most states have the same requirements for potential paramedics; Washington is a lot like these states, only varying slightly.

Getting Your Certificates

• Before you can become a paramedic you first need to get your EMT license (Emergency Medical Technician). EMT licenses come in three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Paramedic. It is essential as well to get your certificate in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).There are a few ways to get your EMT license, many community and state colleges offer the programs, and these may offer CPR training as well (CPR training is also offered through the American Red Cross for a small fee).

  The EMT program is often a one-year program in which students attend regular lectures, work in clinical settings, and work in labs. The fee runs around $2,500 per course, according to http://www.doh.wa.gov, and does not include the cost of books.

  The Paramedic level requires the individual opportunity to advance more in the field; in order to be certified one must take the National Registry EMT Examination. In Washington, the requirement is that individuals must take both the Washington State EMT-B (EMT-B is for the basic EMT requirement) and the National Registry EMT-B exams, according to www.scc.spokane.edu.

  Students in Spokane, Washington can attend schools including Spokane Community College (otherwise known as SCC) to attain their degree. There are two routes that students attending SCC can take: They can get certified or they can receive their associate's degree in the paramedic field. Once students go through the required classwork, they must then intern with one of Washington's advanced life transport agencies.

  SCC, a two-year school, enrolls close to 6,900 undergraduates a year, according to http://education-portal.com

Becoming a Paramedic

• According to firemanemtparamedic.com, the requirement for training, both in coursework and in the field, requires 750 to 1,500 hours. Since the training period is longer, most EMTs or paramedics are paid rather than volunteers.

  States require different amounts of training. Washington requires a minimum of a two-year degree. Many of those needed hours can be met by working as a firefighter, as an emergency room technician, or as an ambulance attendant. There is room for advancement in each of those choices.

A Rewarding Career

• Like any other career, becoming a paramedic takes time, hard work and dedication. After taking the required classes and obtaining the required certificates, one can move on and work in the field. Remember: The most rewarding part of becoming a paramedic is not just accomplishing a goal, but also saving lives.