So, You Want to Be an EMT! Where Do I Start?

Get Hired as an EMT
With your certification and license in hand, you’re ready to hit the field! EMTs are in high demand, and there are a variety of places you can work, including:

• Ambulance Services: EMTs are often part of emergency medical response teams, working alongside paramedics and other healthcare professionals.
• Hospitals: Some EMTs work in emergency rooms, helping transport and stabilize incoming patients.
• Fire Departments: Many fire departments hire EMTs to assist in responding to medical emergencies.
• Private Companies: Many private businesses, especially those in the industrial sector, hire EMTs for on-site medical care.

  “Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

  About 19,200 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”         – U.S. Bureau of Statistics

Continuing Education and Advancing Your Career
After becoming an EMT, you’ll need to complete continuing education to maintain your certification. Every two years, the NREMT requires you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours, which helps keep your skills sharp.

If you’re interested in taking your career to the next level, consider becoming a Paramedic. While EMTs provide basic emergency care, paramedics are trained in advanced life support, including administering medications, starting IVs, and performing advanced airway management.

• EMT-Paramedic Programs: Becoming a paramedic involves completing a longer training program—usually 1 to 2 years—where you’ll gain deeper medical knowledge and experience.
• Prerequisites: To enroll in a paramedic program, you’ll often need 6 months to 1 year of experience as an EMT, as well as your EMT certification.

What’s the Difference Between an EMT and a Paramedic?
If you’re new to the field, you may be wondering how EMTs and paramedics differ. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• EMT (Basic-Level Care): EMTs are trained to provide life-saving care using CPR, bandaging, splinting, oxygen administration, and basic airway management.

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): EMRs are trained to provide basic, immediate care in emergency situations. Their skills include CPR, wound care, and basic stabilization, making them essential first responders before EMTs or paramedics arrive.

• Advanced EMT (AEMT): AEMTs build on the skills of an EMT by learning advanced procedures like IV therapy, administering some medications, and more advanced airway management. They provide a higher level of care but aren’t as extensively trained as paramedics.

• Paramedic (Advanced-Level Care): Paramedics receive the most advanced pre-hospital care training, including administering a wide range of medications, performing advanced airway procedures, and using EKGs to monitor heart function. They are the highest level of emergency responders in the EMS system.

Other levels of training available:

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): EMRs are trained to provide basic, immediate care in emergency situations. Their skills include CPR, wound care, and basic stabilization, making them essential first responders before EMTs or paramedics arrive.

Advanced EMT (AEMT): AEMTs build on the skills of an EMT by learning advanced procedures like IV therapy, administering some medications, and more advanced airway management. They provide a higher level of care but aren’t as extensively trained as paramedics.

Paramedic: Paramedics receive the most advanced pre-hospital care training, including administering a wide range of medications, performing advanced airway procedures, and using EKGs to monitor heart function. They are the highest level of emergency responders in the EMS system.

Final Thoughts
Becoming an EMT is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career. You’ll be working in fast-paced, high-stress environments, but the satisfaction of saving lives and helping those in need makes it worth the effort. If you’re interested in emergency medical services, becoming an EMT is the first step on a journey that could lead to a fulfilling career, or even a lifelong mission of service. Whether you’re looking to stop there or continue your training to become a paramedic, this profession offers countless opportunities to make a difference in your community.

Here are some examples of the medical supplies EMTs may use in their career:

• Fire/Rescue/EMS Medical Kits
• Medical Bandages/Dressing 
• SMRT Training
• Airway Supplies
• Medical Chest/Thoracic Supplies
• Medical Burn/Blister Care
• Medical CASEVAC/MEDEVAC
• Medical Chest/Thoracic Supplies
• Medical Diagnostic/Monitoring Supplies
• Hemostatics
• Medical Immobilization Supplies
• Tourniquets
• Instruments Supplies
• and more Medical Supplies

So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey to becoming an EMT today!

Here are some helpful links to get started in a career as an EMT:

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
• NAEMT – Foundation Scholarships
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
• National Association of State EMS Officials
• Star of Life

Here is a list of schools per state to help you get started in the EMT field: