No matter which career path you choose, what good is it if you are not trying to advance in it? You are just giving others the space to move past you. Every professional must keep evolving and improving regardless of their career choice. In particular, healthcare professionals must be open to grow and advance in their careers since the industry is ever-changing. The entry-level service providers in this industry are paramedics.
Paramedics assist patients that require emergency medical treatment out of the hospital. They are responsible for safely transferring patients from one medical facility to another. These professionals complete the necessary education and training to excel in their careers. However, some of them wish to advance in other medical specialties.
Are you a paramedic professional with years of excellent experience? However, you certainly don’t want to stay still in your career your whole life. If you’re going to grow your career prospects as a paramedic, then read on to find the opportunities worth considering:
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1. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MANAGER
Paramedics looking for advancement in their career can either go for an educator role or management post. Those anticipating the role of an emergency medical services instructor need only an associate degree. However, for a manager position, experienced paramedics must hold a bachelor’s degree. Though admission requirements vary for each state, some may allow individuals with paramedic training. For others, only primary or intermediate EMT training would be enough to qualify for the position. The EMS manager’s key role includes launching programs, addressing people’s queries, providing solutions, and implementing departmental policies.
It is important to note that the field of EMS is still evolving and in a juvenile state. Therefore, individuals should enroll in an ems online courses to develop additional skills and get this field out of its adolescent phase. Although the paramedics may not realize it now, this new knowledge and experience will gear EMS’s future towards a more progressive side. Since this field is continually expanding, the future is in the hands of those paramedics that are forward thinkers and willing to take responsibility.
2. REGISTERED NURSE
Those paramedics who still want to play their part in taking care of the patient can choose a registered nurse’s (RN) path. RNs are responsible for providing optimum care, spreading awareness about general health conditions, and assisting patients and their families. Since they collaborate with other medical professionals to ensure quality care, they work in several settings such as schools, medical facilities, or clinics. A bachelor’s degree in nursing or a diploma, along with a license, is a must to become a registered nurse. However, as an alternative, some states have initiated paramedics bridge programs. Individuals pursuing such programs can complete their duty and attend a nursing school side by side. These programs give the flexibility to the students to attend classes online.
3. EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS
Before a paramedic gets a chance to attend an emergency scene, someone should inform them and send away a suitable emergency crew. That’s why emergency dispatchers are necessary for the healthcare industry. These individuals receive the calls, collect information, and send the emergency response team right away. A paramedic or EMT will be the most appropriate choice for this job role since they know how to react, sensibly process the information, and deal with emergencies. For a paramedic to advance into the dispatcher’s position, the individual must earn a high school diploma and practical training beforehand. Also, paramedics who are eager to switch their fields can opt for either an ambulance dispatcher or firefighter. Both of these positions require certification, medical experience, and fitness tests. Even the two of them have to perform on the field during an emergency. The only difference is the duration of medical training and job duties.
4. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
If a paramedic possesses strong interpersonal and educational skills, then a physician assistant may be the right fit. These professionals work alongside the doctors, with most duties on their shoulders. They diagnose diseases, carry out tests, analyze the reports and give medication. Their job requires them to interact with surgeons, physicians, and other medical officers.
Although physician assistants have a master’s degree; however, some bachelor programs exist that consist of extra credit hours than the typical ones. Individuals might need to attend classes in the summer too. Yet, it is more feasible than waking up late at night to handle an emergency case. The admission policies might differ, but most programs look for individuals with some healthcare sector experience and academic knowledge. Paramedics planning to move forward in this direction would have a fair advantage since they already have working experience.
5. EMERGENCY MEDICAL DIRECTOR
While working as a paramedic, the individuals might have developed excellent communication skills. Now might be an ideal time to jump into the career path of the emergency medical director. They work closely with government authorities and non-commercial organizations to formulate a plan and combat natural catastrophes effects and other types of emergencies. The directors have high analytical and critical thinking skills to respond well to situations. Their responsibilities include reducing the possible dangers and managing widespread area emergencies. Paramedics and EMTs looking forward to joining this area will have to develop plans and research acceptable practices that other worldwide emergency companies follow. Paramedics must acquire a bachelor’s degree and lots of years of experience in the related field to become eligible for the post. Some local states might require a high school diploma and significant law and order or emergency medical situation experience.
6. SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Another option that paramedics can consider for their career is to become a surgical technologist. These individuals help surgeons during surgeries. They equip the room with necessary tools, mentally prepare patients, and provide equipment to the surgeons. Surgical technologists need to perform their duties with vigilant eyes and observe minor details. There is no room for mistakes. Paramedics would not have to work on their skills since they already have the physical strength and attention to detail skills. One more advantage for paramedics is that they can easily fit in the schedule of surgical technologists. It is because they know the shift experiences and are habitual of working all day and night. However, a postgraduate degree is a must for paramedics to steer their career towards this side.
CONCLUSION
The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts the growth of paramedics and EMTs by 6%. Keep in mind that there are many other healthcare sector opportunities for paramedics to excel in their careers. It all comes down to the choice of individual and which field piques the interest more. Paramedics can start moving up the professional ladder if they look forward to getting out of their shells.
