- Paramedic training is not the same as EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training. An EMT goes to school for three months and cannot give medications, perform invasive procedures or monitor cardiac rhythms. A paramedic goes to school for almost 2 years and can give dozens of medications, perform several invasive procedures and interpret complicated cardiac rhythms.
- Paramedic training begins with EMT school. While they are not the same job, most paramedic schools require you to be an EMT (often called an EMT-B, EMT-Basic or EMT-1, depending on the state) before applying for paramedic training.
- Paramedic training lasts 1 year in states that don't follow the national curriculum issued by the Department of Transportation, and up to 2 years in states that do. More states are adopting the national curriculum, as paramedic schools need to prove they are following it to receive accreditation.
- In the classroom, a paramedic in training will learn about anatomy, physiology, cardiac function, pulmonary function, medications and other aspects of the human body.
- In the clinical stage, a paramedic in training will attend clinical rotations at local hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. The emergency room is the focus for much of this clinical training.
- During ride-time, the paramedic in training will ride along with a local ambulance service or fire department paramedics. The trainee will get to practice everything he has learned under the watchful eyes of a skilled paramedic preceptor.
- Paramedic training doesn't end after school. Depending on the state, paramedics may have to attend monthly continuing education sessions, as well as obtain various certifications to maintain their paramedic license.
