The number of science classes a paramedic student must take varies by state and school, but most, such as Crafton Hills College, require paramedic students to at least take a class in pharmacology, which teaches the student how to administer medications and how different drugs interact with each other. Students also take a class in cardiology, which teaches the student how to treat various cardiovascular problems.
After the paramedic student has completed the initial classroom-based work, he or she must complete a clinical externship class. During this class, students gain valuable on-the-job training in a hospital or clinic setting. The class emphasizes working with patients and how to interact in a team environment. Generally, students can work in an operating room, emergency room or clinic.
In the field, internship class paramedic students work in an ambulance or other mobile care unit. This class is generally taken the last semester the student is completing coursework. During the class, students will begin to transition from watching the services being performed to becoming a member of the emergency medical services team. Experiences vary based on the unit you are working with, but most students will focus on assessing the patient, initiating the IV and drawing the patient's blood.
Even after becoming certified, a paramedic must continue to take classes. Each state is different, but according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require that every two to three years the paramedic renew his license. During this renewal process the paramedic must complete the required hours of classroom work. For example, in California the number of hours is almost 50 to keep a license current. Paramedics can choose from a variety of classes including childbirth, trauma and influenza as long as the courses and facility are state approved.
When deciding where to complete your paramedic classes choose a state that you will want to work in as states can vary on the requirements needed to work there. By completing your classes at a state-approved school and passing the exam in that state you'll ensure that you won't have to take additional classes to meet the state requirements to be a paramedic.