What is a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a healthcare professional trained to provide advanced medical care during emergencies. They manage life-threatening conditions, perform resuscitations, administer medications, and stabilize patients for transport to hospitals.

Some of the responsibilities of a paramedic include:

• Responding to emergency calls and providing on-site medical assistance
• Assessing the patient's condition and determining the appropriate treatment
• Administering medications, performing advanced life support procedures, and managing cardiac arrest situations
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to ensure seamless patient care
• Documenting medical procedures and maintaining accurate records

Where Do Paramedics Work?

Paramedics in Pennsylvania work across many sectors of emergency and clinical care, including:

• Ambulance services – Respond to calls, provide on-site care, and transport patients
• Hospitals and emergency departments – Support trauma and critical care teams
• Fire departments – Deliver medical care during fires, rescues, and disasters
• Air ambulance services – Provide in-flight critical care during patient transport
• Search and rescue or tactical response teams – Operate in high-stress and specialized environments

Cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie have strong demand for licensed paramedics, with competitive pay and continuing education opportunities.

Requirements to Become a Paramedic in Pennsylvania

To qualify for a paramedic license in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following educational, legal, and program requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a current EMT or Paramedic certification (State or National Registry)
• Complete a state-approved paramedic training program
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Exam
• Obtain state licensure from the Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Sign a liability/privacy waiver before clinical rotations

How to Become a Paramedic in Pennsylvania?

1. Earn Your EMT Certification

You must first complete a state-approved EMT-Basic program before applying to paramedic school. This provides essential emergency response training and hands-on experience.

2. Enroll in a State-Approved Paramedic Program

Find a Pennsylvania Department of Health–approved paramedic education program. Training typically includes:

• 1,200–1,800 hours of classroom and clinical instruction
• Coursework in anatomy, advanced life support, pharmacology, and trauma care
• Field internships and hospital clinical rotations

Programs are offered at community colleges, hospitals, and vocational schools across Pennsylvania. You can search for accredited options through Dreambound.

3. Pass the National Registry Exam (NREMT)

After completing training, you’ll need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) paramedic exam, which includes:

• Cognitive test: written multiple-choice
• Psychomotor test: hands-on demonstration of skills

4. Apply for State Licensure

Once certified nationally, apply for a Pennsylvania paramedic license through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of EMS.
This allows you to legally practice and respond to emergency calls within the state.

5. Maintain Certification and Continuing Education

To remain licensed, paramedics must complete continuing education units (CEUs) every certification cycle. Pennsylvania requires regular skill refreshers to ensure up-to-date practice standards.