South Carolina EMT Programs

New graduates celebrate with their families at their nursing commencement ceremony.

How to Become an EMT-Paramedic in South Carolina and EMT-Paramedic Programs in South Carolina

An EMT-paramedic is one of the first responders to the scene of an accident. The paramedic will assess the situation, provide immediate treatment to the victims, and prepare them for transportation to a hospital. There are different levels of EMT, or emergency medical technician. An EMT-basic is able to take vitals and offer basic care. Paramedics are a higher level of EMT and have the ability to administer medication both orally and intravenously. If you're interested in learning about how to become an EMT-paramedic in South Carolina and EMT-paramedic programs in South Carolina, it's important to understand that this is a very high stress, fast paced environment.

Not everyone is cut out to be an EMT-paramedic. You must enjoy working under pressure and feel confident making important decisions very quickly. For the right individual, this is a very rewarding career path. The best way to find out if a paramedic career is right for you is to become an EMT-basic and work in this field alongside paramedics first. EMT-basic certification is a prerequisite for working as a paramedic, so you'll have the perfect chance to try out this field and determine whether the hectic and unpredictable job environment is right for you. There are several training programs in South Carolina for this profession.

EMT-Paramedic training is available both through the state and through local technical colleges. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control offers EMT-basic and EMT-paramedic courses. Beaufort County, South Carolina offers paramedic training as well for students with the appropriate prerequisites in anatomy and physiology. Piedmont technical college has an EMT program for the EMT-basic designation. Both EMT-basic and EMT-paramedic courses are available from Midlands Technical College, Trident Technical College, and Greenville Technical College. Greenville Tech even offers an associate degree in emergency medical technology. Graduates of a paramedic program must pass a certification exam before they can practice. This examination includes both written questions and practical demonstrations.

If you're interested in helping others and work best under pressure, a career as a paramedic could be the perfect choice for you. You'll be responsible for many important tasks from opening airways to delivering babies. With the wide base of knowledge provided by an EMT-paramedic training program, you'll be prepared to respond to many different emergencies with a cool head and careful attention to detail. In South Carolina, EMTs and paramedics have a mean annual salary of $32,590, or about $15.67 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. EMTs often go on to become registered nurses or pursue additional advancements in health care.

• South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control