How to Become an EMT: Emergency Medical Technician Training and Certification

EMTs are the life-saving men and women who respond to 911 calls. They are the people who keep others alive in emergency situations, until the person in trouble arrives at a hospital. In general, basic EMTs earn an average of around $25,000 per year. Paramedics (the highest level of EMT) in top earning brackets can earn up to $45,000 per year. The real reward in this field, however, is not the money - it's knowing that every day your job makes a difference and saves lives.

Certification for EMTs

There are four levels of certification for emergency medical technicians: EMT-1, EMT-2, EMT-3, and EMT-4. A "paramedic" has achieved the EMT-4 certification. These levels are also sometimes called EMT-B for "basic" and EMT-P for "paramedic". (EMT levels vary from state to state; some states only have EMT-B and EMT-P.)

Coursework and certification requirements for EMTs and paramedics also vary from state to state. Generally, an EMT or paramedic is required to have a high school diploma to start training - usually an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree is not necessary. In all states, basic training includes how to use a stretcher and other emergency medical equipment and how to treat common emergency medical conditions (such as treating a heart attack, stopping severe bleeding, protecting a fractured bone, and delivering a baby.)

After completing an EMT program, new EMTs are required to pass both written and oral examinations. It is standard for EMTs to renew their certificate every two years, often including continuing education courses to stay current in their field.

Where to Get EMT Training and Training Timeline

EMT and paramedic training is offered in many places: hospitals, community colleges, regular four-year colleges, and private companies all offer training for EMTs and paramedics.

Most EMT programs take about seven to nine months. During these months, you'll take some classroom courses on basic anatomy and first-aid. You'll also get to shadow active EMTs and paramedics in ambulance ride-alongs, and you'll get to spend time in an emergency room. In some programs, you'll also get to shadow MedEvac teams in rescue helicopters. After you've completed your coursework and fulfilled the ambulance and emergency room hour requirements, you take your state board exam.

With basic EMT certification, you can elect to immediately go to paramedic school, but generally it's recommended to spend time as a basic EMT before completing additional training to become a paramedic. In some states, paramedic programs give "points" for experience, making it easier for an active EMT to gain acceptance into a paramedic program than someone who has trained as an EMT but does not have on-the-job experience.

Paramedic training is more advanced than the basic EMT training. During paramedic school you head back to the classroom to deepen your knowledge of anatomy, and learn new skills like starting IVs and administering medications. After completing the paramedic training, you take another written exam for this higher level of certification.

Being an emergency medical technician is a fast-paced, challenging, but very rewarding career. Good luck as you pursue your dream to become an EMT!