Thankfully, there are other options students can explore, and one of them is getting a technical education. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the different careers you can explore with a technical degree and give you the best ROI. 

Careers To Explore With a Technical Education

Technical education has many benefits, including small class sizes, affordable tuition fees, and faster time to graduate. Here are five careers you can study for at a vocational or technical school:

1. Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are trained to provide direct patient care, including basic nursing duties such as taking medical histories, administering some medications, and monitoring vital signs. LPNs may also assist with medical procedures or wound management. 

To become an LPN, you must earn a diploma or associate degree in practical nursing. After completing the program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam, you can begin working as an LPN. 

If you’re already working as a licensed practical nurse, consider pursuing further education to become a registered nurse (RN). Doing so will allow you to work independently with patients and grow your career options.

2. Sonographers

Sonographers are medical professionals who use ultrasound to capture images of the inside of the body. These images are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and congenital problems. 

The sonographic examination is performed using a transducer that sends sound waves that bounce off internal tissue structures and back to an electronic receiver. The strength of these returning signals can be measured by software installed on a computer or handheld device.

Sonography requires special training in anatomy, physiology, physics, and mathematics. It also requires strong communication skills because you’ll speak with patients about their symptoms during each visit.

3. Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical services (EMS) is a field in which there are a series of careers you can access with a technical education to become part of an ambulance team. The EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate programs are the most common, but there are other options as well. 

Paramedics are those who have earned their certification and can now provide advanced medical treatment to patients on the scene, along with basic life support procedures. Other people looking for this kind of career could consider becoming Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (CEMTs). This program enables you to take care of injured or ill individuals, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and manage trauma cases within emergency rooms or hospitals. 

Many people in the medical field are required to take courses that help them learn how to perform certain procedures or manage specific situations. This is especially true for those looking for jobs as EMTs or paramedics. 

The training program can vary depending on where you live and what your state requires. Most include certain minimum hours of training and practical experience before taking a certification exam. For example, EMTs in Florida must complete a , with 20 hours of clinical supervision and 10 hours in a hospital emergency department. 

4. Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary assistants work in veterinary clinics and hospitals, helping with a variety of tasks, and can get started in as little as 10 months.

The duties of a veterinary assistant vary based on the employer but generally include tasks such as: 

• Performing diagnostic tests, such as blood work and radiographs
• Keeping records and doing administrative work
• Cleaning cages or kennels
• Monitoring animals that are recovering from surgery
• Feeding animals

Vet assistants also have a good career path that can land them better-paying jobs in the future. 

5. Veterinary Technologist

Veterinary technology is a step up from veterinary assistant, and is a growing field that’s a good choice if you want to work with animals. Veterinarians need veterinary technicians to help them with their jobs, from assisting with patient exams to ensuring that equipment is in working order. 

Vet techs are also responsible for taking care of the animals themselves. They feed them, clean their cages, and give them medicine on a schedule. They must communicate effectively with veterinarians to ensure the best care.

Vet tech programs typically take about two years (or three semesters) to complete, depending on where you go for school. Vet tech programs are usually offered at community colleges and vocational schools. 

Invest in a Technical Education

Technical careers are a great way to earn a decent salary while still having the flexibility to pursue other interests. The cost of technical education isn’t as burdensome as getting a college degree, and it allows you to become part of the workforce sooner, which gives you the freedom to explore a field quickly. 

Learn more about a technical education program today. Check out our Programs. 

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What if there was another way? There is! 

Technical schools are providing learners of today the opportunity to learn about a career and earn practical knowledge and skills without going in over their heads in debt and wasted time. 

For instance, are you considering health care? According to one , only half of students were completely sure of their path when they entered their training program, but over 83% were certain by the time they were done. Learning more about the opportunities and interacting with other students helped them choose the best path.

In this article, we’ll detail why getting a diploma from a technical school may be the best choice for you. Here are six reasons you should consider it!

1. You don’t pay for more than you need

Technical schools are a great option for getting started on your career. Primarily because they’re cheaper than universities, they can serve as a stepping stone for a future degree. With your trade school diploma, you already have a credential to show your potential employers, so you can start earning money and gaining valuable experience in your field. 

Technical schools often offer student loans, as colleges and universities do—but these loans tend to be smaller than those offered through private lenders.

2. You’ll get hands-on experience

Hands-on experience is vital to any career. It provides an opportunity to learn new skills and apply them in real-world situations, allowing you to gain valuable hands-on knowledge that will help you master more complex tasks later.

There are many different types of hands-on experience you can get at a technical school, including:

• Working on teams and projects with other students
• Using actual systems and tools implemented in the real world
• Dealing with problems faced in the actual work setting. 

3. Students graduate sooner

You can complete a technical program in one to two years—sometimes even less than a year. This is especially beneficial if you’re testing out a career path and are anxious to get a job. Technical school will allow you to get the skills and knowledge needed for a job faster than if you enroll at a university or college.

Employers often prefer candidates who have credentials. This means a diploma gives students an advantage when applying for jobs because they will be able to demonstrate their ability and experience more quickly than those without—particularly now when the skills gap is more pronounced than ever.

4. A dedicated career services team will guide you

The career services team at your technical school is full of people who have been in your shoes. They’re there to help you find a job that’s right for you, based on your aptitudes and the income you are hoping to earn. 

The best part? They’ll also help with resume and cover letter writing and interview skills so that everything feels natural and relaxed when it comes time for an interview with an employer. 

5. Instructors understand your needs

Instructors can help you get the most out of your schooling. They are experts in their fields and can spot problem areas and gaps in your understanding.

For example, if you’re struggling with a specific subject or time management, an instructor will know how to help you overcome this challenge. Most instructors assist students in improving upon weaknesses through tutoring sessions or additional resources like online courses and study groups. 

Lastly, instructors often connect students with alumni who have gone through the same program at their school—this is invaluable for making connections within the community!

6. Classes are smaller and more personal.

In a technical school, a smaller class size means you’ll get more attention from your instructors than in a larger classroom setting. You’ll also be able to ask questions of the instructor if you need help with something or have any other concerns about the coursework. 

If you need help understanding something in class and feel uncomfortable asking your professor what it means, they are often available after class to answer questions and provide clarification. This can be especially helpful for people who are new to the field and want some additional guidance about the concepts being presented.

Technical Schools Provide the Experience and Skills You Need

At a technical school, you can get the skills and experience you need to land a job that is right for you. Technical schools are designed to provide hands-on learning, which helps students develop the technical proficiency they need to enter their chosen field.

Technical programs offer accelerated coursework and exams, allowing students to graduate faster than they would at traditional colleges or universities. Students also have access to industry leaders who teach them practical skills and provide guidance throughout the program.

Taking your first step toward a career is an exciting and exhilarating experience. Many factors go into choosing what kind of education to pursue. One thing is certain: graduating from a technical school will set you up for success in today’s job market and tomorrow’s economy!

Explore our programs to learn more about our offerings and how they can help you further in your career!

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This becomes extremely important at a time when the national unemployment rate continues to rise. According to the , the unemployment rate increased by 3.7 percent in August alone. 

With lower costs, faster graduation, and better opportunities for landing a job, more and more students prefer a technical education. In response, the number of technical schools has ballooned to in the US, representing a 0.8% increase annually from 2017 to 2022. 

Choosing the Right Technical School

While technical schools can help students succeed in their plans, it all comes down to how efficient and effective their education and training have been. That’s why it’s important to choose the right school. Here are seven tips:

1. Decide What You Want to Study

Before choosing the institution, you must first decide what industry you want to work in. Technical schools often have areas of specialization to help their students prepare for their future careers. For example, 51łÔąĎ College focuses on health science courses, such as Nursing, Medical Assisting, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Training (EMT), and Veterinary Assisting. 

Identifying the area of study you want to focus on helps you research what is currently in demand. Match demand with your career and personal goals. 

2. Check School Accreditation

It can be enticing to enroll immediately in a technical school once you see how affordable they are. However, it pays to first check the school’s accreditation status. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money and hours to discover later that the school diploma isn’t acceptable to employers. 

Check with your state’s education department to see if your preferred school is among those granted a license. For example, the Florida Department of Education releases an listing all academic institutions they’ve provided with licenses. 

Attending an accredited technical college means their curriculum is within the state’s or an accrediting institution’s acceptable standards. Graduating from a non-accredited school can affect your chances of being admitted for licensure exams and financial aid. 

3. Know Their Class Sizes

One of the main advantages of technical schools is their hands-on training. Since most of these schools offer technical courses in specialized industries, instructors must focus on each student. This ensures they provide the necessary training. 

For example, in an EMT training program, instructors have to teach the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Since this is about saving a life, the instructor must ensure the student understands anatomy and physiology. In addition, they should also know how to apply the technique properly. 

Students learn better if their instructor is available to each one of them, so ask about the student ratio to better understand how the classes work. 

4. Decide on a Budget

Choosing the right technical school means also considering your budget. While they are far cheaper than traditional colleges, you still have to consider the costs. Aside from tuition fees, add the cost of books and learning materials. Even an estimate can help you decide if you need to take out a student loan or ask for financial assistance. 

This will factor in choosing the right technical school for you because some offer student aid. 

5. Know the School’s Graduation Rates

When choosing the right technical school, you must consider their graduation rates. This will give you an insight into the number of students able to complete their studies. This reveals much about the school’s curriculum and the teaching quality you can expect. 

6. Learn About Graduate Employment Rates

Most educational institutions have established partnerships with employers. Ask or find out about how many of their students were hired after graduation.

Graduate employment rates tell you about the school’s reputation and how it prepares its students during their course of study. A high rate means the students are well equipped with the skills and knowledge that help them become successful in their job hunting.  

7. Determine Career Services Offering

Career service departments are critical in ensuring that students find the best jobs suited to their academic background and skill set. Students who can take advantage of career services can receive valuable assistance in discovering financial aid, exploring career opportunities, and planning their future. 

According to the , many students now leverage career services, particularly career coaching. The number of students in virtual career counseling doubled compared to last year. 

Choosing the Right Technical School Is the First Step

Choosing the right technical school means considering several factors – costs, class size, program offerings, accreditation, and other services. Always check if these align with your career goals and, of course, your budget. 

Check out our Programs to learn which best fits your professional goals. 

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87% of companies are either experiencing the existing skills gap or expect it to affect them within the next few years. ()

As a result, considerable resources are dedicated to training and upskilling current employees. However, the problem needs to be addressed at its root cause—hiring people with the right skills. Talent acquisition teams willing to reconsider their hiring processes will enjoy the benefits of recruiting top talent from technical schools.

What is the Skills Gap?

“Skills gap” refers to the misalignment between employees’ capabilities and the employer’s needs, especially one that impacts operational productivity. When organizations can’t find people with the appropriate skills to fill roles,  productivity, revenue—and even the economy—are all impacted. 

4 Ways Technical Schools Solve the Skills Gap in the Job Market 

Vocational education is gaining popularity among learners. Here are some reasons technical schools are key to addressing the skills gap in the job market today. 

1. Technical Schools Produce More Students with Less Student Debt

Technical schools are more affordable than traditional colleges. Hiring employees with no worries about student debt benefits organizations a great deal: employees with lower financial burdens are . 

Reskilling and upskilling are much easier for engaged employees, who are free to focus on the tasks at hand, suggest creative solutions, and develop strategies that will help organizations remain competitive in their industries. 

2. Technical Schools Are More Industry-Focused

The manufacturing industry, in particular, is facing a critical shortage of . The challenge will become even more prevalent, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics that demand for blue-collar jobs will grow until 2030. 

While there may be enough applicants, not all will have the training and skills needed for the job. This is where technical schools come in. Technical schools provide work-ready workers equipped with industry-focused knowledge and expertise. 

3. Technical Schools Produce Graduates Faster

Another major advantage of a technical school over a traditional college is the time required to complete the curriculum. Since lessons in technical skills are industry-focused, students study only subjects necessary to become successful in their field. This reduced time-to-market, so to speak, helps a great deal in resolving the skills gap in the job market. 

Consider the current nursing shortage. The skills gap in the healthcare industry is substantial, with many nurses retiring and more people requiring medical care. In many cases, hiring medical assistants trained within 10 months to a year can ease the burden, rather than waiting for registered nurses to complete their four-year education. 

4. Technical Schools Provide Hands-On, Practical Skills

In almost all technical schools, the curriculum gives students more than just theoretical knowledge. They also get hands-on, real-life experience. For instance, students enrolled in a paramedics training program spend clinical hours in an actual hospital setting to get a feel for the real working environment. For employers, particularly in fast-paced industries like healthcare, this means new hires become effective on the job more quickly. 

Technical School Graduates Are Ready to Work

The skills gap will continue to be a problem if businesses rely on colleges and universities to produce fully-equipped workers. Knowledge and skills don’t all come from books and lessons within the walls of a classroom—practical skills and capabilities are developed through the hands-on education earned on a technical campus. Employers who recognize the benefits of vocational education will be taking a big step ahead in the race to close the skills gap.  

Check out our Programs section to learn more about what career pathways technical schools offer. 

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released in the 2020 National EMS Assessment showed there were more than 42 million local emergency medical service (EMS) responses to 911 calls for medical emergencies and injuries. Of these, 70% were 911 responses to an emergency scene, while 9% corresponded to specialty care transport or interfacility transfer. 

Given the nature of their job, paramedic and EMT training includes how to operate a wide variety of medical equipment properly. They undergo in-depth training to arm them with the skills that enable them to respond to medical emergencies. 

The Tools of the Trade: Medical Equipment Every Paramedic Should Know

During any shift, responders can face many different kinds of calls. If you plan to pursue paramedic or EMT training, apart from developing the necessary attributes needed by an emergency responder, you also have to learn how to use the tools and equipment that become part of your daily routine. 

1. Defibrillators

Heart disease remains a public health crisis in the US. According to the latest numbers from the American Heart Association (AHA), the incidence of . That means EMTs receive calls to respond to cardiac arrests on a daily basis, which further highlights the importance of knowing how to operate a defibrillator. 

Defibrillators help revive someone having a heart attack or if their heart stops and there’s a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity. Defibrillators can also be used when the patient has rapid, irregular heartbeats or extremely rapid heartbeats. Cardiac rhythm problems can cause the heart to stop beating and pumping blood. When this happens, the vital organs are deprived of oxygen and stop functioning. That’s why it’s crucial to “restart” the heart as soon as possible. 

Defibrillators are often used in conjunction with an electrocardiogram.

2. Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors the patient’s heart rhythms. When used accurately, it helps identify the treatment needed and can save lives. EMTs must recognize the circumstances in which an ECG is needed and know how to attach the sensors and read the results.

3. Infusion Pumps

Patients often need medications to keep them stable. Infusion pumps are critical in ensuring they receive the medications in accurate dosages. This is particularly important when patients need IV fluids. Infusion pumps guide paramedics in the proper titration of the fluids, especially during transport. 

4. Suction/Suction Pumps

Most patients with secretions or fluids that block their airway benefit from a suction unit to help clear it. The paramedic should know how to properly connect the catheter to the suction unit.

5. Spinal Board

One of the most essential tools that EMTs and paramedics have in their vehicles is the spinal board. This tool is often used to provide rigid and stable support for patients suspected to have spinal injuries. In some instances, these boards can also be used to provide support when providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and transporting patients over short distances. 

6. EMS Bag

EMTs and paramedics have a special bag that contains valuable life-saving medical devices or tools they need when responding to an emergency. It’s a small bag that paramedics can carry while responding to a call. Sometimes, these padded bags can also carry surgical tools, such as bandages, syringes, and dips. Knowing how to keep these bags stocked and organized is a critical skill that can save lives. 

7. Stethoscope

Every EMT or paramedic should know how to use a stethoscope. A stethoscope helps emergency responders assess whether the patient’s problem is related to the cardiac or respiratory system. High-quality stethoscopes can hear and identify heart tones and lung sounds with high accuracy. 

8. Ventilators

Specialized EMTs and paramedics should also learn how to operate a ventilator. This medical equipment is critical to help provide mechanical respiration to patients who may be breathing inadequately or not at all. Emergency responders need to know how to adjust settings, including the depth and rate of ventilation based on the patient’s needs. 

Keep in mind, paramedic and EMT training also means becoming skilled in the necessary tools and equipment it takes to fulfill the professional, and save lives. To learn more about being an EMT or paramedic. Explore our Programs. 

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Qualities Every Paramedic Should Have

Paramedics and EMTs have a challenging and physical role to play in providing fast and sometimes life-saving treatment to those in need, and not everyone is up to the responsibilities. If you’re thinking of becoming a paramedic, here are some attributes that will help you.

1. Problem-Solving Skills

Emergencies can be complex and patients often have difficulty communicating with emergency responders. Paramedics must quickly evaluate situations at a glance, using problem-solving skills to determine the best course of action for the patient’s welfare. 

2. Teamwork

Collaboration is key as a paramedic. Providing emergency medical care requires coordination with others. Responders must communicate with one another when planning an evacuation, stabilizing a patient, administering drugs, and keeping records. When paramedics respond to a call, they have to make sure the medical team receiving the patient is accurately informed to continue care. Collaboration ensures a more efficient team that can handle the workload of a paramedic career. 

3. Mental Agility

Paramedics need mental agility to overcome the stress and trauma they constantly face in their profession. A systematic review found that .

Constant exposure to trauma leaves paramedics vulnerable to fatigue and distraction, and sometimes struggling to meet the demands of the work. Having strong mental agility will help them to carry out their duties according to industry best practices. Since they need to make swift decisions on the spot in most cases, mental alertness plays a huge role to ensure patients receive the best care possible at any given moment.   

4. Physical Fitness

Being a paramedic requires strength and agility in order to move quickly, work in difficult spaces, and lift patients. The physical demands of the job predispose paramedics to develop injuries. A study showed that as much as . Paramedics must undergo technical training and meet physical requirements before being employed. 

They need to undergo color vision tests to determine color blindness because it can impede their ability to provide proper patient care. While paramedics are not necessarily required to have 20/20 vision, they must have good eyesight to ensure life-threatening mistakes are avoided.

In addition to good vision, paramedics should have stamina and endurance as they often lift and transport patients. Some situations may also call for them to kneel, bend, or work in awkward positions. 

They also need to be physically coordinated since many of their tasks require precision. Fine motor skills are required to administer intravenous medications or apply bandages, and gross motor skills are needed for climbing stairs, carrying equipment and patients, and moving in tight, confined spaces. 

Paramedics must always exercise caution to maintain their health and safety at work while also saving other people’s lives. 

5. Compassion

Paramedics can take better care of their patients if they show compassion. A has shown that empathy from healthcare providers can result in patients communicating better. This helps paramedics assess and treat their patients. When patients feel their primary care provider has compassion, they are more open to receiving treatment, which can reduce complications. 

6. Communication Skills

Since paramedics work in high-stress situations, they often have to deal with patients, family members, and even witnesses who may be emotional. Paramedics need to communicate with them for critical information to provide appropriate and immediate patient care. 

Aside from communicating with people on the scene, paramedics must also relay information about the patient’s condition and the initial care administered to the receiving medical team to ensure continuity of care. 

7. Hunger for Learning

Working in the medical field means continuous learning. Innovations and updates in medical care, drug dosing, and even technology, are constantly being introduced in the medical field. Paramedics must stay up to date with the latest developments and procedures.

Furthermore, the fast-paced environment in which paramedics work means they may inevitably make mistakes. While they are trained to be meticulous, they need to learn from their mistakes and continue to develop their skills throughout their career. 

Paramedics and EMTs fill a challenging and indispensable role in providing immediate patient care in emergencies. In addition to the required skills they must learn, those considering a career as a paramedic should keep in mind the attributes needed for the job. If this sounds like you, explore our programs page to learn more about becoming a paramedic 

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Some states and hospitals include fitness tests to screen paramedics applying for a job, assessing their endurance, strength, and flexibility. The goal of these tests is to ensure paramedics can quickly recover from physical exertion and still fulfill their responsibilities. 

In addition, paramedics also need to be mentally alert, mainly when they are in the field, as they may need to make life and death decisions. Studies have shown that individuals working night shifts have a . Working for 12 hours straight can result in a similar risk of injury. 

Since most paramedics do shift work, which can become a risk factor for poor health, a focus on their health and wellness should be a priority. Poor health among paramedics can result in compromised patient care. 

Tips for Staying Healthy at Work

With the demands of their work, how can paramedics stay healthy? Here are some tips:

Eat Well

A healthy diet is critical to physical performance, but when a job involves driving around or leaping into action at a moment’s notice, it can be tempting to rely on take-out. On busy days, hours may pass with no opportunity to eat a meal, which may lead to choosing salty, high-calorie meals with low nutrition. That’s why it’s imperative to plan ahead for healthy eating. 

• Prepare meal plans: Since calls are often unpredictable, preparing meals ahead can help paramedics stay on track with their eating habits. Bringing home-cooked meals to work or preparing food at the start of the shift can help ensure proper nourishment. Having access to food that is easy to prepare and eat on the go, like whole-wheat sandwiches with lean protein, can keep paramedics fueled. 
• Manage serving sizes: Some paramedics may be tempted to overeat while things are slow at work. This practice is not advisable as it can cause them to feel drowsy or bloated, which will make it more difficult to perform some of the more physical aspects of their duties. 
• Eat regularly: Regular healthy meals and snacks can help ensure the body stays fueled and prevents overeating or hunger pangs. 
• Balance nutrients: A healthy diet must have a balance of carbohydrates and fiber, protein, and fat. Get carbohydrates and fiber from foods like whole grains, baked potatoes, beans, and quinoa. These sources are highly preferred because they can provide sustainable forms of fuel. Choose lean protein like chicken or fish when possible, baked or poached instead of fried. Opt for low-fat dairy and healthy fats, such as almonds and extra virgin olive oil. 

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to easy fatigability, so ensure that you have a bottle of water handy at all times. Avoid relying on coffee and energy drinks as a source of hydration; too much caffeine can act as a diuretic and lead to fluid loss. According to FDA guidelines, individuals should . Better options are water, unsweetened herbal teas, and coconut water. 

Get Active

Some may argue that being a paramedic is already a physically challenging occupation, so exercise may no longer be necessary. However, have shown that staying physically active helps paramedics’ and other health workers’ physical and mental health. Getting into a regular exercise routine can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, enhance endurance, improve concentration, and boost mood and energy. Exercise is also critical in regulating circadian rhythm, which shift workers like paramedics need. 

Sleep Well

Sleep quality should also be considered. Sleeping well is more than just getting eight hours of sleep per day. Among all healthcare professionals, . These sleep impairments can lead to poor performance, impaired health, and even morbidity when left untreated. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help paramedics adjust their body clock with their sleep patterns, critical for increasing their sleep quality. Avoiding alcoholic beverages after their shift can also help paramedics sleep better. 

Paramedics have job roles that require them to stay physically and mentally healthy during their training and work. However, the nature of the position can make it challenging to do so, and may predispose them to poor health. Shifting to healthier lifestyle choices is key to staying healthy at work. Learn how to become a paramedic by exploring our programs page. If you know anyone who might benefit from these tips, share this article with them.

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Becoming a paramedic includes more than just drive and dedication to be an effective first responder. Below are the must-have steps aspiring paramedics need to take.

1. The First Step: Become an EMT

Before you can become a paramedic, you must first be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Specifically, you must undertake EMT-B (EMT Basic) training and testing. As the name implies, this is the first and the most basic level of EMT training.

Bear in mind that the basic paramedic program is meant to prepare students for the advanced skills and responsibilities that paramedics will eventually need to perform their jobs. Skills learned in a basic program should include patient assessment, opening airways and restoring breathing, controlling blood loss, bandaging wounds, and treating poisoning or burns just to name a few.

After receiving training in these areas, you will be eligible to take the EMT certification exam as well as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) test.

After passing the exams and earning certification, EMTs can seek employment in the field and start to provide emergency treatment. Often, certified EMTs gain solid work experience before pursuing further training to become a paramedic. This not only provides the field experience, but it also counts towards paramedic program requirements, which stipulate that aspiring paramedics should have worked as an EMT for at least six months.

2. Paramedic Education and Training

As mentioned, the educational requirements to become a paramedic can be quite extensive. However, this shouldn’t put off anyone who has a real desire to pursue the training and is willing to put in the effort.  

Most institutions require aspiring students to complete EMT-B programs within the last 12 months, and school programs vary. HCI’s paramedic program consists of 45 credits to be completed in one year. This covers over four hundred hours of classroom instruction as well as practical hospital and field experience.

Following this, a 540-hour externship must be completed to prepare students to start their careers as EMT-Paramedics. This is intended to deliver hands-on training for real-life crisis and emergency scenarios. It requires paramedic trainees to spend over two hundred hours in a real ambulance and complete at least 160 hours in an emergency hospital setting.

Included in the paramedic training is a comprehensive communication program, as well as deep dives into the ethical and legal considerations that might be experienced on the job.

3. Earning Your Paramedic License

The final step is to take your state’s licensing exam. In all states, paramedics are required to earn their license by passing exams issued specifically to their state of residence as well as the NREMT.

An example exam question from the NREMT ().

These certifications and exams are challenging as they are meant to determine your readiness and capability as an emergency first responder. The NREMT consists of written and practical exams that cover different areas such as knowledge of medications, patient assessment, and cardiac management.

Take note that paramedics are also required to renew their license every two to three years. This can be done by pursuing continuing education credits or by taking regular refresher courses.

Bottom Line

On your path to becoming the best paramedic you can be, you’ll learn critical skills to ensure you are qualified, more employable, and help you stand out. As a paramedic, you can also opt to pursue other opportunities in the emergency medical services field. There are numerous career opportunities available to those with basic paramedic training, which can be supplemented with further education.

With basic paramedic education, you also get to hone your problem-solving and critical thinking skills and exercise your ability to think on your feet.

Additionally, the potential impact of a paramedic cannot be measured; the lives that you could potentially save while on the job; and the lives that you will change by maintaining the highest quality standards as a paramedic—paving the way towards an extremely rewarding career.

Finally, there will always be a need for skilled paramedics because of the important role they play during emergencies. A paramedic career goes beyond simply doing a job. It’s a way to give back to the community by helping people and being there for them during critical moments. While training to become a paramedic may seem daunting, aspiring paramedics pursue the path because it is immensely rewarding.

If you want to learn more about how to become a licensed paramedic, contact 51łÔąĎ College for more information. 

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Becoming a paramedic means being able to work under pressure, often in the most intense emergency scenarios. You need a solid medical background, as well as being physically capable of doing the tasks paramedics are required to do. More importantly, you must be able to remain calm, think on your feet, and make quick decisions based on sound medical knowledge.

The educational requirements and training paramedics go through can be tough. Your commitment and passion to contribute to the community and make a difference in other people’s lives is just half the battle. It’s necessary to understand and anticipate the challenges you are bound to encounter as you complete your studies. Here are some things that can help get you through paramedic training.

1. Be Prepared to Commit Time Towards Your Studies and Training

Don’t expect to coast through your studies. Paramedic training is intense and rigorous—the real-life scenarios you will find yourself in as an emergency first responder can be stressful and challenging, a matter of life or death. As a paramedic, you hold your patient’s life in your hands and their survival will be dependent on specific skills you will learn in school.

It takes more than simply cracking open a book and expecting to be able to make major decisions about someone’s health. While theoretical and in-classroom training are a big part of the paramedic program, practical and hands-on experience is also very important. It will take time to learn the required skills to be a good paramedic. Be realistic about what you can commit to your education when considering to pursue this field.

2. Anticipate How Physically Demanding the Job Can Be

A lot of aspiring paramedics underestimate just how physically demanding paramedic work can be; you will need to be fit, strong, and flexible. For example, getting to the scene of an emergency may require you to maneuver in tight spaces or rush up stairs.

A lot of physical effort is required. Tasks like performing CPR and moving patients onto stretchers can take a lot of strength and endurance, which you need to be prepared for. This means making an effort to stay physically fit is an important factor for your success in paramedic school.

3. Know That You Will Be Working Under Pressure

As a paramedic, you will need to make quick decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. Remember, emergency first responders like paramedics are usually the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency—you will witness trauma and need to be able to respond calmly and professionally.

The pressure of delivering sound medical intervention will rest on your shoulders and the patient will depend on your ability to evaluate the situation, understand their medical needs, and manage time and resources if there is more than one patient who needs help.

A big part of paramedic training involves making these quick evaluations in emergency scenarios through simulated, practical exercises. Even the most dedicated paramedic student can find this kind of exposure to stressful scenarios overwhelming. Therefore, it’s best to anticipate this as a part of your training to avoid panicking or freezing on the job.

4. Practicing Your Communication Skills Is A Must

Emergency scenarios are often chaotic. There will be distractions while you’re trying to do your job and assess what needs to be done. You must be able to listen and communicate with patients as well as your team members.

As a paramedic, exceptional communication skills are required, which can be honed through your paramedic training. This allows paramedics to communicate instructions and clearly articulate to patients what’s happening and what will happen next. This is a critical part of keeping the patient calm and ensuring emergency scenarios don’t escalate out of control.

Becoming a paramedic means understanding what areas of your training will pose challenges so you can equip yourself with the tools needed to get through them. Dedication, physical fitness, the ability to work under pressure, and strong communication skills are must-haves to successfully complete paramedic training. Be sure to cultivate them in your quest to become part of one of the most exciting fields in healthcare. If you’re interested in exploring what HCI’s paramedic program has to offer, check out this link here.

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