Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Career Guide

If the thought of helping people and working in your community inspires you, then a career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) might be the perfect opportunity.

QUICK FACTS
Average Salary
38,930
Annually
Career Outlook
6%
growth through 2033
Certifications/Licenses
Required
NREMT
Education/Training
Under 1 year
Training program

What Does An EMT Do?

When someone calls 911 for any type of emergency where people are injured, it will usually be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) that shows up.

EMTs are the people that provide life-saving measures and transport to those that may be hurt or injured. They will provide services like stabilization of injuries, CPR, drive an ambulance, and so much more.

This job is not for the lighthearted. EMTs can play a large part in whether someone lives or dies. If you want a medical career that does not require so much life and death, you can become a phlebotomist, radiologist, or a sterile process technician.

They are all stressful, but not as bad as a medical responder job.

There are a few different levels of first responders:

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMT certifications are for those looking to work as a full fledged emergency medical associate. EMTs can help with higher level emergencies and help stabilize patients and can also transport them if needed. They are educated in ambulance care and can provide services that an EMR cannot.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Certified EMR professionals are the most basic level and receive training that allows them to provide basic-level care while waiting for more technical medical care to arrive. They do not have the same training as EMTs so they have less responsibility overall than other certifications. EMR personnel also cannot transport patients.

Nationally Certified Advanced EMT (AEMT)

An AEMT offers critical care patients basic and some advanced medical care. They can offer interventions with the various medical equipment on an ambulance and are often the main point of contact from the health care system while transporting patients.

Nationally Certified Paramedic

Nationally certified paramedics have a more complex understanding of patient care and transportation. They provide critical care to patients and are also part of the exchange from the hospital to be able to offer needed care and transportation.

Related: Quick certifications that can pay you well.

become an emt - 2 emts helping patient
EMTs helping a patient

How To Become An EMT

Becoming an EMT does require some training and certification, but no college degree is required.

Below is the recommended path to begin a career as an EMT.

Basic Education

A high school diploma or GED will typically be required before getting into a emergency medical services training program..

CPR Training

CPR is an important part of any medical technician job so getting CPR certified is highly recommended. Some training programs may require you get certified before you start the program.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program

A state-approved emergency medical technician (EMT) course will be required. Be sure the training program you sign up for meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Standards.

In these programs you will learn some of the following:

  • Patient assessment
  • Community relations
  • Medical standards
  • Emotional support
  • Safety measures
  • Administration of medical care

EMT Certifications

Once you have completed the program, then you can sit for the two required tests.

  1. One is a state administered test called a psychomotor test. This will test you on your ability to various required skills like immobilization of spines, setting fractures, or minimizing bleeding.
  2. The second is a national test that is administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. It is a cognitive exam that will last about two-hours.

Pros + Cons Of Being An EMT

Of course saving lives is a pretty great pro of this job, but there is so much more to consider when going down this path.

PROS

  • Every day is different
  • Job security
  • Saving lives
  • Helping people

CONS

  • Salaries can be low
  • Long hours
  • On-call
  • Danger

How Much Do EMTs Make?

The average median salary for an emergency medical technician (EMT) is 38,930.

The lowest 10% make under $30,000 while the highest paid can expect to earn more than $60K.

Of course, there are some factors that will impact how much you can earn.

  • Working for a hospital will typically pay more than an ambulance company or local government for example.
  • Where you reside will also play a big part. EMT salaries in big-cities will be noticeably higher than those in more rural areas.
  • Your experience and EMT level will also play a part in your salary.

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