EMT And Paramedics: Schools and Careers

About EMT And Paramedics

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics evaluate and provide emergency medical care to those with illnesses or injuries. They give patients treatment at the location of the crisis and also while transporting them to the hospital. They provide vital care to those injured by automobile accidents, slips and falls and those suffering from heart attacks, strokes and other ailments. Emergency treatment is provided under the direction of doctors.

Sometimes it's necessary to transport patients to a medical facility. During the transportation process one EMT drives while another one is monitoring the patient's vital signs and providing care. Some EMTs are part of a helicopter flight crew. Patients are also transported from one medical facility to another by EMTs and paramedics, especially by those employed by a private ambulance service.

Besides their basic duties, the specific responsibilities of emergency medical technicians and paramedics are determined by their level of qualification and training. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians provides five levels of certification for emergency medical service providers which are: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, which has two levels named 1985 and 1999; and Paramedic. However, some states utilize their own certification programs and use distinct names and titles.

The EMT-Basic is the first component of the emergency medical technician system. They're trained to care for patients at accident scenes and while transporting them to medical facilities under medical direction. They have the skills to assess a patient's condition and manage cardiac, respiratory and trauma emergencies. The EMT-Intermediate has been provided with more advanced training.

EMT-Paramedics are able to give the most extensive pre-hospital patient care. Paramedics are allowed to give drugs to their patients orally and intravenously. They also interpret electrocardiograms, utilize monitors and other types of sophisticated equipment and are allowed to perform other important procedures. The procedures that EMT-Intermediates and paramedics are allowed to perform vary by state.

EMT Responsibilities

• Evaluate the patient's condition
• Determine if the patient has pre-existing health conditions
• Upon arrival at a medical facility, they help transport the patient to the emergency department
• Report observations and treatments provided to patients to emergency department personnel
• Stock supplies
• Follow medical protocol and guidelines
• Make sure equipment is functioning properly
• Decontaminate the interior of the ambulance if the patient had a contagious disease
• Report working on a patient who had a contagious disease to the appropriate authorities

They frequently work with police and firefighters. They often work as team members. The job is often physically strenuous and stressful. Kneeling, bending and lifting are frequently part of the job. Sometimes they are exposed to diseases including AIDS and hepatitis-B. Occasionally they have to deal with violent, mentally unstable patients.

Those in the profession need to enjoy helping people, have good dexterity and agility and have the ability to lift heavy loads. In addition, they also need to work well under pressure.

Those working for hospitals often work 46 to 60 hours a week. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics that are employed by private ambulance services usually work between 45 and 50 hours a week. Those employed by fire departments work about 50 hours a week. In addition, EMTs and paramedics often have irregular working hours.

Employment Outlook

In 2006, there ware about 201,000 EMTs and paramedics jobs. Approximately 40% of EMTs and paramedics were employed by private ambulance services and about 30% were employed by local governments, public ambulance services, fire departments and emergency medical services. About 20% worked in hospitals or responded to calls with ambulances or helicopters.

Earnings for both EMTs and paramedics vary based on training, experience, the job setting and geographic location. In 2006, the median annual earnings for EMTs and paramedics was $27,070. Those in the profession that work for fire or police departments usually are provided with the same benefits as firefighters and police officers.

Between 2006 and 2016 the employment of EMT and paramedics is projected to grow by 19% which is faster than average for all occupations. Some of the growth is due to unpaid volunteers needing to be replaced by paid professionals. Also, the demand for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow due to the aging baby boom generation requiring more help for medical emergencies.

Private ambulance services should provide the best opportunities for employment. Competition is strong for positions provided by local governments and independent third-service rescue squad departments due to providing higher salaries and better benefits. Those with advanced education and certifications have the best job prospects.

Experienced paramedics may have opportunities to become supervisors, operations managers and administrative directors of emergency services. Some EMTs and paramedics find employment as instructors, physician assistants and dispatchers.

EMT Training, Certification, and Licensing

To be accepted into an emergency medical technician program, candidates typically need a high school diploma. Training is provided at progressive levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic. Coursework is usually combined with training in ambulances and emergency rooms.

Certification for all of the EMT levels is required in all of the states. In addition, most states require registration with NREMT for some or all levels of certification. Some states provide their own certification examination or allow the candidate to take either the NREMT or the state examination. EMTs and paramedics typically have to get certified every two years.

Resources for EMTs

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, EMS Division
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Major Employers of EMTs

The primary employers of EMTs and paramedics are private ambulance services, hospitals, local governments and fire departments.

Schools for EMT And Paramedics are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for EMT And Paramedics by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for EMT And Paramedics, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.