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Major Overview: Paramedicine Program

Majors Overview March 26, 2015

Get information about bachelor’s degree programs in paramedicine and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and certification, licensing, and continuing education choices.

Paramedicine Majors

The highest level of emergency medical technician (EMT) instruction offered at schools is paramedicine training. Vocational and community colleges are among the schools that commonly offer paramedic programs, and enrolled students can earn associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates. Bachelor’s degree programs in emergency medical care or paramedicine are also available through some schools.

Coursework at the bachelor’s degree level covers physics, chemistry, and biology to give students a complementary foundation in science. Management skills are also developed in order to prepare them for supervisory roles in the field. It takes four years to complete some paramedicine bachelor’s degree programs. However, those who already possess a two-year degree may enroll in a paramedicine major completion track.

Education Requirements

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to bachelor’s degree completion programs to be licensed paramedics with an associate’s degree. Prior to the professional component, untrained applicants require a background and drug test. New students also require preparatory classes in anatomy, physiology, and emergency care before participating in field experiences.

Coursework

Paramedicine majors that are untrained must participate in several hands-on experiences, such as internships, practicums, and labs. Students will learn methods in first-response medical treatment and patient evaluation through courses such as:

•Emergency childbirth and women’s care
•Infant and child crisis care
•Cardiopulmonary life support
•Medication dosages and effects
•Health care ethics and laws
•Trauma and disaster support services

Job and Wage Outlook

A much faster than average job growth rates of 23% have been predicted for paramedics and EMTs during 2012 – 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). During May 2012, an average yearly wage of $31,020 was also predicted for paramedics and EMTs (BLS).

Certification, Licensing, and Continuing Education Choices

Paramedics in the United States require state licensure, which also requires the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic certification. Certifications and licenses are required to be renewed every few years. In order to maintain both, students must seek further education.

Paramedicine majors may help students start a career in alternative health care. Further education may lead to careers as nurses, doctors, or related health care workers. Opportunities to become firefighters may be available to paramedics.

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