Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are a talented group of professionals who received specialized EMT Training to be first responders in a medical emergency. When a 911 call is made for medical related emergencies, EMTs are usually the first to arrive on scene to render assistance to people in a medical crisis. These first responders have to be ready to provide fast, accurate, assistance in a wide variety of life-saving situations. Being an EMT is an exciting and rewarding career that offers not only professional advancement opportunities, but the deep satisfaction of being there to help a person in need. That gratification is difficult to find in other professional occupations.
Unlike other professional occupations where it takes years of training before even getting out in the field, EMT Training takes place on three increasingly advanced levels that include the following:
- EMT-B (basic) – The first level of training can be completed within just a few months of training. A high school diploma or GED is required.
- EMT-I (Intermediate) This level expands your levels of practice with additional training and field experience.
- Paramedic – With all the previous skills firmly in place from practical and classroom experience, this highest level will take 12-24 months of training to complete and often results in an Associate’s Degree.
The occupational outlook for EMTs continues to be bright. The US population is aging. This means increased health needs. 24-hour care facilities have expanded the job market. EMTs also fulfill a variety of roles and capacities across other occupational fields. Just a few roles include staffing for large crowd events, schools, long-term care facilities, and sporting events. Of course, the more traditional EMT jobs such as ambulance transport, medevac, and firefighting have also continued to expand. Many EMTs use their EMT Training and experience as a springboard to move laterally into other health care careers such as nursing, PA’s, and even continuing on to becoming medical doctors.
EMT Training is available through community colleges and universities, often as part of a program. There are also private organizations that offer accredited training as well. When choosing where to study, it is important to research the organization. Make sure it is accredited, and that the credits earned are transferable to other schools. Be sure that the course provides ample hands on practice with plenty of additional opportunities for study and acquiring critical practical skills. Each EMT level includes the requirement of both written and practicum evaluations before a license is issued. It is also important to sit for the NREMT, the Nationally Registered EMT license. This will enable an EMT mobility options to seek employment across the country. Once an EMT is licensed, additional training is required to keep skills fresh and updated. Find out if the training facility offers these continuing education courses.
EMT Training is intense and challenging, but the rewards will result in a respected career, and a deep sense of satisfaction.