Paramedic
Highly trained emergency professional who examines, evaluates and treats patients on the spot.
Overview
A Paramedic is a highly trained and skilled medical professional who is educated to carry out some of the duties of a physician. Paramedics can examine, evaluate and treat patients with equipment and medication and usually work in the emergency department of a hospital.
Where they work
- Ambulance services
- Air ambulances
- Fire services
- Government and private hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies (as a technician, researcher or drug safety associate)
Work environment
You have to work both indoors and outdoors. The work is physically strenuous and you have to always be alert. While on duty you have to be ready to respond to emergency calls.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have strong communication skills
- You are a problem solver
- You can make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure
- You are analytical by nature
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.P.M.T in Paramedical Technology/B.Sc in Nursing/Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma course in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT)/Diploma in Radiological Technology (DRT)
Alternative route 4
- 1Opt for a Certificate course for entry level jobs.
- 2For admissions, you have to appear for university specific/state level entrance exams such as NEET (for BSc Nursing), AIIMS BSc Paramedical Exam, CET (MHCET, Kerala CET, Gujrat CET, AP CET) and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
University-specific and state-level entrance exams such as NEET (for B.Sc Nursing), the AIIMS B.Sc Paramedical exam, and state CETs (MHCET, Kerala CET, Gujarat CET, AP CET). Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Paramedical Sciences. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Government Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Sri Ramchandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St Xavier's College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Mayo College of Paramedical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Ambulance Paramedic
- 2Advanced Care Paramedic
- 3Intensive Care Paramedic
- 4Officer in Charge/Station Officer
- 5Operations Supervisor
Related careers to explore
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Provides emergency care and life-saving support to critically ill or injured patients before hospital.
Nurse
Trained to care for sick and infirm patients at hospitals or nursing homes.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Ankita Patel — Works as a paramedic in Ahmedabad and provides pre-hospital care to patients in the ambulance. Although only 31, she has been in the job for a decade. During the COVID pandemic she strove undaunted to save dozens of lives in the midst of a major health emergency.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 397 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Paramedic/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.