In the United States, paramedics must complete a formal education program, which typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
After completing an accredited education program, individuals must pass a certification exam to become a licensed paramedic. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) administers the certification exam, which consists of cognitive (written) and psychomotor (skills) portions. Candidates must pass both parts of the exam to become certified.
The specific requirements and number of points needed can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but in general terms, one needs to complete the education program and pass the certification exam to become a licensed paramedic.
In South Africa, the requirements to become a paramedic may vary depending on the specific training program or institution you are looking at. However, in general, you will likely need to have a high school diploma and complete a training program that is approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The program usually last for 3 years, including both theoretical and practical training, and upon successful completion, the candidate will be awarded National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care (Paramedic) or the equivalent qualification. It’s worth to note that some training providers may have additional requirements or prerequisites, such as a certain number of points on the National Senior Certificate or experience working as an emergency medical technician (EMT). So it’s best to check with specific institutions for their requirements.