What should go in the experience section of your paramedic resume?

For many applicants, the experience section acts as the largest part of the resume. You want to go over all of your relevant past experiences. Point out each position you held, the name of the company, the company’s location, and your employment dates. Create a list of your biggest responsibilities and accomplishments for each position. You can get a better idea of what should be in this section by looking over the paramedic resume sample or getting experienced advice through our resume builder.

Which skills are the best to list on a paramedic resume?

Employers may want to see a lot of skills in applicants. Often, compassion, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills play a major role in how well you can do your job. You can find out exactly what a specific hiring manager wants to see by reviewing the job description. Most employers spell out exactly what they’re looking for, which will allow you to incorporate as many of the skills mentioned as possible. For more ideas, read through the paramedic resume sample one more time.

What’s the best way to show you work well in a team on a paramedic resume?

Paramedics often have to work with other emergency responders and medical staff to help patients effectively. You can best show off your capabilities by describing instances when you had to work as a part of a team to achieve a goal. On the paramedic resume sample, as part of his experience section, the applicant pointed out a time he had to coordinate with other emergency services to provide patient care. If you have a hard time coming up with an example to use in your experience section, you can still mention your ability to work well in a team. Simply include the skill on your skills list. However, you should remember that employers may find it more effective to read about your time on a team rather than simply see it on a list.

What should you do to make sure your paramedic resume makes it past ATS?

If you want to get your resume past an Applicant Tracking System, a tool some employers use to screen resumes based on keywords, you need to make sure your document’s design remains simple. Complex layouts full of tables, graphics, and photographs may look good, but they can confuse the computer program. Try to use one font. You can still distinguish sections by using a bold emphasis for the section header. Keep the paragraphs small and use bulleted lists to create organization in each section. When possible, incorporate keywords found in the job description. You can get a clear idea of an ATS friendly layout by looking over the paramedic resume sample.

What’s an example of a great paramedic resume?

If you want to see a great example of a resume, check out the paramedic resume sample. This document uses concise language to describe the applicant’s skills, experiences, and education. The layout remains simple, yet each section stands out from the rest to increase readability. The great use of key phrases in the core qualifications section makes the document eye catching while the action verbs in the experience section make the resume engaging.

Paramedic Resume Examples - Templates, Skills & Writing Tips

As Seen In ¹

Table of contents

Resume examples
Related resume examples
Choosing the right resume format
5 steps to writing a paramedic resume
Adding a cover letter
Key takeaways
Commonly asked question about resume writing

Get the job 2x faster^*

As a paramedic, you’ve seen your fair share of trauma. Finding a new job should not be one of them. If you’ve been looking for your next professional opportunity but feel like your job search has flatlined, it might be time to breathe some life back into your resume.

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume for a paramedic and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think. Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive paramedic resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to find:

Examples of paramedic resumes for applicants with and without experience.
Details about what makes a paramedic resume example great.
Tips and tricks for writing your resume, including how to study a paramedic job description for resume keywords.
What to include in every section of your paramedic resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Ready to write a paramedic resume now? Use our professional Resume Builder for step-by-step help writing every section.

Paramedic resume examples

Entry-level paramedic resume example

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What makes this a great entry-level paramedic resume sample?

Detailed career objective
In her resume summary, this applicant highlights her transferable skills and states her career goal of becoming a paramedic.
Use of multiple skills sections
This entry-level applicant makes great use of not one, but two Skills sections to show employers all of the hard and soft skills she has developed in her two related roles.
Brief but powerful work history
While this applicant doesn’t have a lot of work experience, she does have a relevant internship and experience as an EMT, which employers will know have helped her gain training and skills.

Experienced paramedic resume example

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What makes this a great experienced paramedic resume sample?

Strong professional summary
This resume kicks off with a professional summary that will make hiring managers take notice. It’s packed with hard and soft skills that will appeal to employers.
Detailed work experience section
This applicant uses multiple detailed bullet points under each of his relevant roles, using metrics to show employers the results of his work.
Includes special sections
This applicant makes powerful use of special sections by placing his impressive list of training and certifications under a separate header, which draws attention to his unique skill set.

Choose the right resume format for your paramedic resume

To land the paramedic job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By choosing the resume format that puts your most impressive medical credentials front and center. The resume format you choose should be based on your level of experience as a paramedic.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you:

The chronological resume format works best for paramedic applicants who have five or more years of relevant experience.
The combination resume format is great for midlevel applicants who have a few years of work experience as a paramedic.
The functional resume format is perfect for applicants with little to no direct work experience as a paramedic.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume for more information on how to best showcase your skills, training and experience.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect format, it’s time to pick a resume template for your paramedic resume.

Choose the right resume template for your resume

Craft Your Resume

Resumes have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education. But, you can customize the way your resume looks and feels with the resume template you choose.

The medical field is typically conservative, so choosing a simple resume template may be the way to go. Its minimalist design makes your skills and experience the star of the show over fussy design elements. Or, for a more contemporary design, a modern resume template works, as well. These have more flair and allow you to show off your personality.

Now let’s dive into the writing process.

How to write a paramedic resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, savvy applicants for competitive paramedic jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek.

Let’s go through how to accomplish just that, step by step.

STEP 1

Study the paramedic job description

The most effective resumes are customized to include keywords that show employers that you have what it takes to perform the role. Why is this important?

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates based on preset keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the paramedic job description to improve your chances of landing a job interview.

But how do you know which keywords to use on your paramedic resume? Don’t worry — it’s easy.

While every paramedic role is different, a good job ad should tell you everything you need to know about which keywords to add to your paramedic resume. The key to success is to study the job description and make a list of critical keywords.

For example, if the job description for the paramedic role you seek asks for “experience with IV insertion and respiratory care,” plus “ethical decision-making and communication skills,” you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your paramedic resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure that what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

It may sound time consuming, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and will produce better results than if you don’t tailor it.

STEP 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your paramedic resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective to start. Think of this section as your resume profile, where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more direct experience in a paramedic role should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Let’s look at how each of these would appear on a paramedic resume.

Professional summary for a paramedic:

Dedicated and highly skilled paramedic with five years of hands-on experience in delivering prompt, lifesaving emergency medical care. Proficient in assessing, stabilizing and treating diverse patient populations in high-pressure situations. Adept at utilizing advanced medical equipment and implementing effective treatment plans. Demonstrated expertise in trauma care, cardiac emergencies and critical patient management. Possess excellent communication skills and a proven track record of collaborating seamlessly with health care teams. Trained in Advanced Life Support (ALS) and certified as a paramedic by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Resume objective for a paramedic:

Hardworking and compassionate entry-level paramedic, equipped with two years of invaluable experience as an EMT. Eager to leverage hands-on emergency medical expertise and an evolving skill set to provide high-quality, lifesaving care in dynamic health care environments. Currently pursuing certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP), demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development. Proficient in trauma assessment and proficient in advanced life support interventions, with a keen focus on patient-centered care and effective teamwork. Aiming to contribute to a dedicated health care team in a role that prioritizes patient well-being and safety.

STEP 3

Highlight your most relevant paramedic skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the skills you list. Skills for a paramedic resume should be added to your resume skills section and peppered into your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience section.

It’s critical that you provide employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the measurable skills needed to perform a job, like trauma assessment and management. These skills are easily taught in a classroom. Soft skills, like resilience, are behaviors and personality traits, which make them difficult to measure.

Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Key skills for a paramedic resume

Hard skills

Medical knowledge

Trauma assessment

IV insertion

CPR

Wound care

Soft skills

Empathy

Problem-solving

Strong verbal communication

Emotional resilience

Cultural sensitivity

Here’s an example of a strong resume skills section for a paramedic:

Proficient in administering Advanced Life Support (ALS), including cardiac monitoring, intravenous therapy and medication administration.
Expertise in rapidly evaluating and treating traumatic injuries.
Skilled in a wide range of critical medical procedures, including airway management, CPR, intubation and defibrillation.
Active listening.
Teamwork and collaboration.
IV insertion and fluid management.

Pro Tip

When writing your skills section, adding computer skills and other technical abilities is great. However, soft skills count, too, especially as a paramedic where you’re interacting with sick and injured people. Try to find a mix of hard and soft skills to show that you are a well-balanced applicant.

STEP 4

Write a strong paramedic work experience section

While the required background and experience will be slightly different from role to role, the key to getting noticed as a paramedic is to learn how to write a work experience section that shows employers what you will bring to the table.

Think about your work experience in terms of assignments that challenged you, career obstacles you’ve overcome and wins you’ve enjoyed over the course of your career. Describing your work experience in these terms helps show off the impact of your work rather than just your job duties. Whenever possible, include quantifiable metrics to show the impact your work has had on patient outcomes.

Sample paramedic work history entry:

Paramedic, Arrow Agency
Bend, OR
January 2018 – Present

Respond to an average of 250 emergency calls per month, consistently meeting or exceeding response time benchmarks set by the National EMS Standards.
Provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) to an average of 15 patients per month, effectively stabilizing critical conditions and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
Administer intravenous therapy and medications with precision, achieving an average IV success rate of 95%, surpassing the industry standard.
Conduct thorough trauma assessments, resulting in a 90% reduction in on-scene time, expediting patient transport and enabling faster access to definitive care.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, mentoring junior paramedics.

Pro Tip

Make your paramedic credentials pop by using action words to keep the attention of a hiring manager and display metrics that show how your work has contributed to the heath and safety of your patients.

STEP 5

Showcase your education and training

To be hired as a paramedic, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Paramedics typically need to complete a formal education program and obtain certification to practice. This can include EMT Basic Certification or another paramedic training program. There is no need to list your year of graduation unless you’re a very recent grad.

After completing the training program, candidates must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) paramedic certification exam. Some states may have their own certification processes in addition to or instead of the NREMT certification. Add these to your education section.

How to list your education:

EDUCATION

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-I) Certification
Indian Valley Community College, Vera, CA

High School Diploma
Alma Mater High School, Vera, CA

Optional sections for your paramedic resume

Certifications

Obtaining extra certifications highlights your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in your field, which is critical for staying up to date with the most cutting edge medical advances. As a paramedic, having this type of specialized training can help set you apart from other applicants.

How to list certifications you might add to your paramedic resume:

Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC)
Certified Community Paramedic (CP-C)
Certified Paramedic-Community Health (CP-CH)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Languages

In today’s diverse health care landscape, proficiency in multiple languages is a valuable asset for paramedics. Being multilingual broadens your capacity to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, ultimately enhancing the quality of care you can provide. In a competitive job market, if two candidates possess similar qualifications, the paramedic who is multilingual may hold a distinct advantage in the eyes of employers since this skill allows you to effectively serve a broader spectrum of patients, ultimately elevating the level of care delivered.

How to showcase languages on your resume:

Fluent in English, French and Spanish
Conversational Portuguese

Hobbies and interests

Featuring personal projects or hobbies, especially those tied to creativity or community service, shows employers that you have a passion for life. Any hobby or interest is fine to list as long as it isn’t political or religious in nature, which could introduce bias into the hiring process.

How to feature hobbies and interests on your resume:

Volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Avid reader, especially historical novels.

Add a cover letter

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER

Adding a paramedic cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to expand upon your professional achievements and skills to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Learning how to write a cover letter for a paramedic job starts with studying our cover letter examples to learn how to describe your medical skills in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your paramedic resume

Personalize your resume for each opportunity
Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements of each job ad to which you apply, making note of the critical skills and experience outlined in the job description.
Select the appropriate resume format
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your paramedic resume — such as strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the format that will help you put your best foot forward.
Choose an appropriate resume template
If you’re applying for a job at a conservative company, you’ll want to choose a conservative resume design. For less traditional work environments, your resume template can be more colorful and creative.
Follow our steps for a standout resume
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Include both hard and soft skills
Because you interact directly with the people who are sick or injured, being a paramedic requires a mix of technical and interpersonal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work. Use bullet points to make it easy to scan.
Go the extra mile
Including a well-written paramedic cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so take the chance to include one with your application.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.

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