Written by Sarah Gehrke, MSN, RN, Sarah has worked in various roles at Coffee Medical Center including nurse, education director, and quality assurance director.

The field of emergency medical services (EMS) is experiencing significant growth, with an expected increase of 15% in job opportunities for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from 2016 to 2026. This growth is attributed to the essential role EMTs play in providing urgent and acute medical care outside of hospital settings, making the profession both vital and appealing to those interested in a dynamic career in healthcare.

Skills and responsibilities of EMTs

The services that an EMT provides is dependent upon the position. Essentially, EMTs provide urgent and acute medical care outside of the hospital setting. Thus, you will find EMTs on ambulances providing emergency and non-emergency medical care.

Not all EMTs work on ambulances. In fact, many work for local government agencies or directly for hospitals. No matter the type of employment, people’s lives rely on the quick reaction and competent care that EMTs provide.

On television, the life of an EMT is often fast-paced and exciting, with EMTs rushing around town on ambulances providing life-saving assistance. While that may be the reality for many EMTs depending on their shift and the population they serve, the truth is that the life of the average EMT is more mundane.

EMTs have their share of paperwork to fill out after each call or incident. For example, an EMT will fill out a report for the healthcare provider and facility to transfer over the patient’s care. They also assess patients that may not be victims of a legitimate medical emergency. In fact, sometimes EMTs arrive at a situation and find that their medical services are not in need. EMTs are also responsible for restocking and inventorying supplies after an emergency call and at various other times.

All of that is not to say that an EMT spends time pushing papers and completing other requirements not directly related to saving a life. EMTs do save thousands of lives each year, often by providing CPR or stopping severe bleeding. But not every emergency is so thrilling. Sometimes a call may be as simple as helping a dizzy person sit down or explaining to a person that they will be okay.

Giving psychological care might be just as thrilling to some EMTs as the acute medical care is to others. That side of the profession is rarely shown on television, but those interested in an (EMS) career should be aware of it. Regardless of the situation, each EMT gives full attention to the case at hand and attends to all people with respect.

Education and physical requirements of EMTs

As with other professions, EMTs must complete a course of study to prepare them for their career. To begin such a program, the prospective EMT must have a high school diploma or equivalent and CPR certification. A total of 120 to 150 hours of instruction is the typical requirement to become an entry-level EMT, with more hours required of those who want to become an advanced EMT or a paramedic. A paramedic can do everything that an EMT does, but the paramedic has more advanced tasks, such as the administration of intravenous medications.

The EMT program involves classroom course work that focuses on anatomy, physiology,pathophysiology, and medical trauma treatment. The program also covers resuscitation, airway management, medical terminology, special patient populations, and emergencies.

EMTs also attend simulations and directed care in labs. Future EMTs also obtain in-person experience during ambulance ride alongs and clinical rotations in emergency departments.

First, you will attend an accredited emergency medical services program that typically takes the course of one college semester. EMTs do not receive a college degree, but they will receive a certificate.

A career as an EMT is best suited for those who enjoy working with others and have excellent problem-solving and listening skills. EMTs must often be detectives of sorts, having to figure out what is wrong with a patient after sorting through information that may not be as complete as one might like.

A compassionate demeanor to help calm patients down and good physical strength and fitness is required to be most effective. EMTs often need to lift patients and stoop in awkward positions to perform care. The course of study for an EMT helps students develop and maintain such skills.

What are the certifications or licensures needed to become EMT?

An EMT must complete an emergency medical services provider course and then sit for the National Registry exam. After passing the exam, they must achieve certification through their state board to practice.

Skills to be successful

Becoming an EMT means that you have little notice of what you are walking into and often work in challenging environments. EMTs have an adrenaline-pumping career where they often deal with the unknown. Because of this intense pressure, EMTs need specific skills to ensure their success:

• Flexibility
• Conflict and stress management
• Communication for listening, understanding, and speaking
• Quick-thinking
• Physical stamina and fitness

What do you need to attend EMT school?

For starters, future EMTs must be at least 18 years old with a high school degree. Most clinical sites have additional specific requirements for students entering the program, including:

• Background check
• Fingerprinting
• Testing
• Complete immunization

What is the salary and job outlook of an EMT?

The Bureau of Labor Services projects a 7% growth for EMTs over ten years, which is much faster than the national average of all occupations. Not only are they in demand, but EMT-Bs make an average of $36,867 per year. Being an EMT prepares you with valuable skills to further your career in healthcare.

Many EMTs opt to further their education to continue to a different job in the medical field. The career shift will often enable them to make more money, such as an emergency department nurse who averages $76,100 or a physician assistant that makes $107,843 each year.

The bottom line

EMTs have an exciting career where every day looks different. Each day EMTs have the potential to save lives and serve your community. With such an incredible skill set, some EMTs opt to use their background to move into other valuable medical careers. Becoming an EMT is a rewarding occupation with significant opportunities for advancement. Obtain your CPR certification today and take the first steps towards this life-changing profession.

Resources for EMTs

Bureau of Labor Statistics: EMTs and paramedics — Review this summary of the occupational outlook for EMTs and paramedics to get an idea of what EMTs and paramedics do as well as the median pay.

Education experience of an EMT — Familiarize yourself with the training requirements you need to pursue a career as an EMT.

The pre-med guide to becoming an EMT — Read this short guide to help you understand the benefits of becoming an EMT as a pre-med student.

Top 10 reasons to become a paramedic — Examine the top reasons for becoming an EMS worker.

5 reasons you should not become an EMT — Read an article written from the standpoint of an EMT to help you determine if you are on the road to a rewarding EMS career or on a short trip to burnout.

What’s the difference between an EMT and a paramedic? — Here is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic.