To be a paramedic, one needs to endure years of rigorous training in the field of medical science. This training includes some basic certification courses, programs, and some licensures. Each of these teaches something new to the aspirant. At every step of the way the qualifications that one can acquire varies greatly. Let us see some of these.
Basic training
The basic training required by a paramedic is like that of an EMT but a bit more complex. It is called EMT-P (EMT training – Paramedic). Alternatively, one can also try courses like EMT training Basic (EMT – B), EMT training Ambulance (EMT – A) or EMT training Intermediate (EMT- I).
Diploma
The EMT certificate provides students with foundational skills that an EMT requires to practice. Here are some of the courses listed below and the skills to be a learned from each of them
- Fundamentals of emergency medical technology – Bandaging and stabilizing patients, managing airways and assessing the care that one needs
- Introduction to the EMT profession – managing medical incidents, documenting patient treatment, communication and understanding medical terminology
- EMT assessment – getting patient history and first or second assessments
- Airway management – using medical equipment, artificial ventilation
Associate’s degree
Students often opt to go for an associate’s degree to advance their careers. Unlike a diploma or a certificate, an associate’s degree builds on previous knowledge to provide more comprehensive education. The courses available here are –
- Trauma management – assessing the patient, types of trauma, taking care of burns and implementing trauma plans
- Special populations – how to deal with infants, elderly people or people with some extra psychiatric needs.
- Emergency pharmacology – use of medicine in emergency cases, understanding drug side effects
- Cardiology – implementing cardiac treatment plans, understanding cardiovascular problems
Bachelor’s degree
People generally get a bachelor’s degree to become a healthcare administrator, paramedic training manager or a clinic supervisor. Some might even use it to get into a Physician or Medical Assistant school of their choice later. A bachelor’s degree is usually of 4 years and teaches advanced clinical techniques along with some leadership and administrative skills.
Licensure
After getting all the required education, you need to apply for the state licensure exam that is conducted by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). You are given 3 attempts to pass the exam after an interval of 15 days each. After this, you may need some remedial courses.
After getting your licensure, you can choose complete Advanced EMT training and even apply for a two-year program if you want. Alternatively, you could choose to get certified in a range of different skills that are required in the field.
Certifications
As an EMT or a paramedic, one might try and get more certifications to increase one’s value as an asset and to save more lives. Some of these certifications are –
- Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional: International Board for Certification of Safety Managers
- EMT-Basic: National Registry of EMTs
- EMT-Intermediate: National Registry of EMTs
- EMT-Paramedic: National Registry of EMTs
- First Responder: National Registry of EMTs
- Certified Medical Interpreter: The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
- Critical Care Paramedics: Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification
- Flight Paramedic Certification: Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification
- Certified Hyperbaric Technologist: National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric M
There are obviously a lot more certifications for paramedics and EMTS. Different jobs require a different combination of these to apply. This has now hopefully enlightened you about all the various possibilities in the field of emergency medical treatment. You should now have a clear idea of how to become a paramedic and the courses that you will need to take during your education.