Components of a Successful Paramedic Career
A career as an EMT paramedic or advanced emergency medical technician is extremely demanding and lives often depend on their training, skill, and judgement. These professionals must excel in fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable settings, which is why they require EMT-basic certification and paramedic licensure. They also have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations; they may be frequently exposed to contagious diseases and viruses, as well as involved with potentially combative patients. Additionally, paramedics and emergency medical technicians spend considerable time kneeling, bending, and lifting while performing their job and providing patients with pre-hospital treatment.
As a result, not everyone is capable of being successful in this profession. Most professionals in this field possess the following traits:
- Compassion for others and the ability to provide emotional support to patients in emergency situations - some of this can be learned in your EMS education and some of it can't
- Listening skills that help to determine the extent of patient injuries and/or illness
- Interpersonal skills that allow for productive interactions with teammates and easier coordination of activities during stressful scenarios
- Physical strength and stamina enough to withstand long periods of bending, lifting, and kneeling
- Problem-solving skills that facilitate the evaluation of patient symptoms and the quick administration of appropriate treatments
- Speaking skills that help with clearly explaining procedures to patients, giving orders, and relaying information to other medical professionals
- A paramedic, EMT, or advanced emergency medical technician must also absorb and be able to use the knowledge they learn from their EMS education and courses such as anatomy & physiology, paramedic science, and hours of training in field practicums and clinical rotations
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What Does a Paramedic Do?
While the specific medical responsibilities of a paramedic vary significantly from case to case, these professionals typically provide care to sick and injured individuals in emergency situations. They are frequently first responders and must perform medical services quickly and competently. Many paramedics respond to 911 calls, assess patient conditions, determine treatments, and provide first-aid or life support.
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It is important to note that much of a paramedics work is done while transporting patients in an ambulance. They are responsible for getting those in their care to nearby hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Paramedics also report their initial observations and treatments to physicians and nurses, as well as document the medical care provided and maintain their supplies and equipment.
What Is the Difference between a Paramedic and an EMT?
Paramedics and EMTs often work closely with one another to provide emergency healthcare services, but these two positions are quite different. There are several major differences you should be aware of. Paramedics, for example, usually complete 1,200 to 1,800 hours of coursework, whereas EMTs complete only 120 to 150.
EMTs learn many basic skills, including CPR, providing oxygen, administering glucose for diabetics, and addressing allergic reactions. They are not, however, permitted to provide treatment that requires needles or cutting. Because paramedics have significantly more training, these professionals can do everything an EMT does as well as administering medications, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management, and resuscitation.
As a result of these differences, paramedics tend to make more money than EMTs do.
Typical Paramedic Trade School Requirements
If you plan to become a paramedic, you must first enroll in a community college or traditional university program. It is important to become aware of the admission requirements these institutions usually have early so you can make the appropriate preparations. While every school is different, most share similar expectations for incoming students. In most cases, you will need:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Standardized Test Scores (either SAT or ACT)
- EMT Certification
- Six Months Professional EMT Experience (program dependent)
Typical Paramedic Certifications Needed
Paramedics are legally required to become certified before they can practice. Every state requires both EMT and paramedic professionals to pass a state or national licensing examination. Most also necessitate a background check. It is important to realize, however, that regulations vary per state. You will need to become familiar with your particular location’s certification process before moving forward.In most cases, paramedics are required to be certified as an EMT before they can become a paramedic. Some states have their own certification process, but most expect professionals to go through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The NREMT offers national EMT certification to individuals who:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Successfully complete a state-approved EMT course that meets National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards
- Have a current CPR-BLS for ‘Healthcare Provider’ or equivalent credential
- Successfully complete the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams
While some states have first-level certifications that do not require national certification, most paramedics also become certified through the NREMT. The majority of states provide licensure to individuals who have their National Paramedic Certification (NRP), as long as they have no history of criminal behavior. Individuals intending to apply for NRP must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Current National EMT Certification or state EMT license
- Degree from a paramedic program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Psychomotor competency portfolio
- Current CPR-BLS for ‘Healthcare Provider’ or equivalent credential
- Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams
Academic Standards for an online Paramedic Degree or Certification
If you plan to enroll in a paramedic certificate or online degree program, you will have to meet the academic standards set by the institution. All colleges and universities have strict guidelines they expect students to adhere to. While these vary, most schools establish standards pertaining to grade point averages (GPA), cheating, and plagiarism.
As a student, you will be expected to maintain a certain GPA. If your GPA falls below the predetermined minimum, you could be placed on academic probation or, if unaddressed, suspended. Additionally, if you are found to be cheating or plagiarize another person’s work, you could be placed on academic probation, suspended, or even permanently dismissed from the institution.
Exam and Experience Needed for a Paramedic Degree or Certification
While some locations require state-specific examinations for certification, most paramedic professionals will need to take both the EMT and NRP cognitive examinations administered by the NREMT. The cognitive exam for EMT certification consists of 70 to 120 questions on EMS care that must be completed within two hours. The cognitive exam for NRP certification consists of 80 to 150 questions on EMS care that must be completed within two and a half hours. Both are computer adaptive tests.
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Additionally, EMT candidates must successfully complete a state-approved psychomotor examination. Most institutions will provide format and logistical information about this exam, as it is not offered by NREMT.
NRP candidates must also take the psychomotor exam administered by the NREMT. This test is designed to evaluate six areas of skill:
- Patient Assessment – Trauma
- Dynamic Cardiology
- Static Cardiology
- Oral Station – Scenario A
- Oral Station – Scenario B
- Integrated Out-of-Hospital Scenario
Professional Paramedic Organizations
Current EMTs and paramedics, as well as students studying to enter the emergency medical services field can join professional organizations and associations. Deciding to become a member of a professional group like this has many benefits. While every organization is different, most offer access to valuable resources, discounts, training, certifications, and networking opportunities. Some of the most prominent professional organizations, associations, and societies for EMTs and paramedics include:
NAEMT
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is the only national association that seeks to serve the interests of all emergency medical service professionals. It strives to provide access to education and career advancement opportunities, as well as money-saving benefits. Members receive scholarship eligibility, exclusive discounts, free newsletters, insurance coverage, and committee voting rights.
NASEMSO
National Association of State EMS Officials
The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) is dedicated to promoting the orderly development of coordinated emergency medical service systems across the nation. It achieves this by supporting professionals in the development of policy and oversight, as well as providing valuable resources. Members receive access to professional publications, medical data, and an emergency medical service leadership skills workshop.
AAA
American Ambulance Association
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) strives to promote healthcare policies that embody excellence in the ambulance services industry. The association also seeks to provide relevant research, education, and communication programs to professionals in the field. Members gain unlimited access to a Ceridian Lifeworks Employee Assistance Program, free Critical Incident Stress Management, publications, and bulk buying discounts.