In this article I’ll cover everything about why EMT’s should consider becoming paramedics. By the end you should have some pretty good insight as to whether or not you want to go on to become a paramedic.

Should You Become a Paramedic?

If you’re reading this I’m guessing you’re been an EMT for a couple of years already.

That’s about the time people start looking to get their paramedic certification.

It’s the next big career jump you can really make in EMS.

Or in firefighting for that matter. We won’t mention the engineer route. And don’t even get me started on nursing. You don’t want to go there.

But first, hi I’m Shay. I’ve been working in fire/ EMS for over a decade now. I’ve taught EMT and paramedic courses and helped tons of students get through the NREMT.

Together, we’ll cover the three big reasons you should move up and become a paramedic.

Here are the big 3 reasons EMT’s would want to make the jump.

• Mentorship
• Career Opportunities
• You Really Want It

And I’ll throw in one bonus reason at the end.

Let’s get started.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

As an EMT there aren’t many jobs you can really find.

You can be a patient care tech in a hospital. You can get hired as a firefighter. Or you can be hired for a private ambulance company.

I know you’re not here for the money but this is the lowest-paying spot on the EMS totem pole.

Paramedics on the other hand have way more opportunities for career advancement.

You can still work as a firefighter but now as a fire medic. Which is way cooler if you ask me. Plus you now have a little bit of control. You get to call the shots on medical calls. You’re in charge of your crew.

It’s a bit of responsibility but it’s a lot more fun.

Hospital work

If the hospital is more your speed, paramedics have way more opportunities than EMTs. The ability to read ECGs, give IV’s, and administer medications makes you much more attractive to emergency room staff than an EMT.

Plus you don’t have all the same butt wiping duties nurses have.

And if you want to move further in a hospital setting, you have a direct line to other advanced positions. Nurse practitioners and physician’s assistance often start as paramedics.

Honestly, it probably makes them better providers than many of the doctors you’ll run into.

FLIGHT

If you don’t want the ambulance and you don’t want the hospital, flight paramedicine is a great way to go.

Well, not for me. Helicopters are flying metal death traps if you ask me. But some people seem to love it. It takes a special person to want to do EMS while flying 100 feet in the air and that person might just be you.

Flight requires more certifications than normal paramedics do, though.

They aren’t too difficult to get. And you can find companies that will pay for your to get those certifications once you’re hired.

Travel Medicine

Maybe you’re not tied to any certain area.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel and weren’t able to before. Paramedics have the ability to travel much like nurses do.

And they make a lot more than you will on an ambulance.

It can be really exciting and expose you to some pretty cool stuff out in the world. You get to see how different companies and departments run. You can see everything from the very best EMS has to offer and the absolute sketchiest.

It can be great for those without families.

If you’re tied down and need predictable health insurance, this might not be your path.

You can find some awesome travel jobs at BEYOND THE MEAT WAGON. Its a paid service but if you want to see what jobs are out there for paramedics, there’s nothing better.

And here’s a full article (and video) about some non-traditional paramedic roles you can find yourself in.

MENTORSHIP

Again, EMTS are kinda the low man in EMS.

Well EMRs are but EMTs are a close second.

Paramedics have more experience and a higher level of care. If they’re good, EMT’s often look to them for guidance.

Not just on medical calls either.

All that experience gives paramedics a unique perspective on a lot of things. They can be calm and collected in chaos. Give clear directions. Make good use of limited resources.

Honestly, paramedics are just setting themselves up to become great leaders.

Of course being a leader means you have a lot more responsibility.

Patient outcomes are under your control. Well at least that’s how everyone else will see it. You’re making the medical decisions. If you call a code on scene that’s going to be all on your shoulders.

A heavy burden to bear.

But if you enjoy the challenge, you’d make a great paramedic.

YOU HAVE TO REALLY WANT IT

There’s no way around it. Paramedic training is long and hard.

It takes a lot of time. You have to sacrifice moments with your family.

And you come out the other side certified, sleep deprived, and probably a little alcoholic.

If you joined just to get a promotion, you’ll learn very quickly the class isn’t for you. If you were in it for the money you chose the wrong field. Paramedic class will spit you right back out into the back seat of the engine.

You have to want to make an impact in the lives of others.

Paramedics have to train and keep on constant updates on protocols and medications. If you planned on getting out of class and coasting, we don’t want you.

Seriously. Do not get out of class and be a lazy medic.

Paramedics who don’t work on their craft after class are the paramedics who make mistakes. Those medics kill people.

Not willing to put in the work? Good. It’s better you know that now than when you make a big mistake and hurt someone.

There’s nothing wrong with being an engineer.

BONUS POINT: THE GLORY

Paramedics are freakin dope. We all know it.

Especially fire medics.

Show up to your kid’s parent day and it’s over. Move over Mr. Investment Banker, we’re the hot shit now.

Joking aside, the responsibility that comes with being a paramedic is what makes it so cool. We learn quickly to take charge of things on the job and off. People learn they can depend on us. They look to us to make decisions when no one else wants to make them.

It shouldn’t be the thing that makes or breaks your decision to become a paramedic, but it’s a fun bonus.

So What To Do?

If you read this list and started second guessing whether or not you want to become a medic, awesome.

That’s exactly what this article is for. It’s supposed to help you know if paramedic is the route for you. There is nothing wrong if it’s not your jam. It’s not for a lot of people.

Better to find out it’s not for you now. You don’t want to realize you hate it 3 years in.

But if you do want more job opportunities. If you like teaching and mentoring others, then this might be for you.

And if it is, you can start looking for accredited courses now at CAAHEP.

They are an acreditation agency with a free search function that let’s you find the closest paramedic courses to you.

And if you want more resources you can find more articles from me here.

Good luck out there!

P.S. Try Pocket Prep for you medic classes. their quiz based study app is just like practicing with NREMT questions.

Plus since I’m now an affiliate for them, using this link helps us keep making great posts for new paramedics.