EMT Paramedic Programs in Delaware

How to Become an EMT-Paramedic in Delaware and EMT-Paramedic Programs in Delaware

Wondering how to become an EMT-paramedic in Delaware? Emergency medical technicians -- also known as paramedics -- are some of the most important first responders in any crisis. The goal of an EMT-paramedic in Delaware is to arrive at the scene of a crisis or medical emergency as rapidly as possible, stabilize the individuals in crisis and transport them to a medical facility as quickly as possible. To do this, EMTs usually have a strong medical background including the ability to quickly diagnose problems and "triage" patients. In Delaware, EMT-paramedics are required to be certified in numerous life-saving skills which they may be required to use even if not on duty.

EMT-paramedic programs in Delaware are varied. While some EMT-paramedics in Delaware have a four-year degree focused on pre-med study, most receive a certificate from a technical college. A high school diploma or GED is required to enter these programs, along with training in CPR. An EMT-paramedic in Delaware will generally follow the same professional route as those in other states after achieving their one-year certification. A new EMT begins as an EMT Basic, requiring about one hundred hours of training -- including training in a hospital or ambulance setting. In Delaware, about 10% to 15% of new EMT Basic candidates leave the profession after this point.

After serving as an EMT Basic and receiving the appropriate mix of academic courses and field work, a candidate becomes an EMT Advanced. In Delaware, this will require at least 1,000 hours of training encompassing the full scope of practice. At this point, the candidate receives field training in airway devices, intravenous injections and some medical drugs. To move directly to the Advanced EMT level, a candidate can get a two-year associate's degree at a community college. Delaware EMT training is available from the Delaware State Fire School, a state-affiliated institution, and many others. Delaware EMT certification is overseen by the Delaware State Board of Medical Practice.

In addition to meeting Board of Medical Practice standards, an EMT-paramedic in Delaware must be in accordance with National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians standards. If you choose an online school or other non-traditional alternative, ensure that you are trained with these guidelines in mind. Delaware state standards will require a certain number of contact hours for each area of medical skill and may also demand written examinations between experience levels. When your training is complete, you can expect median pay in excess of $30,000. Job growth is pegged at 33% for the decade 2010 to 2020, higher in areas where the population is older.