How long is paramedic training?

Paramedic training can be completed in six months to one year in the United States. To become a paramedic it takes approximately 1200 to 1800 hours of supervised training at a paramedic school. Topics covered in paramedic training and education, include:

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Cardiology

• Medications

• Medical procedures

Some paramedic schools require candidates to take college-level Anatomy and Physiology prior to admission, many schools also have personal health requirements, like proof of immunizations and a medical physical as a requirement for admission.

Paramedic training programs might also require:

• Criminal background check

• Admissions interview

• An entrance exam to determine a candidate's eligibility for admission

Each paramedic training program can have different requirements, though most programs tend to have similar requirements for aspiring paramedics. The primary objective for all paramedic programs is the successful training of a candidate.

Post-training all aspiring paramedics must complete and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Paramedic courses extend training and acknowledge that candidates learn in EMT programs.

Here are the basic requirements to become a paramedic:

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You must already be an EMT (Emergency Medical Tech)and generally have at least 6 months of work experience as an EMT

• You must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent

• You must complete CPR certification

• You must attend EMT school and pass the NREMT exam

Paramedic programs are offered at these academic institutions:

• Universities

• Colleges

• Community Colleges

• Technical Colleges

Paramedic courses build on a candidate's existing EMT education and teach skills like:

• Administering medications

• Starting intravenous lines for patients in distress

• Providing advanced airway management

• EKG Interpretation for patients

• The ability to provide emergency care to patients with life-threatening medical or traumatic emergencies

• Providing medical care to the victims of a motor vehicle crash

• Interpreting the EKG of a heart attack patient

• Providing care to individuals delivering a baby

Paramedic school consists of:

• Lectures

• Skills labs

• Hospital internship

• EMS field internship