The path to becoming a paramedic requires discipline and skill. Paramedics are viewed as the most qualified EMS professionals to oversee high-stress situations in an ambulance. Each day on the job is different from the last, and specific training is necessary to do the right thing in life and death situations. Paramedic school will serve as the foundation for your career.
Paramedic School Prerequisites
Paramedics hold responsibilities above the duties of EMTs and AEMTs. In order to enroll in a paramedic training program, in-person and online schools ask that you show proof of EMT level certification.
An EMT program can be completed in 15-18 weeks. A combination of coursework and real-world field experience prepares individuals to sit for a certification test. Once you pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams, you may hold a license and continue your healthcare education.
How Many Years of School for Paramedic Certification?
On average, it takes between 1,200 and 1,800 hours of instructional time before students are ready for paramedic certification testing. That usually translates to one to three years depending on whether you’re going to school part-time or full-time.
Paramedics in Texas must pass NREMT Paramedic Certification Exam before they are eligible for licensure. Students can build up the knowledge and experience necessary for success through labs and internships organized through the school or program of their choice. Organizations like Texas EMS School can get you through a paramedic program within 18 months.
What Classes Do You Need to Be a Paramedic?
Those interested in working as a paramedic must be at least 18 years old. The majority of paramedic programs in Texas will check that you have a high school diploma or GED as well as experience working as an EMT before you start. Paramedic training schools will also make sure you are certified in CPR, which is covered in EMT level courses.
Some community colleges will organize a two-year associate degree program that goes over paramedic training as a part of your education. College-level biology and math courses may be prerequisites in these scenarios.
Can You Become a Paramedic Online?
If you’re curious about how to become a paramedic in Texas, you’re probably researching online programs. Texas EMS School combines online learning with few in-person labs and field experiences to help you progress with your career path. Our program allows you to do most of your coursework from your remote location via computer, smartphone, or tablet. Move through assignments in 16 months, and we’ll coordinate opportunities for you to build your skills within hospitals, clinics, and ambulances in the state of Texas.
Our program gives you the opportunity to advance your career with the flexibility you need to hold a full-time job, care for your family, and manage other responsibilities. Texas EMS School’s paramedic program is a proactive way to obtain licensure on a timeline that’s right for you.
Apply to Texas EMS School Today
The process for becoming a paramedic is made simple through Texas EMS School. Review each of our programs to see which course is the right fit for your current level of experience. For more information on how to get involved, check out our admissions requirements and apply today.