Paramedic Training
Training to be a paramedic is a rigorous undertaking. A paramedic must attend school for almost 2 years, including classroom, clinical and ride-time training. Paramedic training varies by state, but with new national education standards, paramedic training is becoming more standardized across the country. Paramedic training can be exciting, exacting and exasperating, all at the same time.
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Paramedic Versus EMT Training
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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.
EMT Before Paramedic
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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.
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Paramedic Training and Curriculum
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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.
Paramedic Training in the Classroom
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In the classroom, a paramedic in training will learn about anatomy, physiology, cardiac function, pulmonary function, medications and other aspects of the human body.
Paramedic Training in the Clinical Setting
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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.
Paramedic Training During Ride-Time
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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 After Graduation
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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.
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