How to Become an EMT and Paramedic

How to Apply for EMT and Paramedic Programs, What to Expect, and Why They’re Great Career Choices

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are critical responders in emergencies, providing pre-hospital care to patients who are ill or injured. They often serve as the first point of contact in medical emergencies, assessing the patient’s condition, providing treatment, and transporting them to medical facilities if necessary. Both EMTs and Paramedics have a rewarding career that makes a direct impact on public health and safety, with each role offering unique responsibilities, training requirements, and career advancement opportunities. This guide will cover how to apply for EMT and Paramedic programs, what to expect during the education process, how to pay for it, and why these careers are great choices for those passionate about saving lives and making a difference in their communities.

What Does an EMT and Paramedic Do?

While EMTs and Paramedics share some responsibilities, the level of care they provide differs in terms of training, skills, and scope of practice.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMTs are often the first responders to emergencies and are trained to provide basic life support (BLS) in pre-hospital settings. Their duties include:

• Assessing the Patient: EMTs evaluate the patient’s condition, assess vital signs, and determine the appropriate course of action for treatment.
• Providing Basic Care: EMTs administer basic life-saving treatments such as CPR, bandaging wounds, controlling bleeding, and helping patients with breathing difficulties using oxygen.
• Transporting Patients: EMTs are responsible for safely transporting patients to medical facilities, maintaining their stability during transit, and communicating with receiving healthcare providers.
• Handling Medical Equipment: EMTs use basic medical equipment, including oxygen tanks, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), stretchers, and other first-aid supplies.

Paramedic

Paramedics provide advanced life support (ALS) and are trained to perform more complex medical procedures. In addition to the duties of an EMT, Paramedics can:

• Administer Medications: Paramedics can administer medications such as pain relievers, sedatives, and drugs to regulate heart rate or blood pressure.
• Advanced Airway Management: Paramedics are trained in advanced airway techniques, including endotracheal intubation (inserting a tube into the windpipe) to help patients who have trouble breathing.
• Perform Cardiac Monitoring: Paramedics can monitor heart rhythms and use advanced equipment such as defibrillators to treat life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Provide Advanced Trauma Care: Paramedics treat severe trauma cases, such as those with broken bones, severe bleeding, or traumatic injuries, using more advanced techniques than EMTs.
• Evaluate Patients and Make Medical Decisions: Paramedics have a higher level of responsibility in assessing patient conditions and deciding on treatment plans in emergency situations.

Step 1: Research EMT and Paramedic Programs

Before you apply to an EMT or Paramedic program, it’s important to research accredited programs that meet national and state certification standards. Here are some key points to consider:

• Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
• Program Length: EMT training typically takes 6 months to a year to complete, while Paramedic programs usually require 1 to 2 years, depending on whether the program is full-time or part-time.
• Program Content: EMT programs focus on basic patient care, emergency procedures, and transport. Paramedic programs include more advanced coursework, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, advanced life support (ALS), and trauma care.
• Clinical Experience: Both EMT and Paramedic programs require clinical or field internships where students gain hands-on experience working with patients in emergency settings under the supervision of licensed professionals.
• Online and Hybrid Options: Many schools offer online courses, hybrid programs (a mix of online and in-person training), or flexible evening/weekend classes to accommodate working individuals.

Step 2: Meet Admission Requirements

To apply for EMT or Paramedic programs, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites. These requirements may vary from program to program, but generally include:

• Minimum Age: Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old by the time they begin training.
• High School Diploma or GED: A high school diploma or GED is typically required for admission to EMT and Paramedic programs.
• CPR Certification: You’ll need to have current CPR certification, usually for healthcare providers, before enrolling in EMT or Paramedic programs.
• Medical Screening: Some programs require a medical exam to ensure that applicants are physically and mentally capable of handling the demanding nature of EMS work.
• Background Check: EMTs and Paramedics work closely with patients, so programs generally require a criminal background check to ensure that candidates meet the standards for working in healthcare settings.
• Health Insurance: Many programs require students to have health insurance during clinical rotations, as they may be exposed to various health risks while on the job.
• Experience Requirements (for Paramedics): Paramedic programs often require applicants to first become certified EMTs and have some experience working in an EMS environment.

Step 3: Apply to EMT and Paramedic Programs

Once you have selected a program that meets your needs, you’ll need to go through the application process. This typically involves the following steps:

• Complete the Application: Submit your application online or in person. Many programs have specific application windows, so be sure to check deadlines.
• Submit Transcripts: Provide official high school (and college, if applicable) transcripts to verify your academic background.
• CPR Certification: If you don’t already have CPR certification, you will need to take a course and submit proof of certification as part of your application.
• Application Fee: Most programs require a non-refundable application fee, so check the program’s website for fee details.
• Interview and Essay: Some programs may require an interview and/or a personal essay outlining why you want to become an EMT or Paramedic and what makes you a good candidate for the program.

Step 4: Complete EMT or Paramedic Training

Once accepted into an EMT or Paramedic program, you will begin your training. Below is an overview of what to expect:

EMT Training

EMT programs are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to provide basic medical care. Typical coursework includes:

• Basic Life Support: Training in CPR, first aid, and basic emergency care techniques for common conditions like heart attacks, asthma, and trauma.
• Medical Terminology: Learning how to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals using the correct medical language.
• Patient Assessment: Learning how to assess a patient’s condition, monitor vital signs, and determine the appropriate level of care.
• Trauma Management: Training on how to manage patients with traumatic injuries, including fractures, burns, and spinal injuries.
• Ambulance Operations: Learning the procedures for safely transporting patients, managing patient care during transport, and operating an ambulance.

Paramedic Training

Paramedic programs build on the foundation of EMT training but provide more advanced education. You will take more in-depth courses, including:

• Advanced Airway Management: Learning to perform procedures like endotracheal intubation and using advanced respiratory support equipment.
• Pharmacology: Study of the medications Paramedics can administer, their dosages, uses, and side effects.
• Cardiac Care: Learning how to assess and treat cardiac emergencies such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and cardiac arrest.
• Trauma and Medical Emergencies: Advanced training in managing medical conditions such as strokes, seizures, diabetic emergencies, and trauma cases.
• Clinical Rotations: Hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, emergency departments, and with EMS agencies, where you will apply your skills in real-world situations.

Step 5: Obtain Certification and Licensure

After completing your EMT or Paramedic program, you will need to pass national exams and obtain state licensure to begin working in the field:

• EMT Certification: To become certified, you must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, which consists of a written test and a practical skills exam.
• Paramedic Certification: Similarly, Paramedic candidates must pass the NREMT exam, which is more advanced and includes both written and practical exams assessing your ability to handle complex emergency situations.
• State Licensure: In addition to national certification, you will need to apply for state licensure with your state’s EMS office. Each state has specific requirements for licensure.
• Continuing Education: EMTs and Paramedics are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain certification. Most states also require regular recertification exams.

How to Pay for EMT and Paramedic Programs

While EMT and Paramedic programs are often more affordable than a four-year college degree, they still require a financial investment. Here are some ways to pay for your training:

• Financial Aid: Many EMT and Paramedic programs offer federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and student loans. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will help determine your eligibility.
• Scholarships: Look for scholarships offered by organizations like the National EMS Memorial Foundation or state and local EMS agencies.
• Employer Sponsorship: Some ambulance companies and healthcare employers offer sponsorship programs or tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue EMT or Paramedic training.
• GI Bill: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can use the GI Bill to help cover the costs of EMT and Paramedic programs.

Why Becoming an EMT or Paramedic is a Great Career Choice

Becoming an EMT or Paramedic is a career that offers numerous benefits and rewards:

• Job Stability: The demand for EMTs and Paramedics is strong, and employment is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.
• Competitive Pay: EMTs earn a median annual wage of around $37,000, while Paramedics can earn closer to $46,000, with the potential for higher wages in urban or specialized settings.
• Personal Fulfillment: EMTs and Paramedics have the unique opportunity to make a direct, life-saving impact on their patients during moments of crisis.
• Career Advancement: Both EMTs and Paramedics can further their careers by specializing in fields such as flight paramedicine, tactical EMS, or becoming instructors or supervisors in EMS agencies.
• Variety of Work Environments: EMTs and Paramedics can work in various settings, including ambulances, fire departments, hospitals, or as part of specialized teams like search and rescue or disaster response teams.
• Flexible Schedules: EMS workers often have flexible schedules, with opportunities for full-time, part-time, or shift work, making this career ideal for individuals looking for a non-traditional work-life balance.

Becoming an EMT or Paramedic is an excellent career choice for individuals who are passionate about helping others in emergency situations. With short-term training programs, competitive pay, job stability, and the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives, EMS professionals play a vital role in the healthcare system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can begin your journey to becoming a licensed EMT or Paramedic and join this rewarding field.