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Entry Level Paramedic Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Paramedic or EMS Certification OR * Two (2) or more years of college OR * U.S. Military Service ... Must pass Firefighter Entry Level test. A study guide is available at www.publicsafetycompass.com

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Entry Level Paramedic information

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How much do entry level paramedic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level paramedic in Tennessee is $23.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level paramedic?

Entry level paramedics are healthcare professionals who have recently completed their paramedic training and are beginning their careers in emergency medical services. They provide advanced pre-hospital care, including assessing patient conditions, performing life-saving interventions, and safely transporting patients to medical facilities. Entry level paramedics work under protocols and guidance from medical directors, and may collaborate with other emergency responders such as EMTs, firefighters, and police officers. Their responsibilities focus on delivering critical care in urgent situations while gaining experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level paramedic, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Paramedic, you need a solid understanding of emergency medical procedures, patient assessment, and life support techniques, generally backed by completion of an accredited paramedic program and state certification. Familiarity with ambulance equipment, cardiac monitors, and electronic patient care reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and teamwork are essential soft skills for interacting with patients and collaborating with other first responders. These skills and qualities ensure effective emergency response, patient safety, and the ability to perform under high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level paramedics during their first year on the job?

Entry level paramedics often encounter challenges such as adapting to high-pressure situations, managing emotional stress from emergency calls, and gaining confidence in their clinical decision-making skills. Working long shifts, adjusting to irregular hours, and collaborating effectively with more experienced team members can also be demanding. However, most agencies provide mentorship and ongoing training to help new paramedics build resilience and competence as they gain experience in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Paramedic vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

AspectEntry Level ParamedicEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Required CertificationsParamedic license, advanced certificationsEMT certification, basic life support
Work EnvironmentAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenesAmbulances, public safety settings
Employer & Industry UsageAmbulance services, hospitals, EMS agenciesAmbulance services, fire departments, EMS agencies

Entry Level Paramedics have advanced training and certifications compared to EMTs, allowing them to perform more complex medical procedures. EMTs provide basic emergency care and support. Both roles operate in similar environments but differ in scope of practice and responsibilities.

How easy is it to get hired as an entry level paramedic?

Getting hired as an entry-level paramedic can be competitive, as many employers seek candidates with EMT certification, some experience, and strong clinical skills. Job availability depends on regional demand, healthcare needs, and the candidate's certification and training level.

How to get started as an entry level paramedic?

To start as an entry-level paramedic, you need to complete a state-approved paramedic training program and obtain certification, such as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. Additionally, you should acquire basic EMT certification, gain experience in emergency medical services, and meet any state-specific licensing requirements. Strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and familiarity with medical equipment are also important for success in this role.

Is 25 too late to become an entry level paramedic?

Entry level paramedics can start their careers at age 25 or older, as there is no maximum age limit for entry into the profession. Candidates typically need to complete EMT training, obtain certification, and meet physical and background requirements, which are accessible to adults of various ages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paramedic jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Paramedic jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Paramedic job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,766 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

LifeFlight Ground Paramedic PRN - Wilson Co.

Montgomery College

Lebanon, TN • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Montgomery College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health:

With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world‑class care to the people of the Mid‑South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization: LifeFlight Wilson Ground Job Summary:

Independently works off assessment skills to activate patient care protocols to deliver patient care within the Tennessee paramedic scope of practice within the defined Vanderbilt paramedic scope of practice. Responsible for triage care in the field as well as the Emergency Department. Responsible for effective communication to ensure safe and quality patient care in paramedic team, transport and handover. LifeFlight Ground EMS started with a single ambulance in the fall of 2011, and after several expansions now includes a fleet pf 21 Advance Life Support (ALS) equipped ground ambulances operating from five locations in the Middle Tennessee areas: Nashville, Wilson County (Lebanon), Coffee County (Tullahoma), Montgomery County (Clarksville) and, Bedford County (adjacent to Vanderbilt Bedford). These ambulances predominantly focus on interfacility transfers and discharges from Vanderbilt affiliated medical facilities, with the ability to also support non- Vanderbilt facilities.

Shifts:

Variable (12) hour shifts to include some night, weekend and holidays 7a-7p, 10a-10p, 7p-7a Everyday .

Key Responsibilities:
  • Actively participates with other members of the healthcare team to provide direct patient care.
  • Transports patients via various modes of transportation while providing quality ALS and Critical Care management to all ages.
  • Responds to emergency requests within Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt sponsored or other contracted events.
  • Utilizes the problem solving model to independent resolve patient problems and follow through with HCT to implement solutions.
  • Identifies patient and unit problems and finds solutions to resolve problems and follows through to implement solutions.
  • Effectively communicates patient handover to the health care team.
  • The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
Technical Capabilities:
  • Assessing, Intervening & Stabilizing Patients (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate assessing, intervening and stabilizing patients in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
  • Medication Management (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate Medication Management in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Conducted a comprehensive and systematic assessment of a persons ability to comply with a prescribed medication regime. Conducted an in depth, systematic review of a persons current and past medication history including details of prescription dates, prescribed doses, side effects, interactions and outcomes. Demonstrates enough acumen to recognize problems and to contact the patient's primary care provider.
  • Critical Thinking (Novice): Displays clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, and sound evidence in the successful completion of tasks and projects. Demonstrates rational and disciplined thought as manifested in results.
  • Airway Establishing (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate airway establishing in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments. Has retained equivalent knowledge from past experience.
  • Ventilator Management (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate ventilator management in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
Core Accountabilities:
  • Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance.
  • Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems.
  • Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job.
  • Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.
Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities: Certifications: LIC-Driver's License - Tennessee, LIC-Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic - Licensure-Others Work Experience: Relevant Work Experience Experience Level : Less than 1 year Education: High School Diploma or GED (Required) This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth. Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled. PEOPLE ARE AT THE HEART OF ALL WE DO. Great health care takes great people. We’re looking for like‑minded individuals driven to make a difference. We invite you to explore careers at Vanderbilt Health, where we value collaboration, embrace continuous learning and foster an environment where everyone can thrive. We’re the largest private employer in Middle Tennessee, with a growing team and an expanding footprint across towns and communities throughout the region. We employ more than 43,000 people who work in inpatient and outpatient clinical care, research and graduate medical education. Our employees also serve in critical supporting roles in administration, information technology and informatics, finance, legal and community affairs, communications and marketing, fundraising, groundskeeping and facilities, and many other departments. Our growing academic health system has more than 2,100 licensed hospital beds at eight hospitals: Vanderbilt University Hospital Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital Vanderbilt Health is the Mid-South's largest provider of specialty care, with hundreds of outpatient clinic and surgical locations throughout the region, and Tennessee’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for adults and children. We are one of the nation’s busiest critical care centers, home to Middle Tennessee’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Burn Center for adults and children, and Middle Tennessee’s only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We are the nation’s largest transplant center, and last year we performed the most heart transplants than any center worldwide. Vanderbilt Health is an epicenter for biomedical research, winning over $1billion in annual research awards from government, industry, foundations and donors. We are also a national leader in medical training and education, with the largest clinical training center in the Mid‑South and the only training center in Tennessee for many adult and pediatric specialties. We’re honored to be consistently considered among the nation’s best hospitals for quality, safety and patient satisfaction. Three of our hospitals — Vanderbilt University Hospital, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital — have been awarded a Five-Star Quality Rating from Medicare. We support each other and encourage excellence among every member of our workforce. High‑achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth opportunities, competitive compensation and benefits, and a sense of community and purpose. Join us in advancing health care. Our vision: The world leader in advancing personalized health Our mission: Personalizing the patient experience through our caring spirit and distinctive capabilities

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