Paramedic Licensing in Florida
Paramedics work alongside EMTs in the field. They can perform more advanced life-supporting services for patients than EMTs. Because their job requires skill and expertise, they need to be licensed before they can work in the field.
Licensing is the final step to becoming a Paramedic once you have completed your education and training.
Licensing Process For Florida Paramedics
First-time Paramedics have to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification examination. To do this, you schedule the exam directly with NREMT and do not need to get an Authorization to Test from the Florida Department of Health.
You also need to submit an application to the Department of Health. This is an application for certification within the state of Florida. It also has a fee for the application that you have pay when you file.
What happens if you don’t pass the NREMT the first time around? You can take it again, but you have to apply through the Florida Department of Health for re-taking the NREMT exam.
Being a Paramedic in Florida
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that EMTs and Paramedics have a job growth rate of 15% from 2016 to 2026. Florida is one of the top five states with the highest level of employment for EMTs and Paramedics.
What do Paramedics in Florida do? Every state has its own major health concerns. Florida Paramedics regularly work with patients who have reached retirement age. Other situations that Paramedics in Florida may also work are the beach or weather-related calls.
Paramedics are able to administer medications to patients and also perform life-saving procedures. They are trained to treat heart attacks, labor and delivery, severe allergic reactions, and shock patients. Paramedics also treat traumatic injuries like car crashes, fights, and work-related incidents.
In Florida, Paramedics have many options about where to work. They can work on ambulances for emergency rooms. Paramedics can also join lifeguard teams or work for fire departments. Other unique places that Paramedics can work include cruise ships, national parks, and medical hospitals.
