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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

2025 Best EMT and Paramedic Degree

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

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

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

New York Methodist Hospital Center for Allied Health Education is in Brooklyn, New York. It was established in 2007 by the New York Methodist Hospital, and the center includes 13,000 square feet of educational space, including seven classrooms, 11 lab rooms, a computer library with 25 devices, student lounge, faculty area, and administrative space. The center is committed to offering excellent health education that helps healthcare professionals meet the needs of the general public. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education institutionally accredits the center.

Programs Offered

The center offers programs through the Bartone School of Radiography, School of Laboratory Science, EMS Institute, and School of Radiation Therapy. The programs include:

  • Radiologic technologist
  • CT cross training
  • MRI cross training
  • Radiation therapist
  • Paramedic
  • Clinical laboratory science

Admissions Information

The admissions requirements vary by the school of education and specific program.

Financial Aid Options

New York Hospital Center for Allied Health Education participates in various financial aid programs, depending on the school of education. In general, students can apply for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, NY State Tuition Assistance Program, and Ford Loans. The center also offers payment plans.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$52,075 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Technical Center is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). It aims to empower students and open vast employment opportunities through quality education. ESGVROP/TC is situated at 1501 Del Norte Street, West Covina, CA 91790. High School students and adults, as well as international students are welcome to take courses from this school. They have the option to choose from any of the following programs: Business Management, Child Development, Emergency Medical Tech Basic, Green Facilities Management, Graphic Arts, Medical Assistant, Microcomputer Repair/Maintenance, Microsoft Office Specialist, Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification/Home Health Aide/Acute Care, Criminal Justice, Video Production and Digital Media, and Short-term Training. As a ROP, ESGVROP/TC offers hands-on training and career guidance for students designed to impart technical skills essential to starting or upgrading a career. Many of the courses engage students in internships within local business and industry sites and job preparation training is integrated in all the courses. Credits and grades earned from ROP classes may be applied to obtain a high school diploma. Moreover, students who are bound for college and completed an ROP course can gain initial credits applicable for transfer to community colleges and private institutions including Citrus College, Rio Hondo College, Mt. San Antonio College, Mt. Sierra College, Pacific Oaks, Westwood College, DeVry, and ITT Tech through established articulation agreements. Veteran Services at ESGVROP/TC provides educational opportunities for Veterans with courses tailored based on the current industry trends. Upon finishing the course, they are given supplementary job-readiness skills training and they are linked to prospective employers. Several resources are available for students intended to help them achieve their educational and career goals. These are Academic and Student Services, Student Council and the Career Services which provides career information and career planning programs, and job placement services.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,107 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,335 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

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

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

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

For those living in the Midwest and looking to start a new career, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (CGCTC) is probably one of the places you want to start looking. Located in Cape, Girardeau, Missouri, a middle sized town of about 38,000 people, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center has garnered a reputation for producing high quality graduates who know how to go out into the workforce and get jobs. Cape Girardeau is a great place to do it too, since the region has seen growth in between censuses and technical trade employment has been increasing throughout the city. The city is the site of many historical landmarks, many that have to do with Native Americans and their relationship with early American settlers of the land.

In 2012, tuition at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center was $13,194, and enrollment was at 195 students. The center has a very solid retention rate of 77%, and with open admissions students can apply and get in as long as there are open spots available. There are plenty of very talented instructors at the center, and the school offers a wide variety of programs to choose from. Here are some of those programs:

  • Auto Tech
  • Computer Programming
  • Business
  • Radio/TV
  • Marketing
  • Nursing

With the growing city of Cape Girardeau as the backdrop and bigger metropolitan areas such as St. Louis and Memphis only a short drive away, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is a great choice for those who are looking to build their skills for a career. Financial aid is available from grants, scholarships, and loans from the federal government.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

About
Manatee Technical Institute, located Bradenton, Florida, is a public school established with the purpose to provide technical education and training to residents of Manatee county. The school enrolls both high school aged and adult students, with high school students receiving education for free. All programs at the school are fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS).

Academics
Individuals may pursue career training through a variety of programs available. Students will choose the program, followed by receiving training and education in that field that will allow for employment upon completion. Programs will have practical components that are taught by industry professionals who provide supervision and a safe learning environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete based on the level of education and complexity of the field.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at MTI may do so through the submission of a completed application and payment of fees. Payment will vary based on the type of enrollment and program chosen, and as mentioned above, high school students will be able to enroll free of charge. Applicants are asked to meet with a counselor, take the Test of Adult Basic Education, apply for aid, and meet with their future instructors. Financial aid is applied for through the completion and submission of a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the school to determine which grants, loans and scholarships the student is eligible for when constructing an aid packet.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

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

With the goal to serve the citizens of the Marion County, Community Technical and Adult Education offers high quality academic and social opportunities for students. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education with a campus located at 1014 SW 7th road, Ocala, FL 34471. Since its inception in 1974, this school has been providing diverse educational opportunities and services to the students. It offers customized training under the Community Technical and Education programs designed in line with constantly changing technology and global market. These programs are the only provider of GED and high school diploma across the Marion County. This school’s Career and Technical Programs include Allied health, Business Management and Administration, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Education and Training, Grooming and Salon Services, Industrial, Public Service and Veterinary Assisting while the Business and Office Technology, Firefighting/EMT and Special Interest Courses are under the Continuing Workforce/ Recreational Classes. CTAE also offers Young Parent Program, English as a Second Language Classes, Employment Solutions and Custom Corporate Training. CTAE is proud to achieve 90% and above certification passing rates and high job placement rate in many of its programs. This school guides students to the right direction whether they are bound to start or upgrade a career or pursue higher education. It fosters an environment that encourages lifelong learning and creates a strong foundation for success. Registration and Fees http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs/pdfs/Registration_Fees.pdf Course Catalog http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/chs//pdfs/CourseCatalog.pdf

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,055 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

History

Northwest Kansas Technical College, located in Goodland, Kansas, was founded in 1964 as the Northwest Kansas Vocational School. The school changed names as part of a 2001 Kansas state initiative to change all technical schools into technical colleges. NWKTC is on the cutting edge of educational trends through programs like the iPad initiative and the hybrid technology training for the auto technology program. NWKTC has grown from 1 building and 7 programs to over 20 buildings, 14 programs, and over 40 online and evening courses.

Academics

NWKTC offers multiple programs in various career centered fields, and offers associate's degrees or certificates upon completion. General education courses are also offered for students interested in transferring to a four year institution.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Interested students should apply online. Financial aid is available and students pursuing financial aid should visit the office to get assistance in planning out the cost of education.

Athletics

The NWKTC Mavericks participate in a variety of sports through the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

Sports programs include:

  • Basketball
  • Wrestling
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Rodeo
  • Maverick Dancers

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$16,600 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Canton City Schools Adult Community Education is a well-organized and managed learning institution that is found in Stark County, Ohio. The school offers great tools to all groups of people, especially adults who had previously undertaken their high school education and would like to take the opportunity to get into a college. The programs are only open to those who are living within Stark County and are older than 18. Among the courses offered include reading, writing, English language skills, and math. There is a team of professional and qualified staff who are in a position to take the learners through their career development program at a reasonable speed to allow for thorough grasp on the learnt concepts.

Since most of the courses offered are free, they are open to anyone who would like to try Adult Education; for personal development or to add a kick to their resume. They further offer career guidance and counseling for those students who have successfully registered with the school. However, the students enrolled in Adult High School Education program, nursing and Adult Career and Technical Education will have to pay for their studies. Applicants are advised to have a look at the Center’s website to determine what program they would like to enroll in.

Acceptance Rate

93.75

Tuition

$15,560 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

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

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Livingston started out in 1963 as the Livingston State Area Vocational-Technical School.  It was the state legislature in the 1963 General Assembly of the Tennessee State Board of Education that led to the change of the schools name as all technical schools in Tennessee became collectively known as the Tennessee Technology Center System.

It was first governed by the Tennessee Department of Education before it was assigned to the Tennessee Board of Regent.  Located near the Airport Road outside Livingston, the TTC-Livingston is established in a 15-acre plot and it serves the counties of Clay, Overton, Fentress, Putnam, Jackson and Pickett in Tennessee.

Today, the school is focused on developing programs that will meet the demands of the local communities and employers. The school offers programs that are perfect to those who are seeking immediate employment which include automotive technology, business systems, computer technology, building construction, collision repair, cosmetology, electronics technology, practical nursing, welding, health science education, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology and pharmacy technician. Moreover, the school also offers part-time classes, online courses, industry training and distance education.

Since the school is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regent, the tuition fee imposed in the whole TTC System is the same. As of 2012, the tuition fee rate is $183 for basic programs while programs requiring laboratory subjects need to pay extra $100 for the equipment and laboratory fees. 

Many students who have graduated from TTC-Livingston have already proceeded to a community college or the state university to study for higher education. Fortunately, students can take advantage of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway where students can ensure that their units will be credited by the colleges that are affiliated with the Tennessee Board of Regents. Such colleges and universities include Austin Peay State University, Tennessee University and Roane State Community College.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The O C Collins Career Center is located in Chesapeake, Ohio and is regarded as a great place to get industrial based training, with career courses available that can be completed in only a year’s time. A wide range of programs offered also suit the needs of many people both in Chesapeake and in the surrounding areas. Among the programs offered include: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy, Cosmetology and Industrial Repair and Maintenance.

The institution also has options for financial aid, and it encourages eligible students to fill out FAFSA forms and make an application in time.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$10,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Oneida/Huntsville was first founded in 1971 and it has been providing excellent technical programs for students within the city of Huntsville in Tennessee.   The core mission of the school is to provide competency-based training of its students by offering fulltime programs and distance learning education. Because of the excellent teaching instructions in TTC-Oneida/Huntsville, it is no wonder why the school is accredited by the Council of Occupational Education.

The program offered in the Tennessee Technology Center include automotive technology which has been ASE certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. Other programs include collision repair technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, electronics technology, industry training, lineman program, practical nursing, geriatric nursing and machine tool technology. Aside from fulltime programs, the school also offers online continuing education as well as distance learning.

When it comes to the tuition fee rates, fulltime students need to pay the flat rate of $183 per credit hour and a technology fee of $41 as prescribed by the Tennessee Boar d of Regents since last academic year (2012-2013). On the other hand, students who wish to transfer to other universities may do so by following the instructions of the Tennessee Transfer Pathway where they can enroll in accredited community colleges like the Chattanooga State Community College and the Cleveland State University College where all of the TTC-Huntsville units of the students will be credited.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Chillicothe is a tiny town in Missouri of less than 10,000. Inside of that town you can find the Grand River Technical School (GRTS), a school with vocational training for adults and helping them find job placement after graduation. One huge advantage of GRTS is that the school offers free childcare services to its students, so parents who work don’t have to worry about paying an extra expense to have their kids watched and safe when they go to school. In 2012, the cost of going to GRTS was $5,450, and the enrollment was 80. It has an excellent retention rate of 95%, and the small town environment and the hands on approach that instructors use is a big part of that number. Most students use some form of financial aid, which can come through scholarships, grants, and loans from the federal government. An admission requires a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. Students have the following programs to choose from inside the program:

  • Agriculture
  • Auto Tech
  • Business Tech
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Industrial Maintenance

Acceptance Rate

74.65

Tuition

$6,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

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

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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