Paramedic

Paramedics lead exciting lives providing medical care to patients on emergency calls. The purpose of a paramedic is to keep a patient stable until they can be admitted to a hospital. This exciting job will provide you with job security, financial security, and a constant challenge. As a paramedic, you will respond to emergency calls and provide care to patients experience childbirth, heart attacks, strokes, accidents, and other medical emergencies. Although this career is not for everybody, it is perfect for those who truly want to help others, have quick reaction times, can handle high levels of stress, and can make decisions quickly. If you would like to work in this vibrant career, go back to college and get your career training today.

Paramedic education and training

In order to become a paramedic, you must complete intensive training. First, you must take basic EMT training, which includes medical and life support training. During your training, you will learn to assess a patient’s condition as well as to manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergency situations. This training typically includes a combination of class work and hands-on experience in a hospital emergency room or an ambulance. You will also learn techniques for dealing with fractures, bleeding, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, emergency childbirth, and other emergency medical conditions. You will also learn to use common medical equipment such as stretchers, backboards, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and suction devices.

The next level of training is that of EMT Intermediate. Depending on the state in which you live, the requirements may vary but typically include another 30 to 350 hours of training, depending on the scope of your intended practice. At this level, you will add to your training with the knowledge of administering IV fluids, advanced airways techniques, administering medications, and more.

Finally, you will be ready to get your paramedic training. This is the highest level of advancement in this career field and it is also the one that earns the highest salary. This level of training includes anatomy and physiology as well as advanced lifesaving techniques and medical techniques. This training typically takes one to two years and can be completed through most community colleges, health science schools, or a combination of online courses combined with field experience.

Going to work

After you complete your education and training, you will need to take your certification examination. The exam requirements vary from state to state so you need to check with your state to see exactly what you need to do. Once you are licensed, you can start your great new career as a paramedic. Depending on the hours you work and the location in which you live, you can easily earn up to $50,000 a year or more. If you have been thinking of entering healthcare and are looking for a great job that has it all—great pay, excitement, challenge, and security, a career as a paramedic is perfect for you. Find a great training program and get started on your way to your new future.