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Do you want a job that puts you in the action while saving lives? Then you should consider training for an emergency medical technician career. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide vital medical care for the sick and injured while transporting them to medical facilities. Depending on the level of training, an EMT is responsible for a variety of tasks. Their main objective is to assure a patient's health and well-being. Responsibilities include:
Specific responsibilities depend on the EMT's level of training. The first level of training is EMT-Basic or EMT-1. The most advanced level is EMT-Paramedic or EMT-4. Formal training and certification is necessary to become an EMT. A high school diploma is required to enter an EMT training program. EMT schools may offer an Associate degree or emergency medical technician certification. All 50 states have a certification procedure. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMTs at all levels.
EMTs work indoors and out, in all types of weather. This line of work requires considerable kneeling, bending and heavy lifting. EMTs are open to some risk, including back injury from lifting patients and exposure to diseases such as hepatitis-B and AIDS. They may also be exposed to violence from drug overdose victims or mentally unstable patients. The work is physically strenuous. It is also emotionally stressful due to many encounters involving life-or-death situations and human suffering.
Candidates for an emergency medical technician career should be emotionally stable and have good dexterity, agility and physical coordination. They should be able to lift and carry heavy loads. They also need good eyesight (corrective lenses may be used) with accurate color vision.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 192,000 EMT jobs in 2004. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all EMT positions through 2014 as full-time paid EMTs replace unpaid volunteers.
On average, EMTs earn between $19,970 and $33,210 a year. The highest 10 percent earned more than $43,240 in 2004. Salaries reflect differences in skill, experience and level of responsibility. Those in emergency medical services who are part of fire or police departments receive the same benefits as firefighters or police officers.
Salary Range:
$16,460 — $74,390
Education Level (minimum):
Associate degree
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
