We surveyed 4,612 paramedics to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical paramedic. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a paramedic?

Low

High

Working as a paramedic typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that paramedics are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.

Can I learn to become a paramedic?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a paramedic typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a paramedic?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a paramedic. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for paramedics.

Info

Do paramedics work full-time or part-time?

68% of paramedics work in full-time roles while 32% work part-time.

Is being a paramedic stressful?

Low

High

Stress is very commonplace for paramedics, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a paramedic?

Low

High

Some level of organization is generally required to be a paramedic.

How competitive is the workplace for paramedics?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for paramedics.

Does being a paramedic require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Paramedics will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.

Are paramedics allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Paramedics rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do paramedics have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Paramedics tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a paramedic physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a paramedic requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.

Are paramedics exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

The workload of a paramedic changes frequently, with their day-to-day rarely being the same.

Does being a paramedic require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for paramedics.

Does being a good paramedic require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a paramedic.