How much schooling to be a paramedic?

Answer 1

In Ontario, most College courses to become a Paramedic are 4 Semesters, 2 Semesters a year. Also, all Colleges I know of require you to maintain a passing average grade of 70% or more while you are the in the Paramedic Course.

In order to get into the course for Paramedicine, be prepared to study a lot, and apply yourself. You need very high marks to get in to most schools. Personally I had a 98% average when applying to the school of my choice (This is coming out of a College level General Education in Health Sciences), and I achieved a position on a wait list at position 48(Not really ideal).

Also, after you have finished the 2 years of required College time, you need to then apply (and pay) for the A-EMCA test. The test is a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care test that is comprised of approx. 360 multiple, multiple choice questions, in which you have 6 hours of time to complete.

In short, there is a good amount of schooling needed to become a Paramedic in Ontario. You need the drive, passion and dedication in order to succeed in becoming a Paramedic.

- J

I am a 2nd Year Paramedic Student - Graduated and waiting to write A-EMCA Test.

Answer 2

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a paramedic.

Generally, a high school diploma is required to enter a training program to become an EMT or paramedic. Workers must complete a formal training and certification process.

Education and training. A high school diploma is usually required to enter a formal emergency medical technician training program. Training is offered at progressive levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.

At the EMT-Basic level, coursework emphasizes emergency skills, such as managing respiratory, trauma, and cardiac emergencies, and patient assessment. Formal courses are often combined with time in an emergency room or ambulance. The program provides instruction and practice in dealing with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers. Graduates of approved EMT-Basic training programs must pass a written and practical examination administered by the State certifying agency or the NREMT.

At the EMT-Intermediate level, training requirements vary by State. The nationally defined levels (EMT-Intermediate 1985 and EMT-Intermediate 1999) typically require 30 to 350 hours of training based on scope of practice. Students learn advanced skills such the use of advanced airway devices, intravenous fluids, and some medications.

The most advanced level of training for this occupation is EMT-Paramedic. At this level, the caregiver receives training in anatomy and physiology as well as advanced medical skills. Most commonly, the training is conducted in community colleges and technical schools over 1 to 2 years and may result in an associate's degree. Such education prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified as a Paramedic. Extensive related coursework and clinical and field experience is required. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMTs and paramedics at all levels.

Licensure. All 50 States require certification for each of the EMT levels. In most States and the District of Columbia registration with the NREMT is required at some or all levels of certification. Other States administer their own certification examination or provide the option of taking either the NREMT or State examination. To maintain certification, EMTs and paramedics must recertify, usually every 2 years. Generally, they must be working as an EMT or paramedic and meet a continuing education requirement.

Other qualifications. EMTs and paramedics should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. They also need good eyesight (corrective lenses may be used) with accurate color vision.

Advancement. Paramedics can become supervisors, operations managers, administrative directors, or executive directors of emergency services. Some EMTs and paramedics become instructors, dispatchers, or physician assistants; others move into sales or marketing of emergency medical equipment. A number of people become EMTs and paramedics to test their interest in health care before training as registered nurses, physicians, or other health workers.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

Answer 3

You don't need a degree, you need a license. To get one you must go through all the courses from EMT-Basic to paramedic, pass them, finish clinical hours, and then be licensed by the state.