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How do I Choose the Best Paramedic Program?

Vanessa Harvey
Vanessa Harvey

You can choose the best paramedic program by considering your personal likes and dislikes regarding the various training methods used by the program, the reputation of the school offering it, your work schedule and any family obligations that might interfere with your success. The best paramedic program will prepare you to pass the practical exams and written tests that lead to paramedic certification, such as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in the United States. You also will need to decide whether you want to earn a college degree or simply need state-approved training to be eligible to take state and national exams.

Colleges in the U.S. offer two-year paramedic programs that lead to an associate of applied science degree as well as one-year programs that lead to a college certificate. Completion of either type of program, if state-approved, makes you eligible to test for state and national licensing. If you are not interested in earning a college degree, the best paramedic program for you might be a certificate program. Although field experience and the completion of the hands-on portion of the training known as clinicals or a practicum will give you real-world experience, you might want a program that offers hands-on learning in addition to clinicals if you learn best by doing. Such a program usually is not offered by community colleges but rather by medical centers and research hospitals.

Paramedics can work for municipalities, ambulance services, or other emergency response providers.
Paramedics can work for municipalities, ambulance services, or other emergency response providers.

If you have work and family obligations that would make it difficult for you to attend classes in person, you might want to consider an online or hybrid paramedic program. Online programs allow you to take the didactic, or classroom training, portion of your paramedic training online, but you usually will be required to travel to where the school is located once or twice during your studies to complete hands-on skills training, field experience and clinicals. Some paramedic programs offer what is known as hybrid training, in which students are required to take classes online and attend classes in person on a regular basis.

Paramedics are often the first responders on the scene of an accident, and must be well-trained to stabilize a number of life-threatening injuries.
Paramedics are often the first responders on the scene of an accident, and must be well-trained to stabilize a number of life-threatening injuries.

It usually is an advantage for students to receive instruction directly from experienced, licensed paramedics currently working in the profession. The regulations that govern emergency medical services constantly evolve. These changes affect the scope of practice for each level of emergency medical technician, for medical procedures practiced and for the handling of terrorist threats and activities. Among the best paramedic programs are those that offer various certifications, such as pediatric advanced life support, that can be highly valuable to potential employers.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

Are two-year paramedic programs better than one-year programs? Why are they different?

turquoise

@MikeMason-- There are paramedic programs that prepare people to take the national standard paramedic test, instead of state-wide testing. I would recommend that you just ask any schools which offer paramedic programs you're interested in about this.

My sister finished a one year paramedic program in Houston and then she took the national test and passed. So she's essentially qualified to work in any state and doesn't have to get a new certificate for another state. So just ask programs about this.

Also, it's a good idea to go to read forums where paramedics might discuss schools they attended. Getting an insider's view of a program is always good when you're trying to make a decision. As far as I know, the program and school you attend to be a paramedic is important. I've heard that some employers are more inclined to work from graduates of certain schools and programs than others because of their reputation.

stoneMason

I'm in Ohio but I'm looking for a paramedic training program that will eventually allow me to work as a paramedic in another state. My fiance is located somewhere else and I will eventually be moving there. I know that some paramedic programs are designed to have people take state-wide exams for paramedics which is not good if you're planning on going to a different state.

I don't want to have to take a second paramedic program when I eventually move. So what kind of paramedic program would be best for my situation?

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    • Paramedics can work for municipalities, ambulance services, or other emergency response providers.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Paramedics can work for municipalities, ambulance services, or other emergency response providers.
    • Paramedics are often the first responders on the scene of an accident, and must be well-trained to stabilize a number of life-threatening injuries.
      By: corepics
      Paramedics are often the first responders on the scene of an accident, and must be well-trained to stabilize a number of life-threatening injuries.