Emergency Medical Jobs

While both EMTs and paramedics are emergency response personnel responsible for delivering on-the-scene medical care to injured or unconscious persons, some differences exist between them. An EMT, or, emergency medical technician, normally receives less training and is more likely to be a volunteer, while paramedics are more extensively trained and authorized in emergency medical care. An impression should not be obtained, however, that a paramedic is a better responder in an accident, both paramedics and EMTs provide much needed care and save many lives.

EMT’s can be at three levels of education and training. A level one EMT is qualified to administer CPR, transport patients and assess a patient’s condition, as well as manage breathing, bleeding, and cardiac conditions to keep a patient alive. A level two or three EMT has more training and experience. At level two, an EMT is prepared to administer fluids intravenously and use machines and other equipment to manage cardiac arrest or advanced breathing problems.

All EMTs are required to undergo a certification with training specified by their state laws. Programs can be found at nearly every community college and combine classroom learning with field work and time spent in hospitals and ambulances, working with trained EMTs. Successful completion of one of these programs includes a practical and a written exam and earns a graduate the title of Registered EMT basic. To achieve EMT II, thirty-five to fifty-five additional hours of training are needed. The completion of this is a requirement for becoming an EMT three or EMT/paramedic. While working in the field, EMTs are required to re-register once every two years, about. EMT ones and twos are usually volunteers, but paid positions exist as well.

EMT threes, or EMT/paramedics have received additional training in bodily function and learned more advanced skills. Because of the higher education requirements, most EMT/paramedics are in paid positions. To become an EMT/paramedic, it is necessary to pass all the training of an EMT one and two and continue on to get extensive coursework, field and clinical training. EMT/paramedics must graduate from this program and then take the National Registry EMT Exams to become certified. The average time put into course and field work needed to become an EMT/paramedic is between 750 and 1,500 hours.

While EMT ones, or EMT basics and EMT twos are important responders in emergencies, EMT/paramedics are extensively trained individuals prepared to take more extreme measures to save a life. The number of hours received in training is markedly different between the two basic EMT levels and the EMT/paramedic. EMT ones and twos can work in volunteer or paid positions, while the higher trained EMT/paramedics are usually paid employees. Job prospects look extremely high in all fields of medicine. The average median income for an experienced EMT/paramedic in 2010 is around $55,000 per year, but can be much higher. Earnings are around $24,000 for EMT basics. Wages vary by state.