What is the best way for me to become a paramedic?

Question

Should I become a nurse first to keep my options open?, and does anyone know of any good colleges for this type of field?

Answer 1

Well, it's just a matter of what you want to do; nurses and paramedics do two completely different jobs.
Most paramedic schools are either one year (certificate) or two year (associate's degree). If you want to keep your options open, you could always earn an associate's in nursing, and then take a year long paramedic class.
The school I went to was very good, but it's in Alaska (I doubt that's close to where you live). The best thing to do would be to ask around and see if there is a decent school in your area.
If I could have done it over again, I would have earned an associate's degree instead of a certificate. There are some states that won't let you work as a paramedic unless you have an associate's in the field (so now I'm trying to figure out how to get my associate's degree while working full time - no fun)

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

For training to become a paramedic take the classes at community college or where its offered in your area. In the mean time while you are deciding you should take anatomy class because that is something you will need to know for being both a nurse and a paramedic. Oh and take CPR class that is needed for both, too. I think that the best way to see if you really want to do nursing is to take the certified nurse's aid class at community college and get some experience working as a CNA in patient settings. That helped a couple of people that I know decide if nursing was for them or not. Good luck. :-)

Answer 3

You first need to take and EMT course, pass the EMT license test and get a job at a fire department or private ambulance company. Then take a paramedic's course. These courses can be taken at a community college. Both the paramedic and EMT courses will require hospital time. Paramedic will also require specific runs on the ambulance. Talk to a fire department you are interested in first to see if they offer financial assistance for the courses or if they have different protocols.

Answer 4

i think to be a paramedic, you need a license. the process of getting the license is equivalent to that of a medical doctor, a lot of schooling. go towards the direction of a physician and any college specialize in biology, human anatomy, chemistry, or pre-med is good.