How Can I Train to Become a Paramedic with a College Degree?

While many people want to pursue a career in which they can help people and potentially save lives, not everyone wants to spend upwards of a decade studying to become a doctor or a surgeon. Not only does it take a lot of time to pursue, it can be quite expensive to obtain the proper education as well.

However, one alternative track that will put you in a position to make a big impact on people's lives is that of an EMT (emergency medical technician), also known as a paramedic.

What is a paramedic?

The main job of a paramedic is to respond to medical emergencies that require immediate attention. The paramedic not only transports patients to the hospital as quickly as possible, they also provide treatment on the scene if needed. For example, if someone is bleeding profusely from a wound, they will treat the wound to minimize blood loss before taking the patient to the hospital. If a patient has had a heart attack, they may perform CPR or use a defibrillator if appropriate.

The position of a paramedic is a high-stakes job. As a paramedic, your actions can help to save patients or at least give them the best possible chance to receive effective treatment at the hospital. 

As a paramedic, you could be able to work in a wide variety of fields, including for public health agencies, hospitals, fire departments, government agencies, correctional facilities, air medical transport agencies, industrial corporations, law enforcement agencies, and more.

How do you become a paramedic?

There's no way to become a paramedic without an education. You'll need to enroll in an EMT program in order to complete basic training. Depending on the program, this can take between six months and two years to complete and usually requires around 120 to 150 hours worth of coursework.

A good program will teach you how to assess the condition of patients and how to handle emergency situations, two keys to being a successful paramedic. In addition to a classroom education, students will also be provided with hands-on learning in order to learn how to use field equipment.

Once you have completed an EMT program, you're going to have to become certified. Certification will depend on the state you live in since some states require paramedics to pass a state licensing exam while others require you to pass a national licensing exam. Before taking the exam, you'll not only need to complete your training program, you'll also have to pass a background check. The exams are administered by the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians).

You'll have three chances to pass the exam, although you will have to wait 15 days in between each attempt. Additionally, if you fail all three times, you'll be required to take remedial training for another chance to take it. Once you've become certified, you'll need to be recertified every two years.

Choosing the right EMT program

First, you'll want to find a program that follows the 2009 EMS Education Standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program should include classroom instruction, lab instruction, and an in-hospital clinical component. Additionally, make sure that completion of the program makes you eligible for certification testing by the NREMT.

An extensive course list should include classes on EMS pharmacology, patient assessment, airway management and ventilation, paramedic skill development, trauma, medicine, EMS operations, human anatomy, and more. Not only do you want to make sure that you are fully prepared for the certification exam, you'll want to make sure that you finish the program with the utmost confidence in the knowledge and skills you have obtained as a result of the degree.

Are you interested in becoming a paramedic (EMT)? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this program, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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