Have you ever wanted to get into the medical field without having to spend several years in medical school? Have you always wanted to help people who are in urgent need of medical attention? If you are interested in becoming a paramedic, check the outline below on how to become a paramedic in Oklahoma!
Study Program
- Before students start on their paramedic programs, they must complete an EMT or Basic Life Support training.
- The paramedic training program selected must be approved and accredited, or actively pursuing accreditation, as eligibility for certification depends on program accreditation standards. Accreditation comes from the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
- The learning program lasts between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the college and the training program. To complete the program, students must log a total of 1053 hours, out of which 426 are class hours, 235 lab hours, and 392 are clinical hours.
- General topics covered in paramedic training include communication, workplace safety, and documentation. Medically – related study topics include EMS systems, trauma, medicine, pharmacology, assessments, and pathophysiology, among others.
- Each program has a practical element that must be fulfilled either as clinical hours or internship.
Eligibility
Student eligibility is crucial when considering how to become a paramedic in Oklahoma. To become a paramedic, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Show proof of having an Oklahoma ENT license
- Provide references
- Provide proof of immunizations,
- Submit to a criminal background check or drug screening
- Show proof of CPR certification and/or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Examination Process
- There are two examinations done by the students before certification – practical and cognitive.
- Before registering for the practical exam, you must create an account with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
- Submit an application to the State Department of Health.
- The practical exam is then administered at state level, once a month.
- The cognitive exam is given at several sites around the country, on an ongoing basis. The application process for this exam must, however, be started well in advance, to avoid delays.
Application Process
- In-state candidates get to submit their license applications before sitting the examination.
- All candidates who complete the exam process successfully within the stipulated time will have their licenses issued.
- You must include a copy of your National Registry Card with your application.
- Individuals with felony concerns must provide supporting documents.
- The application document contains a document about medical counsel and a notation indicating that all information must read and understood.
Schools offering Paramedic Training Programs
The last thing to look at when thinking about how to become a paramedic in Oklahoma is where to have your training. Schools in Oklahoma include:
- Gordon Cooper Technology Center
- Oklahoma City Communication College
- Tuba Community College
- Rogers State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Kiamichi Technology
- Tuba Community College
Has this article on how to become a paramedic in Oklahoma given you some good insights into this program? If so, please go ahead and sign up. The world needs you!