Online Paramedic Certification and Degree Program Information

Paramedic degree programs are not offered fully online. However, there are associate's degree programs for aspiring paramedics that can be taken partially online and partially on-campus. Completion of a hybrid paramedic program can prepare graduates to sit for the certification examination administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Online Associate's Degree in Paramedic Overview

Students enrolled in paramedic programs explore the skills needed to administer health care at the pre-hospital level. This includes learning to give patients medications, set up IVs and interpret EKGs. Courses are primarily science- and medicine-oriented, and students also gain clinical and field experience. Applicants to online paramedic programs may be required to have EMT-Basic certification.

Program Information and Requirements

Associate's degree programs generally take two years to complete. Online paramedic programs typically are offered in hybrid format, meaning classroom components are offered online, but lab components must be completed on-campus. Students also must complete field and clinical experiences in person.

List of Common Paramedic Courses

Through lecture, lab, clinical and field courses, students learn to work as paramedics in ambulatory settings. General education courses, such as social science, natural science, humanities and English, generally are included in associate's degree programs for aspiring paramedics.

Anatomy and Physiology Course

Students explore various bodily systems and functions, including digestion, reproduction and metabolism. In the lab portions of this course, students participate in dissections and study the muscles and skeleton of the human body.

Electrocardiogram Interpretation Course

Students learn to read 3-lead and 12-lead electrocardiograms. The course covers anatomy and physiology of the heart and recognition of abnormal rhythms.

Emergency Medical Services Course

This course examines the roles and responsibilities of paramedics. Students learn to conduct patient assessments and to recognize and manage different medical emergencies.

Field Internship Course

This is usually the capstone course of a paramedic program. Students apply skills learned throughout their program. They ride along in paramedic units for 12 hours a day and respond to emergencies.

Career Information for Graduates

Upon graduating and obtaining licensure, students are eligible to work as paramedics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reported that employment for paramedics was expected to grow nine percent during the 2008-2018 decade, which was about as fast as average. The median salary for emergency medical technicians, including paramedics, was $33,020 in 2009.

Continuing Education Information

Licensure as a paramedic is required in all 50 states. While licensing qualifications vary, certification from the NREMT generally is a requirement. Those who would like to earn a bachelor's degree in paramedicine might choose to enroll in an online degree completion program, which can be finished in an additional two years.