Become an Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics provide on-the-scene, immediate medical care to patients in emergency situations such as an automobile accident or heart attack. They also transport the sick or injured to a medical facility.

EMTs and paramedics are typically dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator and often work with a police or fire department. All EMTs must know how to assess the emergency scene, control bleeding, apply splints, assist with childbirth, administer oxygen and perform CPR and other basic life support skills.

Emergency Medical Technician Training

In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you'll need to complete an accredited EMT program, usually a 6-month to 2-year certificate, diploma or associate degree program depending on the level of certification.

An EMT I-Basic program will provide you with plenty of hands-on experience in how to perform physical exams, assess trauma, administer oxygen, perform airway maintenance and semi-automatic defibrillation, and administer medication. To earn certification as an EMT- paramedic, you’ll first need EMT I-Basic certification. Most EMT- paramedic programs are 2-year associate’s degree programs, which require extensive coursework and clinical training.

At each level of certification, the roles and responsibilities of the EMT increase. An EMT-I has basic training and may assist a patient with the administration of the patient’s prescribed nitroglycerin or handheld inhaler. Intermediate level EMTs (EMT-II and EMT-III) have more advanced training which allows them to administer intravenous fluids, use manual defibrillators to give lifesaving shocks to a stopped heart, and use advanced airway techniques and equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies. Paramedics (EMT-paramedic) have the most training and expansive scope of authorized activities. They administer more emergency medications and perform a wider variety of procedures.

Emergency Medical Technician Certification

EMTs need to be certified or registered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) in all states. However, some states administer their own certification examination and provide the option of taking the NRMET examination. To maintain certification, EMTs and paramedics must reregister every two years.

Emergency Medical Technician Salaries

According to the American Medical Association EMT salaries range between $40,000-$46,000 annually.

EMT Training Below

Emergency Medical Technician Programs

Want to earn your Emergency Medical Technician degree? Search our database of accredited health care college degrees. Read detailed health school fact sheets, compare colleges and universities and then request information from the schools that interest you.

San Joaquin Valley College (Fresno Aviation, CA 93727, Bakersfield, CA 93309, Fresno, CA 93710 , Modesto, CA 95350, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, Visalia, CA 93291))
Programs in California: Administrative Office Professional, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Business Administration, Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting, Clinical Medical Assisting, Computer Support Technology, Corrections Officer, Dental Assisting, Emergency Services and Safety Management, Health Care Administration, Health Care Insurance Specialist, Human Resource Administration, Information Systems Engineering, Medical Office Administration, Pharmacy Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Respiratory Care Practice, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technology.

Medix School (Atlanta, Smyrna, GA, Towson, MD, Canada: London, Toronto, Scarborough, Brantford, Kitchener-Waterloo)
Programs: CNA, Patient Care Technician, Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant II, Emergency Medical Technician, Basic, Intermediate, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Administration, Medical Office Assistant, Paramedic, Pharmacy Technician.

All-State Career School
Get your CDL A, B, or C license by training at All-State Career School. Learn through the use of both the latest classroom technology—including advanced Computer Simulation programs—and the hands-on operation of one of All-State’s 120 pieces of equipment. All-State’s training fleet includes conventional and cab over tractors, various sized van trailers, flatbed trailers, and Class B trucks. With 4 campuses conveniently located in PA and MD, as well as access to onsite CDL State testing, the All-State Career School is a great place to start your new career. Visit allstatecareer.com today for more details. Programs include Tractor Trailer Training, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Advanced Tractor Trailer Training, Class A CDL Adv. Tractor Trailer, Class B CDL Tractor Trailer, CDL Prep, CDL Prep, Class A CDL Tractor Trainer Program, Class B CDL Straight Truck Driver Programs. Campus Locations Baltimore MD, Lester PA, North Versailles PA, Schnecksville PA.

National College of Business and Technology (Bluefield VA, Bristol VA, Charlottesville VA, Cincinnati OH, Danville VA, Dayton OH, Harrisonburg VA, Knoxville TN, Lynchburg VA, Martinsville VA, Salem VA, Bluefield VA, Danville KY, Florence KY, Lexington KY, Louisville KY, Nashville TN, Pikeville KY, Richmond KY)
We welcome this opportunity to introduce you to National College of Business & Technology. You are to be commended on your decision to continue preparing yourself for the demands you will face in the exciting and ever-challenging business and professional careers that will be available to you. Programs: Accounting, Accounting, Administrative Office Assistant, Administrative Office Professional, Administrative Office Specialist, Business Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Computer Applications Technology, Computer Network Technician, Computerized Office Applications, Emergency Medical Technology, Health Information Technology, Information Systems Engineering, Management, MBA, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Transcription, Paralegal, Pharmacy Technician, Radio & Television Broadcasting, Radio & TV Operations, Tourism & Hospitality.