Paramedic Job Overview

In a paramedic job, you’ll be the first responder when people are injured or ill. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians respond to 911 calls, evaluate the patient’s situation, then prepare and transport patients to the hospital.

Paramedic Education

To pursue a paramedic career, all states require candidates to complete a formal training program. Paramedics must complete the EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate (also known as Advanced EMT) training levels as well as paramedic training in advanced medical skills. Training programs, which are available from community colleges and technical schools, typically take 1,300 hours and may take up to two years to complete.

Paramedic Certification

EMT and paramedic certifications are issued by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. While requirements vary by state, all states require paramedics and EMTs to be licensed. You may have to pass a state exam and background check before you can be hired for paramedic work.

Paramedic Job Market

EMT and paramedic employment will expand by 33 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s much faster than the average job. With no end to car accidents, natural disasters and violence in sight, demand for qualified candidates to fill EMT and paramedic jobs won’t decline. Rural areas and small towns need part-time and volunteer EMT and paramedic workers.

As Baby Boomers age, more age-related health emergencies will increase the demand for emergency responders as well as patient transportation to healthcare facilities.

Paramedic Salaries

The median paramedic salary was $30,710 in 2011, the BLS reports. The top earning paramedics made $53,050, while the lowest 10 percent earned $19,880.