Helping save lives is among the most rewarding jobs that any person can have and learning how to become a paramedic is probably the simplest way to be at the front lines of saving lives. Here’s how you can join the more than 400,000 paramedics in the field.
The very first thing you need to know is that an EMT and Paramedic aren’t exactly the same. An EMT is really the broad group of all emergency responders while a Paramedic is in reality a higher trained and certified EMT.
Training course The initial step to becoming a paramedic is to become an EMT-Basic certification. Several local colleges or diploma programs offer EMT training courses. The courses generally last 3 to 6 months and cost in between $500-$1000. If you’re spending more than that, you are probably paying an excessive amount. The courses are made to assist you in passing the EMT-Basic Exam that is required in order to get certified.
Becoming a paramedic entails getting certified in CPR. You’ll want to inquire once you register for the courses since some classes include this. In any other case, there are numerous of non-profit organizations such as the American Heart Association which provide CPR certification for a fairly small cost.
The EMT Certification Exam Once you’ve finished the basic course and therefore are certified to do CPR, you are well on your way to becoming a paramedic. The next thing is to actually pass the National Registry EMT – Basic Exam. To get this done, you will have to sign-up with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and plan a time to take the test. You are able to register on their home page at www.nremt.org, which also provides directions regarding how to schedule a time to take the test at a close by area.
Further advancement Once you’ve passed the basic exam you have the choice of advancing to become an intermediate or becoming a paramedic, which is the highly trained EMT. Should you decide that becoming a paramedic, here are a few additional requirements that you need to be aware of.
- You typically need one year working as an EMT – Basic.
- Several areas require some college level math, english and biology.
- You will have to be IV certified.
- You need to take an EKG class.
- Get certified in a variety types of life support including, Pediatric, Cardiac and Trauma.
- Have a clean criminal background
- Be at least 18 years old
If you’re becoming a paramedic and choose to sign up for a paramedic training program, make sure to look into the course curriculum so you know which items above are covered and what may still be outstanding, which will need to be completed outside of the training program.
Becoming a Paramedic is really a rewarding career choice, however it is crucial that you understand exactly what is required of you and your time, in order to become a paramedic. To find out more please visit us at how to become a paramedic for more information.