Becoming an EMT…Series 4 ‘Paramedic Program’

Becoming an EMT…series 4.

Over the last several weeks we have been covering in detail the steps to becoming an EMT or Paramedic. In our previous articles, we covered how to become an EMT, signing up for an EMT Training Course, and the EMT exams. This week we’ll discuss the next step in becoming a Paramedic, which is the Paramedic Program.

Once a student completes the EMT Training and becomes a Missouri EMT, they will be eligible to apply to an accredited Paramedic training program. It is important for students to research the school they are interested in attending because some schools are not accredited to teach Paramedic Education, which will affect their ability to complete their training.  Here are some important questions students will want to ask their prospective Paramedic school:

• Are you accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)?
• What is your pass rate on the NREMT exam, both psychomotor and cognitive?
• What is your job placement rate?
• What are the clinical requirements and am I responsible for scheduling my own clinicals?
• How many students are enrolled in a class and how much personalized attention will I receive?
• How much is the tuition?

In Missouri, a degree is not required to obtain your Paramedic License. Once a student completes the Paramedic program and passes the NREMT exams, students are able to apply to the state of Missouri for their Paramedic Licensure.  According to the State of Missouri, there is no need for a two or four-year degree to become a Paramedic.

Most Paramedic Certificate Programs in Missouri typically take 13 – 18 months to complete.  This includes the time for all didactic, lab, and clinical requirements. At Respond Right EMS Academy, our Paramedic Program is 16 months long with the option for students to complete it as early as 13 months. There are a few pre-requisites that a student will need to apply to any Paramedic Program, which include:

• Documentation of a college-level Anatomy and Physiology course with a ‘C’ or better in the last three years.
• Documentation of current Missouri EMT-B license
• Complete a Program Application
• Complete an entrance exam
• Complete and pass a Drug Screening and Criminal Background Check
• Complete two recommendation forms.
• Copy of Driver’s License, you must be 18 years of age.
• Copy High School Diploma, GED, or College Transcripts
• Copy of current health insurance card.
• Documentation of health screening and vaccination requirements. Students will be provided a detailed list of immunizations and vaccines along with the physical form that must be used.
  • MMR, Hep A, Hep B, negative PPD/TB, Varicella, TDap, Flu, COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine is required. All current CDC guidelines will be followed.  Additional immunizations and vaccines could be required per CDC guidance.
• Documentation of a current American Heart Association BLS card

Each Paramedic program will have its own specific requirements and it will be important for the student to follow those specific directions.

During the Paramedic Program, students will learn how to provide advanced emergency medical care to patients that are ill and/or injured.  They are responsible for providing life-saving treatment to patients and are the highest-trained provider on ambulances in our area.

Students will learn how to assess medical and trauma patients, administer medications, start IV’s, perform advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), perform pediatric advanced life support (PALS), perform pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS), advanced airway techniques, and many other life-saving techniques.  Students must be able to think quickly and make critical decisions under pressure.  Students will be taught how to lead a call, formulate a treatment plan, and direct their team during a 911 call.

Once a student completes the Paramedic training program, they will be eligible to take the NREMT psychomotor and cognitive exams.  Upon successful completion of these exams, students will become NREMT Certified and will be eligible to apply to Missouri for Licensure.  Come back next week to read more about the Paramedic NREMT exams when we will talk more about these exams.

At Respond Right EMS Academy, we are owned and operated by Paramedics and Firefighters. We understand the importance of helping students and reducing the anxiety that normally comes with starting Paramedic school. We understand how difficult it is to balance work, life, and school. We have a strong, supportive staff to assist students as they enter and navigate Paramedic school.  The Paramedic Program at Respond Right EMS Academy / St. Charles Community College Consortium is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).  If you are interested in becoming a Paramedic in Missouri, we can help you.  Feel free to call or email us with questions.

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