Paramedicine (A.S.)

A paramedic is an allied health professional who is a link from the community to the healthcare setting whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system.

Students will be able to apply the knowledge of paramedicine in the scope of the overall healthcare system and understand the paramedic's role in the community as a provider, educator and leader. A Paramedic possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response under medical oversight.

EMT and Paramedic Key Similarities and Differences

EMTs and paramedics both work for EMS to provide urgent and emergency care for patients. Both careers require a high school diploma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – basic life support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers, a license to practice in their state, and certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). To become a paramedic, one must already hold EMT certification.

Paramedics must receive an additional 1,200 hours of training, so they can lead their team on the field, make decisions about where to take the patient for the best care, give oral and intravenous (IV) medication, and use advanced airway management techniques. Paramedics often earn higher pay because they receive additional education and learn more skills.