How to Become a Paramedic in Tennessee (2025)
If you're looking for a direct path to a high-stakes, rewarding career on the front lines of emergency medicine in Tennessee, becoming a licensed Paramedic is the ultimate goal. The state is home to nearly 4,000 of these highly skilled first responders, who earn a median salary of $49,700 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide provides the definitive 5-step process for navigating Tennessee's specific training, testing, and licensing requirements to launch your career as an advanced life support provider.
Exploring a Career in Paramedic Outside Tennessee
If you're aiming to pursue a career as a Paramedic but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a Paramedic in places like Arkansas, Kansas, Montana, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a Paramedic no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare CPR-BLS classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Paramedic?
After becoming an EMT (which takes about 4-6 months), a paramedic program in Tennessee typically takes another 12 to 18 months to complete. So, from zero experience to licensed Paramedic, plan on a journey of about 2 years.
What About Licensing in Tennessee?
Yes, this is a fully licensed profession. You must hold a valid Paramedic license issued by the Tennessee Department of Health to work. You cannot practice with just your NREMT certification; you must apply for and maintain your state license, which requires renewal every two years with continuing education credits.
Where to Find Paramedic Classes in Tennessee?
Finding a state-approved paramedic program is the most important step in your career advancement, and Dreambound is designed to make that process easier. Dreambound's platform allows you to search, filter, and connect with a vast network of career and technical education partners, including community colleges offering paramedic programs across Tennessee. You can compare schools based on cost, program length, and NREMT pass rates to find the perfect fit for your goals. Dreambound is completely free for you to use, and many partner schools offer payment plans or financial aid for those who qualify.
Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Paramedic
Becoming a paramedic opens up a variety of career paths and opportunities. Here are some options you can explore after obtaining your paramedic certification.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency: Many paramedics work for EMS agencies, providing emergency medical care to patients in the field. EMS agencies may be run by local governments, hospitals, or private companies. As a paramedic, you may work on an ambulance, responding to 911 calls and providing care to patients in emergency situations.
Working for an EMS agency allows you to gain a wide range of experience and develop your skills as a paramedic. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse population and encounter a variety of medical conditions.
Hospital Emergency Department: Some paramedics choose to work in hospital emergency departments. In this role, you would provide care to patients who arrive at the emergency department by ambulance. Working in a hospital setting allows you to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and gain exposure to a wider range of medical conditions.
Paramedics working in hospital emergency departments may also have the opportunity to pursue additional certifications and specialize in areas such as critical care or pediatric emergency medicine.
Fire Department: Many fire departments employ paramedics as part of their emergency response teams. In addition to providing medical care, paramedics in the fire service may also be involved in firefighting, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue operations.
Working for a fire department as a paramedic can be physically demanding, but it offers the opportunity to make a difference in your community and work as part of a team.
Flight Paramedic: Flight paramedics work on medical helicopters or airplanes, providing critical care to patients who need to be transported to a hospital or specialized facility. This role requires additional training and certifications, as well as the ability to work in high-stress situations and in various weather conditions.
Working as a flight paramedic can be both challenging and rewarding. You will have the opportunity to provide life-saving care to patients in remote or difficult-to-reach locations.
Education and Training: Some paramedics choose to pursue careers in education and training. They may become instructors for paramedic training programs, teaching the next generation of paramedics. Others may work as continuing education coordinators, developing and delivering educational programs for practicing paramedics.
Working in education and training allows you to share your knowledge and experience with others while contributing to the advancement of the field.
Research and Administration: Paramedics with a strong interest in research and administration may pursue careers in these areas. They may work for government agencies, hospitals, or research institutions, conducting studies, analyzing data, and developing protocols to improve patient care.
Working in research and administration allows paramedics to contribute to the development of evidence-based practices and shape the future of the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to be a paramedic in TN?
Becoming a paramedic in Tennessee typically requires completing an accredited paramedic training program, which can take about 1 to 2 years. This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to prepare individuals for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) paramedic certification exam and state licensure.
Where in Tennessee can you train to be a paramedic?
You can pursue paramedic training in Tennessee at various accredited institutions such as community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. These programs offer comprehensive training that includes learning advanced medical skills, patient assessment techniques, and clinical rotations in hospital and ambulance settings.
How long is EMT school in Tennessee?
The duration of EMT school in Tennessee varies depending on the level of certification. EMT-Basic training typically takes several months to complete, while paramedic training, which includes EMT-Basic certification as a prerequisite, can take 1 to 2 years. Programs are designed to meet national and state requirements for emergency medical training.
How much does a paramedic make in Tennessee?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data, the average paramedic salary in Tennessee is $53,120. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, with opportunities in various healthcare settings including ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a paramedic is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who have a passion for helping others. By completing a paramedic training program and obtaining your certification, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide advanced life support to patients in emergency situations.
Once you have obtained your paramedic certification, there are a variety of career paths and opportunities available to you.
If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:
Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.
