1. Understand the Role of an EMT

   • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are first responders trained to provide lifesaving care.

   • Responsibilities include assessing patients, administering CPR, managing trauma, and transporting individuals to medical facilities.

   • EMTs may work in high-pressure environments, often in ambulances, emergency rooms, or disaster sites.

2. Evaluate Your Personal Qualities

   • Do you remain calm under pressure? If not, many people can be trained to be.

   • Are you compassionate, quick-thinking, and do you want to help others in their time of need?

   • Are you willing to work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays?

3. Meet the Educational Requirements

   • A high school diploma or GED is required in some EMS systems.

   • Completion of a state-approved EMT training program and passing a national exam is required in most states.

   • Programs include classroom instruction, practical skills labs, and hands-on clinical experience.

4. Get Certified

   • Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam AFTER successful completion of your EMT program.

   • Some states may have additional certification or licensing requirements.

   • Ongoing or “continuing education” is needed to maintain certification.

5. Be Prepared for the Challenges

   • EMTs sometimes deal with stressful and emotionally intense situations. “Knowing what to do” is the best way to minimize your stress in such situations. Constant training and experience helps EMTs function properly in stressful situations.

   • There is a likelihood of exposure to scenes involving traumatic injuries, difficult decisions, and high-adrenaline moments.

   • Physical stamina and mental resilience, and proper perspective, are valuable assets that help EMTs function well in these and other situations.

6. Explore Career Advancement

   • With experience and additional training, EMTs can become Paramedics, Firefighters, Flight Medics, or even Physician Assistants.

   • Opportunities also exist in emergency dispatch, search and rescue, and emergency management.

      

7. Job Outlook and Salary

   • The job outlook for EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow faster than average.

Median annual wage for EMTs varies greatly depending on the part of the country you work in. Contact local ambulance companies for expected income for EMTs in your area.

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