Paramedic Schools and Programs

Paramedics assist patients who are in desperate need of help, and their quick thinking and actions stand between potential tragedy and a positive outcome. Their responsibilities depend on experience, education and state laws. Paramedics begin their journey with emergency medical technician (EMT) training where students learn to assess the condition of a patient and handle emergencies that might include trauma, cardiac problems and more. Prospective paramedics must also pass through the EMT Advanced program, which includes more in-depth practices such as administering intravenous fluids and some medications. Graduates of paramedic training programs have expanded duties such as wound care and monitoring heart function.

Paramedics need post-secondary education and intensive instruction in emergency services that goes well beyond that of the EMT. Though paramedic schools typically award an associate degree, some graduates advance their studies with a bachelor’s degree. Paramedic training can be found in community colleges, vocational schools and the like.

Paramedic Schools Must-Have List

With so many paramedic schools out there vying for their attention, prospective students need a way to organize all the data. Students who are looking for the best possible program can turn to this list of important elements that paramedic schools must have in order to be seriously considered in their “short list” of potential schools.

Paramedic Degrees and Certificates

Though many paramedics gain vital on-the-job training in their trade, earning a degree or certificate adds a level of validity to their qualifications beyond experience alone. Numerous certificates are available, and these tend to be a popular route among those who seek a paramedic education while continuing to work in the field. Diplomas are also possible through trade or vocational schools. Certificates and diplomas typically take 18 months or so to complete, though the time might be shorter with accelerated courses, or longer if a student chooses a part-time schedule. Paramedics typically need at least 1,200 hours of education total.

The associate degree program is becoming more common as paramedics realize the benefits of earning a college degree. In most cases, the associate degree takes two years to complete, though as with the certificate and diploma, other factors might lead to a longer or shorter period of time in the classroom. Some bachelor’s programs are available for those who want to hone their skills, and possibly set up future plans to delve further into the world of medicine. Most bachelor’s programs take between four and five years to complete, and culminate in a degree that could lead to a master’s degree program for those interested in emergency services management.

Associate Degrees from Paramedic Schools

Aspiring paramedics can choose between the Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degree, in a major such as paramedic science or emergency medical services. Applicants should verify that a program prepares graduates to take on roles as full-fledged paramedics with the proper education to perform well in the career. Many programs require a combination of experience and education, including classroom hours, clinical hours, “ride time” and fieldwork. For admission, most programs require applicants to be registered EMTs with some experience in the position. In most cases, students can find associate degree programs through community colleges, though some technical and vocational schools also offer the degree.

Those who intend to pursue the associate degree can expect the equivalent of two years of classes. Depending upon the program and state guidelines, some programs teach students how to administer medications, use advanced lifesaving equipment and more. In addition to general education courses in subjects such as mathematics, English and science, students can expect several core courses in paramedic studies, including those listed below.

Bachelor’s Degrees from Paramedic Schools

Those who choose to expand their knowledge beyond the associate degree can find numerous bachelor’s degree programs offering paramedic studies. Majoring in paramedic science is one route, while other programs might focus on areas of health studies but offer a concentration in emergency medical services. Most bachelor’s degree programs take between four and five years to complete, though some students might need longer, depending upon the fieldwork requirements and whether they choose to attend school on a part-time basis.

In some cases, students must already have their EMT certification and some field experience under their belt in order to be admitted into the program, but there are also bachelor’s degree programs that combine the EMT and paramedic studies. These programs are usually found in colleges or universities, and might be delivered through an online format, with stipulations made for completing the necessary hands-on experience.

Required general education classes offer the opportunity to enhance key communication skills through subjects like English or speech. In addition, students can expect to take several core courses in paramedic science. The following is a sampling of courses students might encounter during their bachelor’s degree pursuit.

Certificates from Paramedic Schools

Many EMS professionals choose to earn a certificate as they continue to work in the field. One of the most common certificates is the Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic certificate, which prepares students to deal with a wide variety of situations in the field, as well as provide advanced life support and in some states, administer medications. These programs can be completed through a variety of schools, including community colleges and technical schools, and some programs are offered through hospitals. Students can expect targeted core courses that focus on advanced learning for EMTs and paramedics, as well as the required fieldwork. Below is a list of typical courses in a paramedic certificate program.

Paramedic Toolbox

Working as a paramedic or EMT often means helping people during some of their darkest, most frightening moments. That kind of work can take a toll on those who are not prepared for what they might see while on the job. That’s why certain characteristics are so important for those who are considering entering the paramedic program.

Quick Facts: Paramedics and EMTs-Is There a Difference?

When emergency services are called, an EMT or paramedic – or both – might show up at the scene. What is the difference between the two? Though they both provide lifesaving services to those in need, the roles of EMTs and paramedics are fairly distinct in terms of scope of care.

EMTs are prepared to help patients with basic emergency care, including CPR, handling artificial ventilation or oxygen administration, preparing a patient for transport, and conducting assessments and vital sign checks. These professionals can use field equipment to provide life-saving measures and perform important procedures, such as clearing an obstructed airway. Those who complete the Advanced EMT program, which requires at least 300 hours, learn additional skills such as the use of complex airway devices.

Paramedics, however, are much more highly trained and can handle more types of emergency care. Depending on state regulations, responsibilities could include the use of breathing tubes, needle chest decompressions, EKG monitoring, administration of intravenous fluids, advanced lifesaving procedures and other techniques.

In short, the EMT is prepared to help with immediate problems and ready someone for transport from the incident site. A paramedic is like bringing the ER to the patient in the back of an ambulance – they provide the timely and life-saving skills that can get a patient to the hospital alive. Some advanced paramedics, such as specialists in critical care or transport, have even more training and can perform other duties, for example, a wider scope of medication administration.

Paramedic Specializations

Paramedics can choose to specialize in order to handle the unique issues that might be present in certain populations. A paramedic who is well-versed in pediatric trauma might be a valuable asset in a call concerning a motor vehicle accident involving children. Some programs from paramedic schools offer different concentrations as part of the course of study, but other specializations can be earned through time in the field and additional coursework. Here are a few of the more common specializations for paramedics:

There are many other specializations available for paramedics who wish to continue in their current role but enhance their skills in order to serve a broader population or provide more targeted care. Some examples of these specializations include pediatric advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation, trauma life support and advanced cardiac life support.

Straight from the Source: Interview with a Paramedic

After Paramedic School: What’s Next

Captain Scott Miller points out the numerous avenues possible for those who have earned their paramedic certificate or degree: “You can be a full-time firefighter/medic with a fire department, a paramedic for a private ambulance company which may or may not handle all medical calls separate from a fire department, a flight medic on an air ambulance, a paramedic in the emergency room of a hospital, a private paramedic for business, industry, oil fields and offshore work, and many others.”

No matter the career path for a paramedic, the outlook for employment is much better than average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency medical technicians and paramedics can expect job growth of 23 percent from 2012 to 2022. Given an aging population and the higher risk of cardiac events and falls among the elderly, paramedics should see constant demand and perhaps an increase in calls. Those who are trained in patient transport could see better job opportunities.