Fitness level Requirements for Paramedics

So you want to become a Paramedic, but you’re wondering if you are fit enough?

Being a medic is a physically demanding job, between carrying around heavy equipment, jumping in/out of an ambulance, walking up stairs and transferring patients, you are always on the go. Paramedics are required to uphold a certain level of fitness in order to be deemed suitable for the role.

Registered paramedics with State Ambulance Services are required to undertake a pre-employment fitness test, sometimes known as Physical Capacity Testing. This testing is completed prior to employment, but not often routinely tested each year.

Private medics may or may not be required to pass a fitness test, depending on which company their employment is with, however, they may be required to demonstrate their fitness level in some way.

Although it is a very physical job, the fitness level of paramedics isn’t as high as you might think. The fitness testing will test your cardio fitness, your strength and your flexibility. The fitness level of paramedics also requires testing for any previous injuries that may impede your ability to safely complete the demands of the job.

The fitness test may include:

  • Aerobic treadmill test
  • Double leg hold
  • Neck hold
  • Core strength test
  • Balancing test
  • Static Lift
  • Static Push
  • Static pull
  • Grip Strength
  • Push-Ups

The tests undertaken to determine the fitness level of paramedics will differ with every service but may include you carrying weighted manikins downstairs, carrying 13kgs worth of equipment up stairs, and other work-related activities.

The overall goal is to determine whether the medic has the ability to recover quickly from physical exertion and carry on with normal duties.


About Australian Paramedical College

The Australian Paramedical College is the largest private pre-hospital health care training provider in Australia, we can help you to achieve your paramedical pathway training and career goals.

We offer three courses in the emergency healthcare sector:

Our nationally recognised paramedical pathway training programs provide a flexible and affordable training pathway to employment in the private sector, or as a stepping stone to university to study a Bachelor of Paramedic Science. APC offers you the opportunity to become an Emergency Healthcare Practitioner, regardless of your educational background. We believe you should still pursue your goals even if your school or college grades have previously prevented you from following a career path you know you’d be good at.

Today, more than ever, anything is possible when you put your mind to it. With advances in online learning and teaching methodologies, it’s now easier than ever to fit study around your current lifestyle. A few of hours here and there each week is often all it takes to begin your studies. There’s no reason why you can not follow your dreams and become the person who saves lives and contributes to the well-being of their community.

What is your career journey?

To discover how you can become a fully qualified Ambulance Paramedic or Basic/Advanced Life Support Medic, complete a personalised paramedical career development plan.