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What is an EMT and Paramedic?

An EMT and Paramedic degree track is a field of study emphasizing the type of health care provider offering emergency medical services.  An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a clinician trained to respond to emergency and often life-threatening situations including trauma, accidents, and medical issues.  Although an EMT and Paramedic may work in an ambulance, their job duties differ from ambulance drivers and ambulance attendants.  A Paramedic and EMT professional will often be employed by a private company, government entity, fire department, and hospitals.  EMT's and Paramedic professions will typically perform a variety of important tasks that may include:

  • providing prehospital emergency medical care on-scene or in-transit
  • controlling hemorrhage
  • treating patients in shock
  • bandaging a variety of wounds
  • immobilizing painful, broken, or swollen extremities
  • assisting patients with prescription medications, injectors, and inhalers
  • providing emergency medical care to those in need
  • management of medical issues including respiratory, diabetic, cardiac, allergic reactions, poisoning, and various psychological complications
  • Specific treatment(s) may be provided by EMT’s and Paramedics after receiving patient-specific historical data.

For additional information about the EMT and Paramedic career track, please visit our career guide to learn more.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best EMT and Paramedic Degree

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) is located near the White House. The proximity provides several opportunities for projects alongside government leaders, science and law professionals, and individuals from other disciplines. GW offers both on-campus and off-campus modes of learning allowing flexibility for students. GW University has hundreds of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program provides an on-campus EMT-Basic training course. This training is the first step for aspiring paramedics. The course is open for non-degree and consortium students. Successful completers of the program are eligible to take the National Registry practical and written exam.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Washington (Seattle, WA) is a public research university that offers both graduate and undergraduate programs. The school is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. UW has competitive academic programs across various schools and colleges.  UW is also a leading university in research. The school is known for programs related to medicine, engineering and scientific research, and computer science. UW offers a 10-month competency based paramedic training program. The training is facilitated by a physician. The program is exclusively open to individuals who are employed across regional paramedic agencies. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Hillyard Technical Center (Saint Joseph, MO) is a private vocational institution that helps high school students to enhance their skills for their future careers. The innovative educational programs offered are designed to meet industry requirements. Hillyard is a small school with only an estimated 200 students per year. A few of the vocational courses offered are related to health and medicine, engineering, and science. Students must pass pre-entrance assessment tests, criminal record checks, as well as physical examinations for some programs.   

Acceptance Rate

53.85

Tuition

$12,630 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

4:1

Rolla Technical Institute (Rolla, MO) offers continuing education as well as vocational training to both students and adults in Rolla. Some of the educational programs include automotive technology, fire and rescue, and drafting and design. Meanwhile, some adult vocational programs include dental hygiene and masonry. The school also aims to guide their students in their careers after training, thus, the school offers career advice to current students and graduates. 

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Creighton University (Omaha, NE) is a private Jesuit university that aims to produce competent, conscientious, and compassionate graduates. The school offers a wide range of academic programs allowing students to choose what suits them best. Most programs result in a bachelor’s degree. There are EMS certification and training programs for professionals that aim to enhance skills and further their knowledge. These programs are designed for non-degree seekers. Hands-on paramedic training courses are offered to students preparing them to be skilled emergency care professionals. Creighton University also has graduate programs for those who want a higher education in their chosen field. 

Acceptance Rate

73.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Maryland - Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD) is a public learning institution providing a wide range of programs. The school manages some of the oldest professional schools in the United States - dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, social work, and nursing. UMB aims to improve the human condition and serve the community through quality education, research, and top-notch clinical care and service. The College Park and Baltimore campuses work together to provide more innovative medical, scientific, and educational programs to the public. The School of Medicine offers EMS training programs. The Department of Emergency Medicine manages several programs that offer skills training.

Acceptance Rate

61.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Springfield College (Springfield, MA) is a nonprofit private institution that offers a variety of programs. Some of the programs offered are in social service, education, recreation, and fitness studies as well as health and clinical professions. Emergency medical services management is an undergraduate major that leads to a BS degree. The curriculum allows students to gain relevant knowledge, technical skills, and management tools that are essential in the workforce. The program also offers certification-level courses up to and including paramedic. The school has a high acceptance rate compared to other schools. Qualified students may seek financial aid, typically provided as scholarships, grants, and loans. 

Acceptance Rate

68.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Conemaugh School of Nursing (Johnstown, PA) is just one of the several institutions under the Conemaugh Health System. The center has more than a century of experience in educating and training health care professionals. The center is recognized in the state as a premier school offering a two-year nursing program and several certificate courses. Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic programs are offered at the Conemaugh School of Emergency Medical Services. The school is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. In every program, students have to complete a particular set of requirements before earning a certificate. 

Acceptance Rate

79.69

Tuition

$29,209 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences (Reading, PA) has been educating nurses in the state for more than a century. The RN program leads to a diploma in nursing, and general education courses opening opportunities for students to earn college credit towards a bachelor’s degree. Clinical pastoral education, surgical technology, medical imaging, and paramedic education are the other programs offered by Reading. EMS programs grant certificates for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), or Paramedic to successful program completers. The school also offers career training programs and summer school for aspiring Reading applicants.

Acceptance Rate

22.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) is a recognized public research university. The school has over 200 academic degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. The school boasts its nationally ranked academic programs as well as renowned faculty in their respective fields of study. The university is known for its theoretical and practical approaches to learning. Integrating media, technologies, and sciences is another learning strategy the school fosters. The  Department of Emergency Medical Services' Training Center aims to train students to be competent and skilled pre-hospital care providers or EMT professionals. All training courses are facilitated by professionals who have been in the field of emergency medicine for years. Drexel is also an institution that is active in research. It develops research on medical and health sciences, engineering, biotechnology, basic science, information science, and business.

Acceptance Rate

74.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Pacific Union College (Angwin, CA) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. The college is known to offer strong pre-medicine programs. Emergency services is one of the majors offered at PUC. The curriculum is designed to train students to be skilled and competent professionals across healthcare and public service industries. Practical training is facilitated and conducted by the Angwin Volunteer Fire Department.

Acceptance Rate

53.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, NC) is a public institution that has a variety of programs for students. Some of the popular programs offered in WCU are education, business, and health services. The university’s Baccalaureate Emergency Medical Care is the first of its kind in the United States. Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Interested students can choose between a residential and an online program. The curriculum offers two concentrations - health management and pre-med. The school has an acceptance rate of 39%. The school honors financial aids for students. Students in WCU can experience a well-balanced environment because the school is also active in sports. 

Acceptance Rate

68.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) is a public research university that offers more than 200 areas of study. The university has highly recognized programs in health care, law, and the fine arts. Iowa was also the first American university to offer co-educational medical programs. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Education is a program conducted on campus during summer term. The curriculum includes online instructions, in-hospital emergency department rotation and two EMS rotations, and simulations. Students are prepared for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. 

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Mercy College of Ohio (Toledo, OH) is recognized for its outstanding programs for individuals who aim to be health care professionals. The school employs the most experienced healthcare educators, providing first-hand knowledge to students. Mercy College offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs. General Studies, Paramedic Certificate, Polysomnographic Technology Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician Certificate, and Cardiovascular Technology are some of the programs offered by the college. Also, online classes are offered for more flexible learning. 

Acceptance Rate

60.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (Lancaster, PA) is an institution honing future professionals in the healthcare industry. The school offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Certification programs are also offered for programs such as EMT, Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Nuclear Medicine. A Paramedic Technical Certificate program is offered to interested students. The program consists of lectures, skill sessions and clinical/field training. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic Certification exam and be granted several certificates. PCHS provides highly technical health care programs. Online learning mode is offered to some programs. 

Acceptance Rate

78.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) is a public research university and it is the first university established across the state in 1885. The university is organized into 19 schools and colleges. The College of Medicine houses a long list of comprehensive academic programs. The Department of Emergency Medicine offers a Bachelor of Science in EMS (for paramedics) and a minor in EMS (for EMTs). The BS in Emergency Medical Services trains students to be skilled professionals and competent leaders in the field. The program provides the basic science background necessary to adapt to the ever-changing medical field. 

Acceptance Rate

84.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI) is a private university that offers more than 50 liberal arts majors and professional degrees. RWU also maintains a small student-faculty ratio. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services program that equips students with advanced skills and knowledge. The program offers four tracks including an associate of science track. Students who aim to earn a bachelor’s degree can choose among para-medicine, public health, or administration tracks. Interested professionals can also take the program. Courses are delivered through a blend of direct seminar and online classes. 

Acceptance Rate

85.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls, SD) is a private Christian university that offers a wide range of academic programs. The university has undergraduate and pre-professional programs as well as graduate programs and adult-learning programs. Students can earn either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in Paramedic Technology. The program prepares students to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic. Students must finish the EMT-Paramedic Program and pass certain exams to be eligible for the baccalaureate program. 

Acceptance Rate

91.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Lake Superior State University (Sault Ste Marie, MI) is the state’s smallest public university. LSSU focuses on providing undergraduate programs. It has several master’s programs, too. Emergency Medical Technician certificate is just one of many certificate programs offered by LSSU. It is a program facilitated on-campus. It trains students to gain skills fit for entry-level healthcare and medical professionals. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Registry of EMT examinations. 

Acceptance Rate

57.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Radford University (Radford, VA) is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs including specialized doctoral programs focused on health-related disciplines. The university offers an Emergency Services Program leading to a bachelor’s degree. The university is affiliated with the Carilion Clinic allowing opportunities for students to learn in an actual clinical setting. The university offers three tracks under this program - Paramedic/Firefighter Track, Paramedic/Critical Care Track, and Degree Completion Track which is offered online.  This online track is offered to emergency services professionals who desire to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Acceptance Rate

75.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of New Haven (New Haven, CT) is a private university that offers a long list of undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. The university is considered to be a top tier liberal arts college. The university offers a Paramedicine program that leads to a BS degree. The program aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills. Paramedics has several capabilities that are significantly beyond what an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can do. Students have the opportunity to gain clinical and internship experience through multiple models of EMS services. The program also serves as a pre-professional program for students who aim to take further healthcare studies. 

Acceptance Rate

82.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

New England Institute of Technology (Warwick, RI) is a private university that offers a range of academic programs for students to choose from. NEIT offers a Paramedic Technology that leads to an associate degree. The program is a mixture of classroom instructions and hands-on training preparing students to assume entry-level roles in the industry. The program is primarily designed for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) professionals. Graduates can assume roles across different healthcare and medical settings; and are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician paramedic level exam.

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA) is a public university offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university extends its academic excellence to several campuses across the state. CWU is just one of the few universities that grants a bachelor’s degree in EMS Paramedicine.  Aside from a baccalaureate degree, the university also grants a Paramedic Certificate, and an Advanced Standing option for practicing paramedics. The BS and certification programs prepare students for the National Registry Exam for Paramedic. 

Acceptance Rate

84.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) is a public research university that offers a wide range of academic programs. The university is also recognized for its active research programs. The university offers an EMS-Paramedic Technology program. Students are provided with comprehensive classroom lecture, practical skills training, and real world clinical experiences. Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Technician Paramedic certification. The university offers both a Technical Certificate and Associate of Applied Science. 

Acceptance Rate

79.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Brigham Young University - Idaho (Rexburg, ID) is a private university focused on providing undergraduate education. The university is also providing a few master’s and doctoral programs. BYU has satellite campuses in Jerusalem and Salt Lake City. It is managed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university offers a wide-range of academic programs from Agriculture, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Communication, Business, and others. The university also has a wide range of healthcare and medical programs.  

Acceptance Rate

95.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Top EMT & Paramedic Degrees

Prospective students looking at entering the emergency response medical field have a number of emergency care training and EMT course options to consider. From certificate programs through degree programs, colleges offer an array of programs to research. In order to make the most of your time, we have compiled a summary of the most popular paramedic degree programs below. Additionally, we have created a quick paramedic majors guide to connect with accredited schools to learn more about each course you are interested in learning about.

Certificate Programs in EMT and Paramedics

Undergraduate certificate programs and diploma programs are focused courses designed to provide students with the essentials. A certificate paramedic program can last a few months to two years depending on the course requirements and your course load. A certificate program earned from an accredited college or university will help students prepare for careers in the emergency response domain. Popular certificate programs include:

  • Emergency Medical Technology
  • Paramedicine
  • EMT Education Essentials
  • Airway Management
  • Patient Assessment

Associate Degrees in EMT and Paramedics

An associates degrees are designed to be a 2-year program for full-time students. Part-time students will take longer to complete the program given the pace of classes taken coupled with the schools requirements. Degrees in the field will be conferred as either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS). Both AAS and AS tracks fuse general education courses with core science classes. Liberal arts classes will consist of programs such as history, communications, philosophy, psychology, statistics, and economics.

Core EMT and paramedic courses will vary from school to school but will generally entail a similar set of foundational principles. Examples of classes you will find in the AAS and AS degree programs include: CPR, First-Aid, life support basics, ECG rhythm analysis, pharmacology, advanced life support, pediatric life support, trauma management, biology, medical terminology, chemistry, disaster preparedness, and emergency response. Degree majors guide medical tracks can include a general degree path or a specialized study in the following:

  • Emergency Response and Operations
  • Cardiology
  • Special Care Management
  • Emergency Pharmacology
  • Paramedicine
  • Trauma Management

Students completing the associates degree program will be equipped to launch a career in the emergency response field or continue their schooling. Adjacent degrees beyond the EMT degree can include fire science, emergency management, fire operations, forensic science, public policy, firefighting, and homeland security.

Course Requirements for an EMT

In terms of educational requirements, students studying to become EMTsand paramedics will generally be required to take a substantive number of core classes. Emergency Medical Technician & Paramedic degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

How to Become an EMT

An EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, is a trained medical professional that provides care and treatment to patients in a variety of settings. Lives depend on the care, knowledge, and treatments provided by these medical professionals. As such, the process to become an EMT is a regimented and defined series of steps. This ensures quality training, consistent procedures, and adept graduates entering the field. The steps to become an EMT include:

  1. Being at least eighteen years of age
  2. Completing a state-approved EMT program that meets or exceeds the NEMSES standards
  3. Earn a CPR-BLS or equivalent credential in your state of residence
  4. Successfully completing the NREMT cognitive examination and state-approved psychomotor exam.

How to Become a Paramedic

In order to become a paramedic, you will need to complete a series of steps that are outlined below. Much like the process to become an EMT, you will need to acquire knowledge via an approved program and pass a set of standardized tests. A formalized process prepares professionals for a variety of situations and equips them with the knowledge to think through new issues that may be faced in the field. The steps to become a paramedic include the following:

  1. Being at least eighteen years of age
  2. Obtaining a state EMT license, NREMT certification, or higher
  3. The successful completion of an accredited NRP program in the last 2 years
  4. Completion of the psychomotor competency examination
  5. Earn a CPR-BLS or equivalent credential in your state of residence
  6. Successfully completing the NREMT psychomotor and cognitive exams

Skills & Abilities Required of Paramedics

  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speech Clarity
  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Speech Recognition
  • Written Comprehension
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Certification & EMTs Training

For students that earn a college degree in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) & Paramedic, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue with additional training and/or degrees. The options outside the EMT profession can range from medical assistants, firefighters, police, registered nurses, and detectives to name a few possible career tracks.

Top Emergency Medical Job Titles

Forward-looking students will benefit from understanding the vernacular in the industry. Job descriptions, medical terminology, and job titles may vary from region to region. As such, learning the terminology and applying knowledge from school and training to master the job. To help you better understand the variations in the industry, a list of the top job titles for an EMT are listed below:

  • EMT
  • Intermediate EMT
  • Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic
  • First Responder
  • Flight Paramedic
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Multi Care Tech
  • Emergency Medical Technician/Driver
  • Paramedic
  • Emergency Medical Technician/Dispatcher

Job Description of EMS and Paramedics

A recent survey performed by the Department of Labor provided key insights into the daily activities of a paramedic and EMT. The survey was completed by working professionals and the list has been culled into a bite-size list for you to digest. The most popular job duties of an EMT include the following:

  • Administering CPR, First-Aid, and life support care to patients prior to arriving at a hospital or medical facility
  • Operating medical equipment (EKG, defibrillators, mask resuscitators, blood pressure monitors, etc.) in a variety of life support situations
  • Performing emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures (CPR, stomach suction, trauma management, airway management, heart monitoring, etc.) en route to a hospital
  • Documenting and observing patient health and treatment plans to attending physician
  • Analyzing scope of an injury or medical situation along with medical resources needed
  • Driving a mobile intensive care unit to a hospital or medical provider
  • Administering appropriate drugs either orally or via injection given physician instructions
  • Immobilizing a patient on a stretcher prior to transporting to a hospital or medical facility
  • Working closely with a variety of emergency medical professionals, police, fire, nurses, physicians
  • Stocking emergency vehicles and cleaning medical equipment on a daily basis
  • Communicating with hospital dispatchers or and medical providers to share information and receive proper treatment instructions
  • Providing care and comfort to patients throughout the treatment process
  • Attending approved training classes & maintaining an active certification licensure

Paramedics Salary & Training Outlook

The median annual income of an EMT is $32,670 with the top 10% earning $56,310 a year and the bottom ten percent averaging just under twenty-two thousand dollars a year.   The BLS projects an employment growth rate of 24% in the coming decade which is nearly 4 times the national average.  This growth is projected to add some 98,000 job openings during the coming reporting period providing growth opportunities for existing paramedics along with new entrants into the field.   After earning a degree in Emergency Medical Technician & Paramedic, compensation after graduation can vary depending on employer (state, government, private, hospital, ambulance service) and geographic location.

Largest Employers of EMTs and Paramedics
  • Ambulatory Health Care Specialists   119,420
  • Local Government Agencies                  67,000
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals            43,770
  • Medical Support Services                         1,960
  • Outpatient Care Centers                           1,540
Top Paying States for an EMT
  1. Washington                   $65,320
  2. District of Columbia    $57,900
  3. Alaska                             $54,290
  4. Hawaii                            $48,680
  5. Connecticut                   $46,320

Paramedic Program Resources

For additional information about the EMT and Paramedic industry, consider visiting the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The tools, resources, events, certifications, and volunteer opportunities have been found to be second to none in the industry.

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