How to Become a Paramedic in Florida
If you want to become a paramedic in Florida, be prepared to volunteer a lot. Applicants must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. You will also need to complete a series of practical, physical, written, and medical examinations to become formally certified as an Paramedical Emergency Medical Technician or "EMT-Paramedic." Potential applicants need to complete progressive EMT training in patient assessment, cardiac emergency, airway obstruction, and emergency childbirth. Paramedics need to maintain their certification for the entire duration of their employment. Here are some additional tips if you want to become a paramedic in Florida.
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Instructions
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Have the appropriate education and background. To become a paramedic in Florida you need to at least have a high school diploma in order to pass a rigorous training program. You can become employed as a paramedic with a GED, but competition for jobs is extremely fierce. Military veterans and people with degrees always will get preferential treatment over others who do not hold higher-level degrees.
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Be certified. In some Florida areas, certification and testing must be completed separately from any academic or initial medical training, like CPR, for example. Brevard, Broward and Orange counties all require paramedics to complete at least 350 hours of medical training at area emergency rooms.
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Fill out a state, county or city application for employment. This is a basic application form for everyone who wants to work as a government employee. Know that protective service employees like police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics need to complete addition forms, as well. Go to your local, city or county government office to get the correct form. Some Florida counties will require you go online instead.
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Apply for a job during a designated posting time. Every Florida county has a time frame for which potential applicants are allowed to apply for employment as a paramedic. Know that you may be required to volunteer for a certain amount of calendar days before you can become eligible. Fill out a Job Interest form in your county to be notified of job vacancies ahead of time.
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Tips & Warnings
There are more than 65 counties in the state of Florida.
Most medical personnel need to have numerous vaccinations in order to protect themselves against diseases they are exposed to on the job.
The Florida Bureau of Medical and Emergency Services is under the direction of the Florida Medical Division of Quality Assurance.
It can take up to 3 years to become a paramedic in Florida.
Do not have a criminal record if you want to become a paramedic in Florida.
