4 Easy Ways to Prepare for Paramedic School

Paramedic School is HARD. And it’s going to be even harder if you aren’t prepared for it.

But I want you to take a second and think about the worst paramedic you’ve ever met. Like someone you can’t believe is allowed to give medications.

Now remember, if they can pass, so can you.

Hey, I’m Shay. I’ve been in pre-hospital emergency medical services for over 12 years. I’ve taught EMT-B and Paramedic classes for years and been a firefighter Paramedic for most of my career.

Today I want to give you the four biggest tips for preparing for paramedic class.

• Start Early
• Stick to your schedule
• Study your Vocabulary
• Enjoy some free time

Easy Paramedic Preparation

Does that sound too simple? That’s because it is. The hardest part about getting ready for paramedic classes is sitting down and doing the work.

Because no one can do it for you. All the Quizlets in the world won’t save you once you’re alone in the back of the ambulance.

Let’s break it down. I’ll show you how easy paramedic class preparation can be.

Too Soon to Start Studying?

You don’t just wake up one day and accidentally start a paramedic class. It’s something you planned ahead for. Something you’ve probably thought about for a while.

So don’t wait until day 1 to start studying.

If you can get your books ahead of time, wonderful. Flip through the chapters, look at the pretty pictures, and soak in some of that juicy medic knowledge.

You don’t need to be an expert on anything. You won’t walk into class reading 12-lead ECGs day one. But you really want a solid foundation to start with.

Even having a general idea of what you will go over on day one gives you a huge advantage.

If you don’t have access to your books early, don’t sweat. You likely know or work with someone who’s already a paramedic.

Ask them for help. We generally love teaching. We’re all nerds and heart and want to nerd out over drug doses with someone who cares.

So show up, ask some questions, and take a few notes.

Anything you can get in your head before class is just a bare-bones structure you can pack more information on.

Speaking of starting early, here’s another tip…

Try Pocket Prep.

They are an excellent study app. In fact, we’ve been using it for all our students in their certification courses and I don’t think we’ll ever go back.

And now I’m an affiliate for them! So if you’re looking for a great study buddy- or just want to support the site- give them a look here.

Study Your Glossary

Think of it this way.

How would you start learning French? Would you fly to France and try to give a speech in Paris?

No, that would be stupid. You would start by learning a few simple words and some important phrases.

Now do the same thing with paramedic school. You have so much vocabulary to learn that it’s practically like starting a new language.

Make note cards. Memorize in little chunks. Learn to break the words apart to understand them. This is a skill that will help you throughout paramedic class.

You will never be able to answer a question right if you can’t even understand what it’s asking.

I can’t emphasize enough how important learning your medical terminology is. And the earlier you start the easier it is.

Stick To A Study Schedule

Not a class schedule. You don’t really get a say in that.

But a daily schedule. Paramedic class will eat up all of your time if you let it.

But we are all human. We need time to see our families, enjoy hobbies, drink.

It’s medic class. There’s bound to be a lot of drinking anyway. Just schedule it in.

All “joking” aside, remember the phrase “Do what you’re doing while you’re doing it.”

When you’re in class YOU ARE IN CLASS. The more work you get done there, the less you have to do when you get home.

When you are studying do nothing but study. I don’t care how good you think you are you can’t study while The Matrix plays in the background.

If you don’t know what The Matrix is you’re too young to be a medic.
Sorry I don’t make the rules.

The same rules apply at home. If you were smart about your class time you can focus on your family. Let family time be family time. You need to let yourself relax a little or paramedic school will eat you from the inside.

You’ve got to be like a little dragon and hoard all your personal time. If you don’t spend it on you, someone else will spend it for you.

Enjoy your Pre-Paramedic Life

Being a paramedic is awesome. And paramedic classes are super interesting if you’ll let it be.

It is also like trying to drink out of a fire hose. You’re going to have so much information crammed down your throat so fast.

Thankfully you’ll come out the other side a paramedic.

But now is your chance to hang out with your family. Spend a little more time with your friends. Double down on some hobbies for a bit.

Because once your paramedic class starts your next 6-12 months is gone. It belongs to school.

Don’t worry it ends eventually. It gets better. But before class starts try and mentally prepare for the hard work you’re about to put in.

And make sure your family knows too. Do something nice for them. They are about to put up with your attitude for the next year.

Paramedic Class Can Be Easy

If you let it. There are a ton of tips and tricks that you can use to study and memorize information. Worry about those once class starts.

Until day 1 remember these four tips

• Start preparing early
• Study your vocabulary
• Stick to a schedule
• Enjoy your free time

I hope you found this useful. If you did, send me an email at medicmentor@gmail.com.

If you hated it, well, you could let me know that too.

Finally you can find a full list of Paramedic Resources I recommend HERE