Paramedic Resume Example

Paramedic Resume Example

Paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform medical services and transport patients to medical facilities. Paramedics drive ambulances, monitor and stabilize patients.

In general, Paramedics require a higher level of education than EMTs. They perform all the same functions as EMTs, plus some more advanced medical services. The infographic below highlights a few key differences between Paramedics and EMTs. 

‍How to Write a Summary for a Paramedic

Your summary is a few sentences at the top of the resume that states who you are, what you do, and what you want next. This is meant to be brief and concise; you want to offer an overview of your candidacy for the position. 

1. Mention your previous experience. Did you work as an EMT on your college campus? Have you worked in other aspects of the medical world?
2. Describe your greatest strength. Are you patient? Are you great under pressure? 
3. Explain what you’re eager to accomplish in the next stage of your career. Are you looking to work on a medical helicopter team? Do you want to work in a big city or a rural area? Are you certified to drive an ambulance?

Example: Compassionate Paramedic with experience both in a hospital and in the ambulance. Led extractions to rescue survivors on the mountains and provided emergency medical services to patients of all ages.

How to List Your Work Experience as a Paramedic

1. Use reverse chronological format. List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry. 
2. Use action verbs related to being a Paramedic. Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.

• Administered
• Analyzed
• Applied
• Assessed
• Assisted
• Evaluated 
• Inserted
• Monitored
• Operated
• Prepared 
• Provided
• Reported 
• Reviewed

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Tip: Always begin your bullet points with a verb, and try to use a variety of action verbs throughout your resume (i.e., don’t repeat the same three). 

Senior Level Work Experience as a Paramedic

• Drove 250+ calls. Led team of 4--5 EMTs on 50% of calls
• Commended 2X by the medical director for excellent documentation
• Managed inventory and reduced costs 15% through better vendor sourcing
• Provided life-support services during medical emergencies on scene and en route to the hospital 
• Operated and maintained ambulances and other emergency vehicles in a safe and efficient manner
• Served on 6 extractions in the mountains of Colorado, including night-time extractions, winter extractions, and water extractions

Junior Level Work Experience as a Paramedic

• Worked as volunteer on Denver ambulance service
• Drove 4 transports from local nursing home to hospital
• Reviewed patient files and records, including allergies, medications, and immunization statuses to ensure proper patient medical treatment 
• Conducted physical assessments of the patient’s body to identify wounds and physical abrasions 
• Started intravenous therapy on patients of all ages 
• Performed EKGs on patients of all ages
• Assessed situations rapidly and administered appropriate treatment
• Administered medications when appropriate and in line with the patients’ medical history and needs 

Work Experience as a Paramedic at a Medical Center

• Administered IV medications during a procedure, under the direction of an ED physician, and in accordance with established protocols
• Assessed patient’s status pre, during and post procedure and communicates accurately and timely any concerns or changes to staff
• Assessed vital signs, weighed patients, collected routine specimens in accordance with established procedures
• Administered and controlled State approved medications, including restricted substances like opioids 
• Prepared, monitored, and discontinued intravenous fluids
• Applied and administered O2 flow as prescribed by ED Physician
• Assisted physicians and nursing staff with procedures utilizing aseptic/sterile techniques including but not limited to IV set-up, intubation, suturing, arterial lines, and chest tubes
• Cleaned and prepared rooms between procedures and after discharges; monitored and restocked supplies
• Collected information through history, physical examination and records ensuring information is accurately documented and reported

How to List Your Skills as a Paramedic

Hard skills like EKG and other technology knowledge are important, but so are soft skills like compassion and teamwork. 

Incorporate a variety of both soft and hard skills into your resume in order to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded candidate. 

• Compassion
• Situational Awareness
• Communication
• Physical Strength 
• Listening Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Teamwork 
• Emergency Medicine
• Airway Management
• Patient Stabilization
• Patient Assessment

How to List Your Education as a Paramedic

Paramedics first need to be EMT-certified, as this is the first step. They then  require an associate’s degree, which can be obtained from a community college or technical institution. They must also have a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Lastly, Paramedics must complete a postsecondary educational program in emergency medical technology -- which can take anywhere from less than one year to two years. 

Tip: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs offers a list of accredited programs for EMTs and paramedics, by state.

Requirements for licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:

• EMT Certification 
• CPR Certification 
• Accredited Paramedic course
• National Paramedic Certification (NRP) 
• Apply for a license in the state you’re located in 
• Complete a background check

Paramedic Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for a Paramedic is growing at 6% per year, which is considered to be faster than average. In 2018 there were 265,200 jobs available.

Average Salary 

Paramedics make $35,000 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $60,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. 

Top Paying Salaries by State

• $56,610 -- Hawaii
• $56,140 -- Washington
• $50,750 -- Maryland

Search for Paramedic Jobs

• Indeed
• Linkedin
• Simplyhired