A paramedic responds by ambulance and provides emergency care. They are sent by specially trained dispatchers who maintain radio contact or patch them through to medical professionals for ongoing instructions. A paramedic examines victims, provides basic life support, may administer drugs, and performs more complex medical procedures than an emergency medical technician (EMT). The paramedic continues treatment during transport to hospitals.
Work environment:
A paramedic drives emergency vehicles with special communication and medical equipment; they work both indoors and outdoors.
Training requirements:
A paramedic is required to earn an associate's degree. Certification is required.
Salary range:
$24,357 $42,037 Minimum training:High school diploma or equivalent; certification requiredJob description:An emergency medical technician (EMT) responds by ambulance and provides emergency care. More
Salary range:
$130,187 and up
Minimum training:Doctorate; 4-year residency; state-issued license requiredJob description:Physicians diagnose illnesses, prescribe and administer treatment for injury or disease, and counsel patients on preventative health care.More
Salary range:
$77,397 $108,430 Minimum training:Master's degree; state-issued license requiredJob description:Physician assistants provide health care services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician.More
Salary range:
$70,344 $100,970 Minimum training:Associate's degree; state-issued license requiredJob description:Registered nurses treat and educate patients, and they provide advice and support to patients and their family members.More
Salary range:
$38,730 $54,371 Minimum training:Nine-month certificate programJob description:A surgical technologist or operating room technician assists in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or other surgical personnel.More
The number of healthcare jobs available in California is only going to grow in the coming years — and there are a lot more options than doctors and nurses.
Other jobs in healthcare offer great pay, opportunities for advancement and require only a few months or years of training. They can also be stepping stones to better-paying healthcare jobs in the future.
Whether you are just starting out or you already know what you are looking for, Health Jobs Start Here will set you on your way toward a good job in healthcare. More +
If you want to get advice directly from people who work in healthcare jobs, take a look at a "Day in the Life" of a real health worker and ask us a question on our Facebook
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