Paramedic Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

If you’ve ever watched an emergency rescue show on television, or seen someone in your neighborhood be taken to the hospital in an ambulance, you already know how important it is to have access to emergency medical care when you need it. Getting the pre-hospital care that you need and getting to the hospital quickly can be the difference between life and death for some injuries, and the professionals responsible for providing this accurate, efficient care are known as paramedics. While the responsibilities of a paramedic are similar to those of an emergency medical technician, they receive more training, and are authorized to administer intravenous drugs, perform intubations and interpreting electrocardiograms. The schedule and physical demands of a paramedic are strenuous, and those interested in this career must be physically fir and able to stay calm in chaotic situations.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$30,200
Salary Range
$26,000 - $44,200

Work Environment

Although it is their responsibility to rescue injured or ill individuals and transport them to the hospital, paramedics are not always employed by the hospital itself. Other employment opportunities include rural rescue squads, private ambulance companies, police departments and fire fighting departments, and nursing homes. Paramedics are asked to kneel, bend, sit, stand and carry their patients, and sometimes they are subjected to diseases and violent patients as well.

High School Preparation

Students that think they might enjoy the career of a paramedic are encouraged to spend their high school career increasing their knowledge of biology, anatomy and emergency medicine. Supporting courses for this line of work include chemistry, psychology, sociology, physical education, driver’s education, and first aid.

Requirements

After completing their high school education, or an approved equivalent, it is necessary for individuals interested in becoming paramedics to enter a two year training program at an accredited medical vocational school or community college. Most programs require that students have reached their eighteenth birthday and obtained a driver’s license with no infractions in order to be accepted. After completing their associate’s degree in emergency medical technology, candidates are required to complete the certification exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Career Outlook

As more and more people begin to live in cities, and the elderly population continues to climb, more qualified emergency medical technicians like paramedics will be required to keep up with the demand for emergency medical care. Experts predict that the number of jobs available for qualified paramedics will increase by at least twenty percent over the next few years. Going forward, the biggest employers of paramedics are likely to be hospitals and privately owned ambulance services.

Professional Organizations

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
132-A East Northside Dr.
Clinton, MS  39056
Phone: 601-924-7744
www.naemt.org