How to Become a Paramedic in Georgia
You might be wondering how to become a Paramedic in Georgia, and the answers will be found below. You can read on to learn about Courses offered in the Georgia Paramedic program and how much the average paramedic makes in 2019.
Courses offered by the Georgia Paramedic program
CGTC offers two different types of training for those looking to become a paramedic. These programs are designed to prepare students to provide advanced life support in a pre-hospital environment and to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ computer adaptive examination. In addition to preparing students for this examination, both types of programs provide 13 credit hours of education that can be transferred toward a national credential.
Regardless of whether you plan to become a firefighter, a paramedic or an EMT, you must complete your training. In order to obtain a Georgia paramedic license, you must complete at least 140 hours of classroom instruction. Once you have completed the required coursework, you must attend 2 days of hands-on skills training. These skills testing dates are usually announced a few months prior to the start of the program.
There are many EMT training programs throughout the state of Georgia. Many are offered by technical colleges, medical schools, ambulance companies, and adult learning centers. Some colleges offer both entry-level and licensed courses. The credit hours required for the course vary, so be sure to look for a program that matches your needs and your schedule. Once you complete the program, you can start practicing your newly acquired skills in the field!
The Georgia Department of Public Health approves the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) program. During the program, you will need to hold an EMT-B certification and have completed an AEMT update course. You will also need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic certification examination to qualify for licensure as a paramedic in Georgia. If you want to become a paramedic, enroll in a program in Georgia today. These programs provide you with the necessary training to advance your career.
The Emergency Medical Services Program provides a comprehensive education that prepares students to provide advanced emergency care. It includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll receive a Technical Certificate of Credit and be eligible to take the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor certification exams. The program costs approximately $2500 for a Georgia resident and $4500 for a non-resident.
Among the other courses offered by the Georgia, Paramedic program are AEMT and EMT technical certificates, and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Paramedic technology. You must be at least eighteen years of age, have a high school diploma, and have completed the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test. To be admitted into the program, you will also have to pass a physical exam and background checks.
Salary of paramedics in 2019
Compared to other occupations, emergency medical technicians earn the highest salaries in Georgia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of these professionals will increase by 6% over the next decade. The table below compares salaries for EMTs in Georgia with those in other states. In addition to salaries, these professionals can also enjoy benefits such as access to employee stock options and deferred compensation plans. With the increase in natural calamities and accidents, employment opportunities for EMTs in Georgia will also grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2020, the demand for paramedics will increase by 33%.
Many paramedics stay in this job throughout their careers. However, others choose to pursue further education. In some places, the local governments do not set aside enough money for emergency services. As a result, private ambulance services risk pricing themselves out of the market. Insurance companies also don’t pay ambulances as much as other medical expenses, so lower profits trickle down to EMT employees. However, the salary of paramedics in Georgia is still higher than that of other U.S. states.
According to a report by the Georgia Association for Emergency Medical Services, there is a critical shortage of emergency medical professionals in the state. This shortage poses a significant risk for patients. This shortage is most acute in rural areas, which is why Littleton is working with departments to attract more providers. In addition, a state committee is considering a new online option for basic EMT training, and the GEMSA is working to establish an EMS pension fund.
While the salaries of paramedics in Georgia are below the national average, the average salary in these cities is higher than the national average. The highest-paying Paramedic salary in Georgia is in McDonough, with Athens and Gainesville following closely behind. These three cities pay nearly three-fifths of the national average. The average salary for these positions in Georgia is $33,950 per year.
Training for a career as a paramedic can take two to four years. Most counties in metro Atlanta have stepped up the training requirement, and recruits must now hold an Advanced-EMT or paramedic certification to get hired. Nevertheless, the training program is expensive and takes up to 18 months, which can cause an emotional toll on recruits. As a result, more positions are unfilled in Georgia.
While the national average paramedic salary has remained stable over the past five years, salaries have fluctuated wildly between the states. In Hawaii, paramedic salaries climbed 15.6% from $38,550 in 2014 to $56,610 in 2019. In Louisiana, however, paramedic salaries remained relatively stable in 2019 while in Mississippi they dipped by almost $5,000. Louisiana state, like Mississippi, is not renowned for high salaries but is the thirteenth highest-paying state.
The job outlook for paramedics
The national average salary for a paramedic is $38,830, and the average annual wage of all occupations is $51,960. Paramedics in Georgia earn a lower salary than in other states, but Atlanta is the state’s largest city and pays the highest salary of all, bringing the average annual income for paramedics in Georgia to around $39,000. Paramedics in Atlanta are paid significantly more than those in the smaller cities of Augusta and Macon.
While salaries are lower than in many other states, there are still some major differences between the salaries of EMTs and paramedics in Georgia. For example, the average salary in McDonough is 19 percent lower than in Tifton, and those in Macon pay slightly more than the average in Tifton. But in Georgia, there are five paramedic jobs that pay more than the state average.
Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic jobs are projected to grow in Georgia, and at a faster rate than the national average. Despite their lower pay, the jobs are growing at a faster rate than the average wage earner in the U.S. According to the BLS, there are 10,720 emergency medical technicians and paramedics in Georgia in 2026, with 770 openings every year. This is higher than the national projection of 15.1%.
The required training to become a paramedic varies depending on the route you choose to follow. For example, full-time training requires about a year. Part-time students can finish the program in two to three years. Some paramedic programs require six months of EMT experience. In addition to paramedics, there are also Industrial Medics, who work in manufacturing plants, industrial centers, and factories.
Employment opportunities for EMTs and paramedics in Georgia are excellent. There is a great demand for trained professionals in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field, and the pay is relatively good for the education required. Paramedics and EMTs enjoy a challenging and fulfilling career. If you’re looking for a high-paying, challenging, and highly rewarding job, a career as an EMT or paramedic is definitely for you.
As an EMT, you’ll be able to work in a wide variety of first-responder environments, including fire departments and police departments. Other first-responder occupations for paramedics include nurses, emergency management directors, and dental hygienists. These paramedics dedicate their careers to keeping communities safe and healthy. To help you get the job, consider joining the NAEMT, a professional association for emergency medical responders. This association provides continuing education opportunities, advocacy, and online resources for paramedics.
