How to become a Paramedic in Oregon

• Have you always wanted to enter the medical field, just not as a doctor? There is the option of becoming a paramedic! Coming up is all you need to know about how to become a paramedic in Oregon.

Introduction

• Paramedics in Oregon fall under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Health Authority and must meet all the educational and examination requirements before registration.
• Also, students should note that training standards in Oregon are higher than in other states.

General Requirements

• Students must obtain EMT licensing before they can proceed to the paramedic level, as paramedic education builds on learning acquired at the EMT level. This EMT license should be current.
• An individual must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate, and have obtained a high school diploma or a GED.
• If a student’s work experience is not sufficient, he or she must show proof of an Associate degree in order to be licensed as a paramedic in Oregon.
• Students must have proper CPR certification.
• Students must be ready to undergo immunization and a criminal background check.

Educational Requirements

• The paramedic training program has 3 components.
  • Didactic and skill instruction
  • Hospital-based clinical experience
  • Field experience
• The student must display each of the skills in part ‘a’ above in a laboratory or clinical setting before being allowed to go for field experience/internship.
• For the student to complete field experience/internship, he or she much complete at least 8 calls in each of these areas – trauma, general medical, cardiac, and respiratory.

Examination Requirements

• Prospective paramedics in Oregon sit for examinations developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
• All students must pass both the practical and cognitive exam, as follows:
  • Practical exam
    • Has 12 skills to be tested, e.g. dynamic cardiology, IV therapy, etc.
    • This exam costs $290, while re-examination costs $100.
    • Registration for this exam is done through the NREMT website.
  • Cognitive exam
    • This is a computer-adaptive test that has between 80 and 150 questions covering a range of emergency care situations that a paramedic may encounter.
    • This exam costs $125 per attempt.

Application Process

• Next on the list of how to become a paramedic in Oregon is the application process. In-state applicants have their respective schools handling the registration.
• Those who have lived outside Oregon for 60 or more days in the previous 5 years must have a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The fingerprints are submitted after completing the application.
• The application fee is between $44 and $50.

Out of State Paramedic Licensing

• Paramedics who are registered nationally can apply for a license in Oregon by reciprocity.
• Reciprocity candidates must include copies of their CPR certification, National Registry cards, and an endorsement form with their applications.
• All candidates who are applying for reciprocity must show evidence of having an associate level degree or having worked as a paramedic for 5 years prior to the date of application.

Fees

• The fees for application and licensure amount to around $350.

Additional Pointers

• Keep your EMT license active until you complete the entire paramedic exam process.
• Paramedic licenses are renewed annually.

Now that you are all clued in on how to become a paramedic in Oregon, it’s time to start the process. Good luck!