In Idaho, paramedics must be state licensed in order to work in the state.
Here’s a detailed explanation of how one not only secures licensure in Idaho, but selects a paramedic training program and readies oneself for the NREMT-P examination.
Paramedic Training in Idaho
Below, please click on a school to get admissions information on their healthcare programs:
College of Southern Idaho
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
315 Falls Ave
HSHS 116
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Idaho State University
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
1311 East Central Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
Lewis-Clark State College
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
500 8th Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501
Paramedic Program Requirements in Idaho
· Prospective paramedic students will need to hold a valid EMT certificate and/or be Nationally Registered.
For more on becoming nationally certified with the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians), which is a non-governmental agency that registers and maintains a database of certified EMTs, visit NREMT.org.
· You will also need to have proper CPR certification. In some cases, a completed anatomy and physiology course may be required, too. Depending on the program, an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification could be required, as well.
· One must be a high school graduate who is at least 18 years old. If you’re not a high school graduate, a GED will suffice.
· Immunizations are certainly required (due to clinical rotations), and depending on where you apply, you might also need to provide proof of citizenship. You’ll likely need to go through a criminal background check and drug screening, too. Written references may or may not be required by the school.
· Paramedic training courses can typically be found at community colleges. An EMT-P course often provides students with a mixture of classroom and in-hospital clinical experience, as well as some field experience.
· You will want to make sure that whichever paramedic training program in Idaho you select is an accredited program.
Where can I find an accredited paramedic training program in Idaho?
In general, make sure you visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) to find an accredited paramedic training program. This is important, because as of January 1, 2013, all students will need to complete paramedic education at an accredited school in order to take the paramedic NREMT exam.
Do I need EMT experience to apply to a paramedic training program?
Typically, experience is not required because proper experience can takes years to acquire.
How long will it take me to become a paramedic?
In Idaho, students must receive a minimum number of 1,320 hours of classroom and clinical experience.
At Idaho State University, for example, the paramedic training programs runs two years in length.
How much will a paramedic training program cost?
All paramedic courses are a bit different and vary college to college. But, typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 for a quality and thorough paramedic training course. Some programs can most certainly exceed that cost, however.
TAKING THE PARAMEDIC NREMT EXAM
After you successfully complete the required paramedic training course, you will need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. This is both a computer adaptive test (cognitive examination) as well as a skills test (psychomotor examination).
Cognitive Examination
The cognitive examination will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care. This includes Airway, Ventilation, Oxygenation, Trauma, Cardiology, Medical, and EMS Operations. The maximum amount of time you will be given to pass this portion of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Psychomotor Examination
The psychomotor examination consists of 12 separate skills laid out in a scenario-type format to approximate the abilities of the EMT-Paramedic to function in the out-of-hospital setting. Those taking the test are actually allowed to bring their own equipment to the exam provided it is approved for testing by the National Registry Representative in attendance at the examination.
The psychomotor exam portion of the paramedic NREMT exam will test your knowledge and competency in each of the following skills: Patient Assessment-Trauma, Ventilatory Management, Cardiac Management Skills, IV and Medication Skills, Oral Station, Pediatric Skills, and Random Basic Skills.
PRACTICING AS A PARAMEDIC
In order to work in Idaho as a paramedic, you must be state licensed.
Licensure is obtained when you have an employer. Therefore in Idaho, you may apply for state licensure once an employer has agreed to hire you. And in order for you to be eligible for licensure, you must be Nationally Registered.
How much money does a paramedic make annually?
An average paramedic salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011, is about $34,030 per year.
Remember to jump back to our homepage for more on paramedic training schools in your state.
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