There are a number of things to consider when you think about becoming a paramedic. In this economy, most people think about the salary first when they contemplate a new career. You should also consider the environment of the job and whether you will be happy doing it. After all, you will have to endure a certain amount of training and spend some money to get that training. If you are going to burn out after a few months or years in the job, it will not have been worth it. The salary for a paramedic is quite good when you consider that the training for this position is not the equivalent of a college degree. However, a paramedic is highly trained and receives something like a two-year degree in medicine. In recognition of this highly skilled and educated aspect of the job, paramedics receive much more than emergency medical technicians, or EMT's, who only receive a fraction of the training that a paramedic has. Consequently, a paramedic with a great deal of experience can actually make as much as $70,000 per year. If you are seriously thinking of becoming a paramedic, then you should also consider the basic environment in which you will be working. This is not a job for people who are squeamish, nor is it a job for people who are averse to physical labor and hard work. Paramedics do not simply drive ambulances. They treat wounds and administer life-saving medications. You must be prepared to see tragedy on a daily basis because people do not call for an ambulance when things are going well. Your day will basically consist of trips to accidents and injuries. Paramedic training will take up many months of your life. As you ponder your decision, realize that you will be in school for at least 1,500 hours over the course of two years before becoming a paramedic. If you are determined to overcome that requirement, you should also be determined to handle the stresses of this job.