I'm about to get my NREMT paramedic certification and wondering which military jobs would value or require this qualification. Are there specific military roles that match well with being a certified paramedic?
Absolutely, having an NREMT paramedic certification can be a significant asset if you're looking to serve in the military. One of the most usual roles for paramedics is being a Combat Medic, a specialist who provides first line medical treatment to soldiers in combat or in training environments.
Another role you might consider is a Pararescue role in the Air Force. Pararescuemen, sometimes known as "PJs", carry out advanced search and rescue operations, which often involve providing emergency medical care.
Then there's the role of becoming a Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman (SOIDC) in the Navy. These individuals are navy medics who receive advanced training so they can provide life-saving medical care on special operations missions.
Each of these roles offers opportunities for paramedics to work in high-pressure, often challenging environments, which some find very rewarding.
Take into account, though, that each branch of the military will have its unique selection and training process, and in many cases, your existing NREMT certification might just be the starting point for additional training you would receive in the military to practice medicine in combat situations. But certainly, your existing paramedic certification and experience would be a valuable attribute in any of these roles.
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