The Best Paramedic Training Programs to Advance Your Career
Becoming a Paramedic is a significant step forward in your emergency medical career.
Advanced training gives you the skills and knowledge to handle complex medical situations. You’re the on-scene expert now. You will be expected to lead and provide high-level care.
If you’re considering advancing from EMT to Paramedic, you need to find the right training program. Let’s explore some of the top Paramedic training programs available and how to pick the right one for you.
Why Pursue Your Paramedic Certification?
Paramedic training is an essential step for furthering your EMS career.
Here’s why you should consider getting your paramedic certification.
Advanced Skills. You will learn advanced medical procedures, pharmacology, and critical care techniques.
Career Advancement. EMT-Basic will only get you so far. Paramedic opens up exciting new career opportunities. Plus you make a lot more as a medic than an EMT.
Increased Responsibility. Take on more complex and high-stakes roles in emergency medical services. Being a medic gives you the option to take roles outside patient care.
It’s also a must have to prevent burnout. Having new goals and promotional aspirations help keep a positive attitude in a difficult career.
And no matter what route you choose, try Pocket Prep to get a little more studying in. Having a whole prep app in your pocket means you’re always ready to get some last second studying in.
That’s why we always include Pocket Prep in our programs. Student’s are always telling us how useful the app is.
If you want to find out more about them, follow this link here.
*I am an affiliate with Pocket Prep, which means I get a kickback if you follow my link. You don’t have to, and it doesn’t cost any extra, but it sure helps me out a ton. So if you want an easy way to support us, Pocket Prep is perfect.
State Paramedic Training Programs
There are a lot of factors involved in picking the right Paramedic Program.
Do your research. Make sure your program covers all the necessary information to pass the NREMT. Also make sure it’s accredited. You don’t want to waste precious time and money to find out your class didn’t count.
Paramedic Degree Programs
Paramedic Degree Programs are sometimes offered at state universities. They offer a comprehensive educational experience and set you up for future success.
You’ll complete these programs with at least an Associate’s in Paramedicine. Pretty cool if you ask me. Many even offer a full Bachelor’s degree in Paramedicine. These programs are more intense, but you’ll find more doors open when you have a degree.
Here’s what you can expect from these programs:
Structured Curriculums. The programs will combine classroom instruction with clinical practice. They cover advanced medical techniques, patient management, and emergency response.
Hands-On Experience. Gain practical experience through clinical rotations and real-world scenarios.
Often you’ll be working with ER doctors. They are some of the best instructors you’ll ever work with.
2-4 year commitment. You’re getting a degree AND a certification. It takes more time upfront, but it’s worth the investment. The programs meet industry standards and are accredited by a recognized body.
NREMT Prep. After four years of a college workload, you’ll never be more ready for the NREMT.
It will probably feel a little too easy by the time you’re done. Alright, that’s a lie. It’s never easy.
Why Paramedic Degree Programs Are So Great.
Comprehensive Learning. A well-rounded curriculum that prepares you for all aspects of Paramedic work. You have other classes too. But they will make you even more prepared to step into leadership roles. Many departments are now requiring degrees for promotions. Might as well get started early.
Clinical Practice. These schools partner with nearby hospitals. Apply what you learn in class to real world, clinical scenarios. Being at a college you get all the most up-to-date medical information. Working with doctors lets you see what the world looks like after you drop your patients off. The emergency room is a whole different world from the back of the ambulance.
Accelerated Paramedic Training
These are for those who need to complete their Paramedic training quickly. Accelerated Paramedic Training programs are intense, but you jump right into the field.
Most paramedic programs are 10 months long. Some schools will offer them in as little as 6.
So cancel all your other plans. You won’t have time for anything else during those 6 months. Good-bye gym membership, hello study groups.
The intensive coursework covers everything you need to know to pass the NREMT. You will be responsible for a lot self study outside the classroom. There just isn’t time for everything in class. All that responsibility falls on you.
The condensed timeframe means they will cram hours of practical skills into each day.
You need to be proficient in all paramedic skills and they don’t have much time. So fight for skills labs. Don’t sit around and wait to get called on.
Be upfront and first in every skill station. Do the skills 3,4, and 5 times if you can.
Clinical and Field Training are some of the most important parts of a medic program. Accelerated courses often work with local fire and EMS agencies. While fun, prepare yourself for some late nights and early mornings.
Supportive Learning Environment. Ok, not always. These programs still have good passing rates, but it’s not gonna be easy. Failures happen more often than in the 10-month programs. There is so much to learn in a short amount of time. You’ll have access to instructors and support staff throughout the program, but it’s up to you to put the work in.
Why It’s Great:
- Fast-Track Option: Complete your training in a shorter period, ideal for those looking to enter the field quickly.
- Practical Experience: Comprehensive field training and clinical rotations to ensure readiness for real-world scenarios.
- Supportive Structure: Access to support and guidance from experienced instructors.
Online Paramedic Program
Online medic study programs offer flexibility and tailored study materials. Due to national requirements, you can’t be accredited through these programs online.
They are excellent study resources though.
Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace. You have 24/7 access to all his online materials and resources. This includes videos, study guides, and full on books.
Interactive community: Engage with other students online throughout your course. He has a full online forum for current and past students to interact.
It’s nice talking to other students. Then you know you’re not the only one suffering.
Certification Preparation: His Video Vault has a full section dedicated to NREMT prep. He includes practice exams, techniques for breaking down questions, and useful study guides.
You can find a bunch of testimonials from his program HERE.
His program has been around for a while so you know it’s good. It’s the best supplemental study material for paramedic class I’ve found yet.
How to Choose the Right Paramedic Training Program
It’s hard selecting the right Paramedic program.
So pay attention to a few factors when making your decision.
Is this program actually accredited? Will the state recognize the time I put in during class? If not, or you’re skeptical, find another program.
Accredited programs ensure quality education and up to date materials.
Find reviews on the instructors. Not everyone is world class instructor. But you need to trust you’re getting a good education.
Others will be relying on you in emergency situations, and you want good training to fall back.
Its a cliche but its true, “You don’t rise to the level of your education, you fall to the level of your training.” -Socrates probably.
Check what hospitals or ambulance services they partner with. You’ve probably been an EMT for a while already and know which hospitals suck. Make sure the program doesn’t partner with those hospitals.
Additional Tips for Success in Paramedic Training
To maximize your class time, keep these tips in mind:
Organize your study time. Take a minute to create a study plan.
If you have a class syllabus, put all your important test dates into your calendar. This will let you plan out everything you need to study ahead of time.
Pro tip– If you know you struggle with a certain topic (like drug profiles) plan to spend a little more time on them.
Get rid of all distractions. I know I can’t study without absolute silence. You probably can’t either.
No one is a good multitasker, even if you think you are. Don’t have a show in the background. Don’t play on your phone.
Just sit down, shut up, and lock in.
Actively participate in class. I know no one likes to answer questions. I’ve been teaching paramedic classes for a while. But the people who put in more effort get better grades. It’s that simple.
Bonus points if you ask questions. Asking good questions shows the instructors you paid attention during the lecture.
And don’t be afraid to ask follow up questions. Ask until you can really understand the topic.
You have to pay attention though. There is such a thing as stupid questions and they’re usually asked because someone wasn’t listening. Don’t let that someone be you.
Recommended Paramedic Training Programs
Everywhere has different paramedic courses available to them. Consider reaching out to prospective employers and get their recommendations.
Chances are they have programs they like more than others.
Select the right paramedic program for you. Each one is different so make the decision carefully. Good Luck!
Click here to find more resources for hopeful medic students.
The Medic Mentor 
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