The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, EMTs and Paramedics. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO EMT & PARAMEDIC DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT EMTS & PARAMEDICS DO
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics (EMT-Ps) care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform medical services, and transport patients to medical facilities.
EMT certification is required before becoming a paramedic. Paramedics also perform more advanced functions such as administering intravenous fluids, administering medication, performing endotracheal intubation, recording and reading
electrocardiograms, and using the cardiac monitor defibrillator.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $38,830
Top 5 States
1. Hawaiʻi
$56,610
2. Washington
$56,140
3. Maryland
$50,750
4. Alaska
$50,640
5. Connecticut
$46,510
Bottom 5 States
50. West Virginia
$29,920
49. Alabama
$30,240
48. Kansas
$30,890
47. Kentucky
$31,250
46. Montana
$32,050
STEPS TO BECOME AN EMT OR PARAMEDIC
There are several types of emergency medical responders:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT
- Paramedic (EMT-P) or Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT)
All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed, which is achieved by graduating from an education program and taking an exam. You can find a list of all of the accredited programs on the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs website.
EMT programs often take less than a year to complete. It also consists of at least 150 hours of specialized instruction. AEMTs have about 400 hours of instruction. Paramedics have the highest level of education, and you must first be an EMT or an AEMT to be eligible. A paramedic education program has about 1,200 hours of instruction and this may lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Before becoming an EMT, AEMT, or paramedic, you must get certified at the national level by taking the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams. In most states, NREMT certification qualifies an individual for licensure. Other states may require you to pass a state exam.
Emergency medical responders also need to take an additional course, usually about 8 hours long, before they can drive an ambulance.
1. Enter an EMT Education Program
Requirements for entry to an EMT program:
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Have CPR certification (some programs include this in the training)
2. Take the EMT Exam
The exam is given by the NREMT.
3. Get a Job as an EMT
4. (Optional) Take the Exam to Become an AEMT
Look at the NREMT to see the exact requirements
5. Enter a Paramedic Education Program
Certification as an EMT is a prerequisite. You could earn a certificate of achievement, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree depending on the program.
6. Take the Paramedic Exam
Take the exam with the NREMT to become a registered paramedic.
7. Get a Job as a Paramedic
QUALITIES OF EMTS & PARAMEDICS
Interpersonal Skills
EMTs and paramedics usually work on teams and must be able to coordinate their activities closely with others in stressful situations.
Compassion
EMTs and paramedics must be able to provide emotional support to patients in an emergency, especially patients who are in life-threatening situations or extreme mental distress.
Listening Skills
EMTs and paramedics need to listen to patients to determine the extent of their injuries or illnesses.
Physical Strength
EMTs and paramedics need to be physically fit. Their job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and kneeling.
Speaking Skills
EMTs and paramedics need to clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others.
Problem-Solving Skills
EMTs and paramedics must evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer appropriate treatments.