Prospective paramedics in Florida must complete a Florida Department of Health (FDOH)-approved paramedic training program. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, patient care, and emergency medicine.
Some of the most common paramedic training programs in Florida include:
* The University of Florida College of Medicine - Paramedic Program
* The Florida State College at Jacksonville - Paramedic Program
* The Miami Dade College - Paramedic Program
* The St. Petersburg College - Paramedic Program
* The Valencia College - Paramedic Program
Training
In addition to completing an FDOH-approved paramedic training program, candidates must also complete a state-approved paramedic internship. This internship typically lasts for one year and provides hands-on experience working with patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, and ambulance services.
Certification
After completing a paramedic training program and internship, candidates must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Exam to become certified as a paramedic in Florida. The NREMT Paramedic Exam is a computer-based test that covers a variety of topics, including:
* Medical assessment and management
* Patient care
* Emergency medical procedures
* Pharmacology
* Legal and ethical issues in emergency medical services
Paramedics must maintain their NREMT certification by completing continuing education courses every two years.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for paramedics is excellent in Florida. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paramedics will see a growth of 15% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to increasing demand for emergency medical services.