How to Become a Paramedic

Whether they’re responding to a car accident, cardiac event, or sick child, paramedics provide life-saving medical care in situations where every second counts. These indispensable emergency medical services (EMS) professionals are often among the first responders to arrive at the scene, using specialized skills and quick decision-making to manage the situation and stabilize the patient. 

While the terms "paramedic" and "emergency medical technician" (EMT) are sometimes used interchangeably, these roles differ in their scope and educational requirements. EMTs provide basic life support, whereas paramedics are certified to deliver complex care, including IV medication administration, intubation, and cardiac monitoring. To become certified, EMTs must complete approximately 150 hours of training and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Paramedics must complete more extensive training and earn both an NREMT certification and a paramedic certification. Keep reading to explore paramedic job responsibilities, educational paths, salary expectations, and how a paramedic role can serve as a pathway to a fulfilling healthcare career.

What Is a Paramedic?

Paramedics respond to 911 calls and provide initial care to individuals, often in an ambulance headed to the hospital. They can work for ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, or even air rescue teams that transport patients by helicopter. Paramedics assess the patient’s condition, perform CPR, control bleeding, deliver oxygen, and administer medications. These trained professionals are also qualified to interpret EKGs and use defibrillators to restore normal heart rhythm. The job requires exceptional critical thinking skills as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure. Although they’re equipped with advanced tools and training, paramedics must often rely on instinct and experience to navigate the complexities of real-world emergencies. The work can be intense and emotionally challenging but also deeply rewarding. 

An aging population, increased 911 call volume, and staffing shortages have led to a growing demand for paramedics and EMTs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of paramedics and EMTs will grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. That’s nearly twice the average growth rate for all occupations. Salaries for EMTs and paramedics typically range from $31,000 to $60,000 annually, with a median salary of approximately $41,340. 

How Do I Become a Paramedic?  

As a paramedic, you become part of a dedicated team of first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, who help save lives every day. To qualify for this role, you’ll need to complete EMT and paramedic training through an accredited paramedic program. The process involves the following key steps: 

• Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or GED. Once you’ve met this basic requirement, you’ll be ready to start emergency medical training. 
• Step 2: Complete EMT training. The next step is to enroll in a state-approved EMT program and complete 120 to 150 hours of instruction. Training includes classroom learning as well as hands-on practice in patient evaluation, emergency care techniques, patient transportation, and effective communication.
• Step 3: Pass the NREMT EMT Certification exam. The exam evaluates your understanding of essential healthcare subjects, including patient assessment, clinical judgment, trauma care, crisis management, cardiology and resuscitation, and airway, respiration, and ventilation. 
• Step 4. Gain experience as an EMT. Before you can enroll in a paramedic program, you need to have six months to a year of experience working as an EMT. Consider gaining this experience by working for an ambulance service or hospital.
• Step 5. Complete a paramedic program. The next step toward becoming a paramedic is to complete an accredited paramedic training program. These programs typically include 1200 to 1800 hours of instruction in areas such as anatomy, pharmacology, medication terminology, trauma management, and pre-hospital care. 
• Step 6. Pass the NREMT Paramedic Certification exam. This exam assesses your theoretical and practical knowledge of emergency care and is necessary in most states to qualify for licensure.
• Step 7. Apply for state licensure. After passing the NREMT exam, the next step is to apply for paramedic licensure in your state. Licensing qualifications can vary, but most states require proof of NREMT certification and a background check. 

Paramedics must complete ongoing education to renew their certification and stay up-to-date on evolving techniques and technology in emergency medical services. 

Transitioning from EMS to Nursing  

A paramedic career offers many advantages, including job stability, competitive salary, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. For some, it also serves as a stepping stone into other healthcare roles, including nursing. While paramedics treat patients during transport to the hospital, nurses manage a broader scope of responsibilities involving longer-term care. If you’re considering transitioning to nursing after working in EMS, it's helpful to understand the differences between paramedics and nurses. To become a nurse, you’ll need to complete an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). While the minimum educational requirement is often an associate degree, employers are increasingly requiring nurses to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

A nursing career allows you to play a crucial role in patients’ recovery and overall well-being. It also offers the opportunity to work in a diverse range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, public health departments, home healthcare agencies, long-term care facilities, and telehealth platforms. Additionally, there is ample room for advancement within a nursing career. With sufficient on-the-job experience and a master’s degree in nursing, you could pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse manager, or ICU nurse. 

Level-Up Your Healthcare Career with a Degree from WGU

Whether you’re a firefighter, EMT, or someone with no EMS background at all, WGU offers flexible degree programs that can prepare you for a successful healthcare career. If you’re interested in transitioning from EMS to nursing, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure) degree program as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN). If you’re eager to qualify for advanced nursing positions, we offer several nursing master’s degrees. These include degree programs focused on nursing leadership and management, nursing informatics, and nursing education, as well as degrees that can prepare you to become a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. 

In addition to nursing, WGU offers healthcare degrees in high-demand fields, including health information management, health science, public health, and healthcare administration. WGU’s flexible, competency-based learning model allows students to progress through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the material, meaning you can earn a degree even with a busy personal or professional life. Additionally, WGU students have access to a full support system that includes dedicated Course Instructors, one-on-one Program Mentors, academic coaching, and student communities to connect with peers. Take the next step toward a meaningful healthcare career by applying today.