First on the scene and first to respond, paramedics are essential to making sure challenging (and often life-threatening) medical emergencies receive priority care, fast.
These first responders are called to accidents and medical emergencies, and they also transport patients to hospitals.
This is a rewarding, fast-paced role, but it also comes with a lot of pressure. Itâs a job for people who are compassionate and able to adapt to ever-changing,high-octane situations. After all,lives could depend on it!
As of 2021, there were a total 261,000 paramedics in the U.S., and the career outlook for these healthcare workers is on the rise. By 2031, projections expect a 7% increase in jobs, adding 17,900 to the current total levels.
If youâre considering a career as a paramedic, itâs time to learn about the job. In this article, weâll tell you how to become a paramedic and share a list of the top skills required. Plus, weâll give you a salary guide so you can know what to expect.
What is a paramedic?
Paramedics are healthcare professionals. They respond to emergency calls and can be required for a wide range of situations. Responding to heart attacks, traffic accidents, and even arriving on site to care for victims of natural disasters, paramedics play a vital role in their communities.
Paramedics talk to dispatchers, drive ambulances, and get to each incident as soon as possible.
Once they arrive in an emergency situation, these team members provide medical care to people who are ill or injured on-site. They may also provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-saving treatments while there or en-route to a medical center or hospital.
Paramedics can also dress wounds and administer medications. Once the patient is stable, theyâll transport them to a hospital.
Paramedics work closely with emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters, police officers, and hospital staff.
Most paramedics work full-time. The hours can be long, with both day and night shifts. Emergency response is a service thatâs available every day of the year, and paramedics often have to be on call.
Whatâs the difference between a paramedic and an EMT?
EMTs and paramedics work together. The roles are similar, but paramedics have more training and responsibilities. In fact, they often supervise EMTs.
Weâll go into the educational requirements shortly, but before you become a paramedic, youâll need to learn to be an EMT.
EMTs can provide basic medical care, including CPR and wound dressing. However, a paramedic can do much more. For example, they can perform manual defibrillation and intubation. They can also administer medications and make senior decisions.
Because paramedics have more training, they commande higher salaries than EMTs.
How much does a paramedic make?
In the U.S., the average annual salary for a paramedic is ââ$46,770.
The type of workplace at which a paramedic works can impact their salary. For example, those who are employed by private hospitals typically make the most. The average salary for these paramedics is $47,000 per year.
If you get a job in ambulance services, the average yearly salary is $46,660. Paramedics in local hospitals make slightly less at $46,460 a year.
The salary can also vary between locations. The highest-paying state for paramedics is Washington, where the average annual salary is $82,810. New Jersey also has a competitive yearly salary with an average of $71,180.
If youâre in the District of Columbia, the average paramedic salary is $64,940 per year. In Connecticut, itâs $62,210, and in Maryland, itâs $59,520.
How to become a paramedic
If you get a job as a paramedic, youâll have a unique, fast-paced career. Youâll need to complete the following steps to get started:
1. Meet the minimum requirements
On the journey to becoming a paramedic, your minimum requirements begin with a high school diploma or equivalent. If youâre still in school, think about taking a few science, anatomy, or physiology courses to give you that extra edge.
Depending on where you live, youâll typically need to be at least 18 or 21 years old to work as a paramedic. And before you can start your training, youâll have to get a CPR certification.
And itâs not just about these essential skills or medical knowledge.
Working as a paramedic can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful, so you should think carefully before deciding on pursuing it as a career. You should be able to work well under pressure and remain calm and confident in any situation.
2. Finish an EMT program
Next, youâll need to complete an EMT training program. This is a requirement for entry into a paramedic course (the next step).
EMT programs can take between six months and two years to complete. Courses may be available through a local community college or technical school, and some universities also have this option. Youâll learn a variety of skills in the program, including basic emergency treatment and how to insert an IV.
Upon successful completion of the EMT program, youâll need to get a certification. Keep in mind that the rules for this can vary between states.
The certification process includes a multiple-choice exam to prove your ability to do the job. You can apply for certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
Once youâre certified, you can start working as an EMT. Alternatively, you can continue your studies and become a paramedic.
3. Enroll in a paramedic program
If you decide to continue on the road to becoming a paramedic, youâll need to keep studying. Depending on your goals, you may choose an associateâs or bachelorâs degree.
Paramedic school will take a year or more to complete. You can expect between 1,200 and 1,800 hours of training time.
During paramedic school, youâll learn about a wide range of topics, and much of your course will expand on what you learned during your EMT training. Specifically, youâll gain more knowledge about medical procedures, cardiac emergencies, and patient stabilization.
This program will include both theoretical and practical topics. Make sure you choose a reputable school in which to complete it.
4. Complete clinical placements
Paramedics are hands-on professionals, so youâll need opportunities to practice your new skills. Specifically, youâll need to complete clinical rotations during your studies.
This means youâll get real job training and work under the supervision of certified paramedics and other healthcare professionals.
Take this opportunity to network with others in the industry. Finding a job can be competitive, and any contacts you make during your placements may be useful in the future. For example, someone you train with might refer you for a job once you graduate.
5. Get a paramedic certification
Once youâve completed your training program, and gained some field experience, you can apply for certification. This may be a state or national certification, depending on the laws in your area.
One common option is to go through the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians. In this case, youâll need to apply for National Paramedic Certification.
Youâll need to pass an exam â specifically, a comprehensive test with both written and practical components â to get certified. Youâll also need to pay a fee and schedule a time to take the exam in person.
If you donât pass the exam, you can retake it at a later date.
Then, youâll need to apply for a license. Proof of your education and certification may be enough, but rules can vary between states. Youâll also need to pass a background check that looks at your criminal history and driving record.
Youâll need to pay an annual fee to keep your certification active. Ongoing training may also be a condition.
6. Start work
Made it to this point? By now, youâll have met the educational requirements. So congratulations! Youâre ready to go through the job application process.
You can start your job search by browsing paramedic positions on our job board. You can also check with your local ambulance service to see if there are any vacancies.
If you made professional connections during your time as a student, now is a good time to reach out to them. Do they know of any jobs? Would they be happy to give you a reference?
And donât forget to revamp your resume. Add your education, clinical experience, and certification details.
What skills do paramedics need?
While youâll learn technical skills during your training program, youâll also need a few soft skills. Here are five of them:
Communication skills
Paramedics provide emergency care in a range of situations.
Patients and their families may be feeling stressed, scared, upset, or angry. A paramedic will help put everyone at ease with their excellent communication skills. Theyâll explain the steps theyâre taking to address the patientâs problem and answer questions.
Paramedics need to be confident and understand how to speak to people from all backgrounds. They need to be good listeners and able to translate medical jargon.
They need to speak to dispatchers on the phone and update hospitals. They also need good written communication skills to keep accurate notes.
Leadership skills
Through the course of navigating the jobâs unique challenges, paramedics will inevitably need to call on an innate sense of leadership. Not only do they supervise EMTs, but they also need to direct the public.
Safety is a priority, and paramedics may give instructions to bystanders. For example, if thereâs been an accident, they may ask people to move away from the scene.
A paramedic never knows what theyâll face during their shift. As a good leader, they will be calm and make sure everyone on the team is doing what they should. Theyâll also know when to delegate tasks and ask for help.
While leadership skills are essential during stressful situations, teamwork is also important. Paramedics need to be team players and work with others to stabilize and transport patients as quickly as possible.
Problem-solving skills
Next, there are problem-solving skills. Emergency medicine can be complicated, and paramedics must make patient assessments on the go.
For example, a patient may be trapped as a result of a natural disaster. Paramedics will need to use their critical thinking skills to treat the patient without risking their own safety.
Paramedics have access to different medications and equipment. However, they donât have the same selection as a medical facility. Sometimes, paramedics need to work with what they have until the patient can reach the hospital.
Physical fitness
Working as a paramedic can be hard on your body, as stretching, bending, and lifting are often required. As such, youâll need physical strength and stamina to be successful in this role.
Manual dexterity is also essential for your paramedic career. From driving an ambulance to giving injections, youâll need a steady hand.
You can work on your manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination by painting, drawing, or sewing.
Physical activity can also be a good stress management tool. Working out regularly can clear your mind and prepare you for the demands of the job.
Compassion
Compassion is a must-have skill for any healthcare professional who provides direct care to patients.
Paramedics should be understanding of other people and prepared to help, regardless of the situation.
For example, if a drunk driver got into an accident, the paramedic would still need to treat them. No matter the background of the situation, these team members need to be understanding.
Patients want to feel like they are being cared for by someone trustworthy who isnât judging them. So if youâre a compassionate person, this could be the role for you.
Where to get a job as a paramedic
Finished your paramedic training program? Met the certification requirements? You can kick off your career by browsing paramedic positions on our job board. Alternatively, you can look for emergency medical technician roles.
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Working as a paramedic
If you become a paramedic, youâll have an action-packed career. Youâll also be helping your community as part of a team.
The path to becoming a paramedic comes with a few steps. Youâll need to meet the minimum age requirement and get your high school diploma. Next is an EMT training program, followed by EMT certification.
Once youâve completed your education and obtained EMT certification, you can enroll in a paramedic training program. Here, you can expect both classroom hours and ambulance rotations. Before you can start work, youâll have to pass a background check and a certification exam. Finally, youâll have to apply for a license.
Communication skills, leadership skills, and compassion are all required for a career as a paramedic. Youâll also need physical fitness and strong problem-solving skills.
Want to know who is hiring near you? Visit our job board. And if you want interview and resume tips, head to our resource center.