Overview
In this career, your responsibilities may include:
- Responding to emergency calls, and assessing patient condition and performing emergency medical procedures in the field.
- Safely transporting patients to hospital – usually in an ambulance, but sometimes by helicopter or airplane.
- Documenting observations of patient condition and what treatment was provided, and communicating these with doctors and nurses upon arrival at hospital.
- Administering medications and operating complex medical equipment, such as EKGs – medical privileges that Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) do not share.
Job Titles
In your job search, you may find job listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at Career One Stop.
Academic Requirements
Typically requires a non-degree certificate or an associate degree. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree would allow you to work in allied health careers with greater responsibility and higher salaries, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree.
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Certification
EMT certification is required to begin paramedic training, and paramedic certification is typically required for licensure. Certification is by state, rather than through a national association, although many states accept the certifications from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
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Licensure
Licensure is required. In most states, NREMT Paramedic certification qualifies the applicant for licensure. Contact your state licensing board for more information.
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