A Guide To Becoming A Paramedic
Most people have had to call a paramedic at least once in their lives. When you are having an emergency, they can swoop in like heroes and save the day. This is a profession that is always looking for people who are willing to train and get their certification. If you are interested in this career path, here is a handy guide that will let you know what to expect.
The first thing you will need to do during the process of becoming a paramedic is attend school to get a certification. In addition to brick-and-mortar schools, it is now possible to do this online. For those who have demanding schedules, it means that you will be able to fit your schooling in at a time that is convenient for you.
The great thing about going to school yo be a paramedic is the fact that you will not have to attend school for far too long. In fact, you can complete all of the training in as little as 120 hours, depending on the school you attend. This means that you can be done in as little as six months. This is a stark contrast to other medical professions that require many years of training.
In addition to coursework, you will have to do hands-on training as well. Many of the best schools require students to train on the job for around 300-400 hours. This will ensure that you are actually ready to do the job once you are out on the field. People’s lives will depend on your ability to perform your job duties, so completing as much training as possible is a great idea.
The exact number of hours you will need to train depends on the state you are from. This is not a career path that is regulated heavily by the federal government, so there are no set in stone instructions that will need to be followed on a national level. Each state is different and it will be your responsibility to determine what is required in the location you are in.
There are some requirements you will have to meet in order to pre-qualify to train. You will not be able to attend training and begin a career in this field if you do not meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old at the start of the training period.
- You will need to have a clean driving record and an active license.
- A high school diploma or GED is a must.
- You must have a good understanding of the English language.
- CPR and BLS certifications will need to be completed first.
- You must pass a physical.
- A clean criminal background is a must.
As long as all of this applies to you, there is nothing preventing you from pursuing your dream of becoming a paramedic. With all of the people out there who need medical attention each day, this is a rewarding career you should definitely consider.