Becoming a Paramedic Requires a High School Diploma?

Answer 1

A paramedic is someone who has trained to administer emergency medical services to people who have fallen ill or had accidents for which they need immediate medical treatment. All paramedics need to have high school diplomas and vary in degrees of medical training to become licensed by the state in which they plan to work. Paramedics are on the front lines for administering procedures that help save lives and besides receiving medical treatment, they need to impart confidence and comfort for those in their care until they get to the hospital or emergency room.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are three levels of paramedics. The first is a Paramedic-Basic who learns to provide basic services to patients, like respiratory services, cardiac and patient assessment. The second level is the emergency medical technician, known as EMT-Intermediate, who trains to use more sophisticated medical devices, administers fluids and drugs, and who can insert emergency breathing devices. The highest level is a paramedic who trains at private or public vocational schools or colleges and may receive an associate's degree. The paramedic studies anatomy, physiology, and learns more in-depth medical treatments for emergencies.

All paramedics must take a state exam that includes both a written test and hands-on demonstrations of different life-saving medical techniques. The BLS reported that the lowest hourly wage for an entry-level EMT was $9 an hour in 2008, while the highest rate was $23.77. The BLS reported that approximately 27% of EMT workers were in a union in 2008.

Paramedics and EMT workers are employed by local governments, ambulance services, both using air and vehicle transport, and in other health care settings. Most paramedics and EMTs work for ambulance services, while 29% work for public agencies, notably fire departments. Job growth between 2008 and 2018 is expected to reach 9%, considered good, according to the BLS. Like many other hospital workers, paramedics work nights, weekends and holidays.