Part of this has to do with the fact that there are very few openings out there, and many SWAT teams don’t even employ a medic. As a result, it can take a long time to find and land one of these positions. [2] X Research source

You will likely need to spend the first portion of your career as an EMT, nurse, doctor, police officer, or firefighter. Departments tend to put veteran officers with a ton of training and experience in these roles, so don’t get discouraged if it takes some time.

Unfortunately, many departments will not hire SWAT medics if they’re over 30, 35, or 40 (depending on their internal policies), and many departments “rotate” SWAT team members out once they reach a certain age. As a result, it is rarely a lifelong position. [9] X Research source

The police academy often takes 3-6 months to complete. The fire academy is usually 6 months, but there’s often a trainee apprenticeship period that takes 1-2 years to complete.

EMT training typically takes 6 months to complete. Starting out as an EMT is probably the hardest way to become a SWAT medic, since the SWAT team really prefers hiring veteran law enforcement officers. However, if you don’t think you want to fall back on a career in law enforcement in the event you don’t get on to the SWAT team, then becoming a certified EMT is probably the way to go!

You typically need to work as a regular police officer for 2-3 years before you can get into the SWAT team.

THE NTOA is the only professional organization for SWAT teams, so many departments follow their guidelines, even though they’re totally optional. There is one other certification you may be asked to get—the TP-C certification for tactical paramedics. It’s distributed by the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC), and it’s a 2-hour written exam that consists of 125 questions. [14] X Research source It’s rarely mandatory, though.

These programs differ from department to department, since SWAT team procedures are specific from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Many departments will require you to complete an interview, pass a written exam, and demonstrate you’re physically fit before or after your training program begins. [15] X Research source

If that salary strikes you as odd given how hard it is to get a position as a SWAT medic, think of it this way: the average SWAT team member makes $58,000 a year and the average EMT makes $36,000 a year. [19] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Since SWAT medics are basically doing both jobs at once, they get paid for doing both of them!

You will not be standing on the sideline waiting for the action to end if you’re a SWAT medic. You will be right in the middle of it when it comes time for your team to move. You’ll be breaching doors, arresting criminals, and clearing rooms just like the rest of the team. If this doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in, SWAT medic may not be the career for you.