Learn how to become a paramedic in Maine by following this step-by-step guide, which helps show those interested in the paramedic field how to apply to colleges and programs, what to expect on the NREMT examinations, and ultimately how one can practice as an EMT-Paramedic in the state of Maine.
PARAMEDIC TRAINING IN MAINE
Below, please click on a school to get admissions information on their healthcare programs:
Eastern Maine Community College – Bangor, ME
345 Hogan Road
Bangor, ME 04401
Kennebec Valley Community College – Fairfield, ME
92 Western Avenue
Fairfield, ME – 04937
Northern Maine Community College – Presque Isle, ME
33 Edgemont Drive
Presque Isle, ME – 04769
Southern Maine Community College – South Portland, ME
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME – 04106-1611
United Training Center – Lewiston, ME
192 Russell Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
· First, you will need to be at least 18 years old and be a high school graduate to enroll in a paramedic course.
· You’ll also need to have your EMT-Basic license or National Registry certification. You might have to provide proof of your BCLS/CPR Health Care Provider or equivalent card, as well.
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.
· Immunizations are a must, simply because paramedic students will getting in-hospital experience. You will likely also have to submit to a criminal background check and drug screening, too.
Where can I find an accredited paramedic training program in Maine?
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?
This really depends. In many states and paramedic programs, experience is not required. However, at Southern Maine Community College, for example, you will need to provide verification of ambulance runs.
In fact, those interested in SMCC’s paramedic program must meet a minimum of six months EMS experience and 50 calls where the candidate provided patient care.
How long will it take me to become a paramedic?
This also depends on the college and training program you select. Typically, a paramedic program can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete.
How much will a paramedic training program cost?
As you can tell, paramedic programs are a bit different and vary college to college. But, typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 for a quality and thorough paramedic training course. Some programs can most certainly exceed that cost, however.
At SMCC, for example, students are expected to also pay for certain things like clinical shirts, EMS pants and even a stethoscope.
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
For more on becoming a licensed paramedic in the state of Maine, including application forms for licensure, click on the Maine.gov website.
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.
To learn more about paramedic training requirements, please return to our homepage.
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