There is little doubt that following our tried-and-tested online paramedic test prep program is the best way to breeze through the National Registry of Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam—but what comes next if you’re looking for innovative ways to boost paramedic pay and earn more than your peers?
Additional and added-value training might be a good route. Specializing in niche areas like hazmat, combat casualty care, wilderness emergency medicine, and open-water rescue may make your skills highly desirable and elevate your income.
While there are numerous alternatives, the biggest effects of certification on paramedic salary prospects relate to the NREMT. Holding a nationally recognized certification and keeping that up to date by recertifying every two years will ensure that you continue to gain expertise in the field and become a senior paramedic.
Why Might Paramedics Undergo Additional Training Post-Certification?
Paramedics enjoy well-paid, high-demand, stable, and respected careers. Most progress to this role following a passion for emergency medicine, and find their jobs and roles in their communities highly rewarding. That said, employment incomes vary considerably between states and cities. Paramedics working in more specialist environments or with additional capabilities can often pursue promotions or bumps in their salary and employment benefits.
It’s also worth noting that you might naturally become eligible for higher-tier wages in time. Senior level paramedics with a good level of experience often apply for team leadership or supervisory roles, along with a pay increase of around 23% compared to the average income for a junior paramedic–which means, like most careers, you’ll gradually earn more as your knowledge and field expertise grow.
Examples of Additional Paramedic Training Programs
The trick to earning the best possible income as a paramedic is to ensure you stand out, fulfill every employment criteria, and are a capable, valued professional who organizations or healthcare services are happy to pay more for or recognize with extra benefits and perks. While there isn’t one set of courses or programs that will be right for every paramedic, and some relate to particular careers or work environments, we’ve listed below some of the options you might be interested in.
Advanced Hazmat Training
The NREMT licensure pathway covers infectious disease control, but there are opportunities to achieve additional qualifications in hazardous materials and emergency care for patients injured in dangerous environments. Courses often include the safe and appropriate use of hazmat protection suits, how to deliver care while protecting yourself from exposure, and liaising with other specialist responders.
Outdoor and Extreme Medical Rescue
Paramedics hoping to work in search and rescue teams can study various topics relevant to emergencies and rescue operations in outdoor settings. Some of the many subjects and qualification areas include:
- Open water and rapid water rescue
- Rope rescue
- Wilderness first response or emergencies
If you’re looking to apply for a particular role, it’s a good idea to review the criteria to ensure you pick programs and courses that tick all the boxes.
Military-Focused Paramedic Skills Programs
Combat casualty care is another specialism, with programs that teach trauma management and field recovery protocols as set by the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines.
Approaching Your Paramedic Study With Long-Term Career Aspirations
All the above may boost your salary as a paramedic, but this starts with achieving that all-important pass on your National Registry of Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, which is something The Paramedic Coach has been helping candidates do for years. Once you’ve ticked the test off your list, using our proven resources to hit the ground running, you’ll also be able to access our rectification programs to ensure your NREMT status doesn’t lapse.
From there, the decisions are yours, but if you want to enhance your career and tap into the best-value resources to get your study, exam technique, and knowledge in great shape, we’re here to help!
