Understand that paramedic education can last anywhere from six months to two years. Six-month programs are becoming few and far between as more programs move toward national standards that require more education and training for paramedics.
Choose a school that works for your schedule. Hospitals, community colleges, ambulance companies and fire departments can offer paramedic classes. Some classes are in the morning; others at night. You may be attending class, ride-time and clinical training at the same time, or the three may be separated.
Save your pennies. The schooling you need to be a paramedic is not cheap. If you are lucky, you will find a fire department or ambulance service that will pick up some or all of the bill for you, if you work for them.
Become an EMT first. An EMT and a paramedic are not the same thing, and almost all paramedic programs require that you become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) before applying to paramedic school. An EMT class takes a few months and teaches you basic emergency first aid.
Consider getting a degree with your schooling. Many paramedic schools, especially those run by community colleges, allow you to get an associate's degree in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) while you train.
Be prepared to learn. The schooling you need to be a paramedic does not end when you receive your license. Depending on what state you work in, you are required to attend a certain number of continuing-education courses every month in order to renew your license. You also undergo regular training or refresher courses at the ambulance service or fire department that employs you.