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Understanding how to become a paramedic can be tough, because various schools have unique requirements for their applicants. Not just that, but different states have numerous requirements for their working paramedics too, thus muddying the waters for anybody interested in learning how to become a paramedic but uncertain ways to get accurate and pertinent facts about the subject.

To become a paramedic, you must first meet the criteria set by both the state and also the school of your liking. You will then need to graduate from a paramedic school, where you will take the NREMT-P exams and/or a state licensing examination. Once you formally obtain credentials through an EMS agency in your state, you’ll be capable of working as an EMT-P.

If you’re interested in chasing a career as a paramedic, let us discuss three actions you ought to really think about taking.

1) Learn the Requirements

Requirements vary from state to state, but typically, the eligibility demands for many paramedic schools and programs are the following:

You should be 18 years of age.

You will need to be a high school graduate, or possess a GED.

You ought to have a valid driver’s license.

You will need to have specified certifications (CPR, for example).

You need to be a licensed EMT (despite the fact that real EMT experience isn’t often a necessity).

From that point, the prerequisites for becoming a paramedic could vary greatly.

For instance, in a state like The Lone Star State, you may be requested by a paramedic program to take the THEA test (Texas Higher Education Assessment), or perhaps an approved alternate examination like COMPASS.

In some states, because you ought to be no less than 18 years old in order to enroll in a paramedic program, students will actually require an Associate’s Degree or more to become licensed to practice.

2) Apply to a Paramedic Program

Figuring out which school to apply to is usually confusing, but it’s all about picking out a school which you believe gives you the ideal education and instruction.

Whatever school you choose, it’s encouraged that most paramedic students give consideration to enrolling in an accredited school or program. Come January 1, 2013, all prospective paramedics who want to become Nationally Registered must have graduated from an accredited paramedic program in order to do so.

3) Graduate. Get Certified. Acquire Your License.

When you finish a paramedic program, you’ll most likely want to become nationally certified from the NREMT. This necessitates passing the NREMT exams, which comprise of both a computer adaptive examination and a skills test.

Passing the NREMT exams is a demonstration of meeting a national certification norm. It also gives you significantly greater flexibility in the event you move to a different state and submit an application for reciprocity (provided it’s a state that accepts the National Registry as their standard for admittance and licensure).

But becoming Nationally Registered does not give you consent to work. Only the state you plan to work in can do that, and that’s through licensure. Getting licensed might sometimes be as easy as giving the state a copy of one's NREMT card. Some states, nonetheless, demand those attempting to get licensure to pass a state test.

The paramedic in you is just waiting to be developed.  To do so, visit http://www.paramedictrainingspot.com to learn the requirements needed by all working paramedics.  You'll also be able to find accredited paramedic training programs, as well!





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    I enjoy spending time with my family, my two dogs, and writing articles that hopefully can help one or two people understand how to become a great paramedic!

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