There are four items to consider when choosing the best paramedic school: equipment, admissions requirements, accreditation, and faculty. Paramedic school is also known as emergency medical technician (EMT) school. It can be organized within a larger community college or function as a standalone school. All paramedics must have completed a recognized training program before they can apply for employment.
The best paramedic school should have a wide range of equipment available for student use. This includes mannequins, ambulance equipment, and emergency room equipment. Check the average class size to ensure you will have ample opportunity to use this equipment. Look for specialized programs, such as extreme weather or remote location training, and make sure that the necessary equipment is available for use.
In order to qualify for admission to paramedic school, you must have high school courses in biology and English. The best schools are usually located in a large city, providing ample employment opportunities and connections upon graduation. Select a school in a city you would like to work in. This will allow you to maximize the connections you make while in school to help you in your career. Talk with the admissions counselor about the job placement programs if you are moving to a new city or state.
If you are looking at the best paramedic school in the country or state, take note that the admissions standard is higher to reflect the increased demand. These schools often require students to have a combination of high marks and personal maturity. Many specialized programs are restricted to students who have several years' working experience in the health sciences. The maturity level required by these programs takes time to develop. Paramedic is a very difficult job both emotionally and psychologically, and can be quite taxing.
When looking for paramedic schools, the first item to check is the accreditation status. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions and are accepted by the board that issues the paramedic certifications. Accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.
Most paramedic schools provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information listed typically includes the academic credentials, work experience, special training, and any awards they have received. Review this information to learn more about a career as a paramedic and the educational options available to you.