Next step after NREMT?

Just got my license! I’m working in another field and this benefitted my job currently, but what’s the next step if I wanted to just keep going and get my paramedic certification? Do I have to work a certain amount of time in an actual EMS field in order to continue for the Paramedic cert? Also, are there accelerated or self-study programs? Just wondering what the process is like if someone wanted to continue on in schooling. I don’t really have plans to work on an ambulance if I don’t have to.