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How Do I Become a Paramedical Examiner?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Medical training is required to become a paramedical examiner, an insurance company representative who collects some basic information on applicants for life insurance policies. At a minimum, it is necessary to have a phlebotomy qualification, because the work includes blood tests. Nurses, with various certifications, as well as doctors, can also perform paramedical exams for insurance companies. This work may be done on a freelance basis or as a full time job for a busy company.

It helps to have a thorough grounding in medical terminology and the basics of a physical exam, including recording information, collecting vital signs, and taking samples of urine and oral fluids. A phlebotomy training program can provide a person with the basic skills needed to become a paramedical examiner. Taking optional additional training in medical terminology and related topics can be beneficial, but not critically necessary. Some insurance companies require x-rays and electrocardiograms, in which case additional training is needed to administer these tests.

Phlebotomy programs provide basic skills that paramedical examiners use.
Phlebotomy programs provide basic skills that paramedical examiners use.

It is also possible to become a paramedical examiner with a nursing degree, or as a doctor. Requirements can vary but usually include several years of school and clinical practice, along with successful passage of a licensing exam. It is also necessary to pursue continuing education to retain a medical license as a nurse or doctor. Some applicants may find bilingual skills helpful, as insurance companies can serve a wide customer base.

A paramedical examiner will need to know how to take urine samples.
A paramedical examiner will need to know how to take urine samples.

This work usually requires travel. An applicant to become a medical examiner needs a vehicle and valid license, along with equipment like scales and medical kits. Traveling examiners can visit businesses to perform examinations on employees preparing to enroll in a life insurance program, as well as visiting people at home and in regional insurance offices. It can help to have good record keeping and scheduling tools to manage clients and keep up with work.

A paramedical examiner conducts medical screenings on people attempting to obtain health insurance.
A paramedical examiner conducts medical screenings on people attempting to obtain health insurance.

Insurance companies with paramedical examiner openings usually list their requirements. Someone in preparation to become a paramedical examiner might want to look up the requirements with an insurance company of interest to see if any special classes or additional education would be necessary. A more advanced degree can provide more career options in the future, but is not always required. People who meet the qualifications can apply, and with experience at one or more insurance companies, more job opportunities can potentially open up. It is also an option to become a paramedical examiner while pursuing a more advanced medical degree to get clinical experience and provide some income while in school.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Phlebotomy programs provide basic skills that paramedical examiners use.
      By: Tim UR
      Phlebotomy programs provide basic skills that paramedical examiners use.
    • A paramedical examiner will need to know how to take urine samples.
      By: Tootles
      A paramedical examiner will need to know how to take urine samples.
    • A paramedical examiner conducts medical screenings on people attempting to obtain health insurance.
      By: Edyta Pawlowska
      A paramedical examiner conducts medical screenings on people attempting to obtain health insurance.
    • A paramedical examiner may test for the presence of foreign chemicals in a person's body.
      By: spflaum
      A paramedical examiner may test for the presence of foreign chemicals in a person's body.
    • Training in electrocardiograms is sometimes necessary to become a paramedical examiner.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Training in electrocardiograms is sometimes necessary to become a paramedical examiner.