Paramedic

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Paramedic?

A Paramedic is a highly trained healthcare professional who provides emergency medical care to individuals in pre-hospital settings. They are equipped to perform advanced life support, administer medications, and utilize complex medical equipment during emergencies.

Sample job titles:

First Responder, Flight Paramedic, Paramedic

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Paramedic.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Paramedic earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year	$68K per year	$82K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.91K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Paramedic do?

Work environment

Paramedics primarily work in ambulances, emergency medical services (EMS), and sometimes in hospitals or urgent care settings. Their job is fast-paced and can be physically demanding, often requiring work in various environments under stressful and time-sensitive situations. Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Responds to emergency calls and provides medical assistance.
Performs medical procedures such as CPR, administers medications, and uses defibrillators.
Transports patients to medical facilities.
Documents medical care and maintains patient records.
Collaborates with other emergency services and healthcare professionals.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Flight Paramedic: Providing care in aerial medical services, such as helicopters.
Tactical Paramedic: Working alongside law enforcement in high-risk situations.
Community Paramedicine: Offering community-based health services and chronic disease management.
Critical Care Paramedic: Specializing in the care of critically ill or injured patients in transport.
Wilderness Paramedic: Specializing in remote and wilderness medical care.

Description

Paramedics are essential components of emergency medical services, offering on-the-spot medical care and playing a crucial role in saving lives. They must quickly assess patient conditions and make immediate decisions about necessary medical procedures. Their training enables them to handle a wide range of emergency situations, from cardiac arrests to traumatic injuries.

The role of a paramedic requires not only medical knowledge and technical skills but also strong interpersonal and communication abilities. They often deal with patients in distressing situations and need to provide care with compassion and understanding. Paramedics must also be able to work effectively as part of a team, particularly in high-pressure environments.

Continual education and training are vital in this field to stay updated with medical procedures and technological advancements. The nature of the job can be physically and emotionally taxing, but it offers the unique opportunity to make a significant difference in people's lives during their most critical moments.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a lifesaving impact in emergency situations.
The adrenaline rush and challenge of working in varied and unpredictable environments.
The fulfillment of providing immediate medical care and support to those in need.

You might make a good Paramedic if you are...

Calm and composed under pressure.
Quick in decision-making and problem-solving.
Interested in medicine and passionate about providing emergency care.
Physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job.
Compassionate and possess strong communication skills.

Pros:

Rewarding and impactful career saving lives.
Dynamic work environment with different challenges each day.
Opportunities for specialization and career advancement.

Cons:

High-stress and emotionally challenging situations.
Irregular and long working hours.
Physical demands and potential for job-related injuries.

How to become a Paramedic

Typical education

The path to becoming a paramedic typically involves completing a postsecondary educational program, which can range from 1 to 2 years. This is followed by obtaining a license or certification, which varies by state. Prior experience as an EMT is often required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry for foundational medical knowledge.
Health and Physical Education to maintain physical fitness and learn basic health care.
Psychology to understand and manage stress and trauma.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with local EMS, fire departments, or hospitals.
First Aid and CPR certification courses.
Participating in community service and leadership activities.

Preparation after high school

Complete an EMT-Basic program.
Gain experience working as an EMT.
Enroll in a paramedic program at a community college or technical school.
Obtain state certification and consider national certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

More resources

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) - Provides certification information and resources for EMTs and paramedics.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - Offers accreditation for paramedic educational programs.
Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) - Provides industry news and continuing education resources for emergency medical services professionals.
International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP) - A professional organization offering resources and certification for flight and critical care paramedics.
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) - Provides advocacy, education, and membership benefits for EMS practitioners.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.