Do You Need a Bachelor's Degree to Be a Paramedic?

As first responders, paramedics must be well trained and able to handle stressful situations.

Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide more advanced medical care than emergency medical technicians. A bachelor's degree is not required, but many paramedics earn associate degrees while training to take a certification exam.

Training

Paramedics treat patients at the scene of an emergency and move them to a hospital. They need to learn anatomy, physiology and specific medical skills before they qualify to take the paramedic exam. Training includes classroom and clinical work.

Schools

Community colleges and vocational schools offer training for paramedics. The programs take one to two years to complete and prepare students to take a certification exam. Once they finish a training program, students must pass an exam and get a state license to work as a paramedic. Most states use a national exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Continuing Education

A paramedic must renew his certification every two to three years, depending on state guidelines. Continuing education keeps paramedics up-to-date on new medical technology or procedures. State requirements for continuing education vary.

References

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: Paramedics
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics