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Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) transport injured people from their current location to the nearest hospital in a hospital. The EMT uses their medical knowledge to provide initial life-saving care and keep the patient stable in transit. Nurses and doctors will take over upon arrival at the hospital. Are you interested in a medical career and curious about becoming an EMT? Learn more about if life as an EMT is right for you. 

1. Job Compensation and Security 

The national median pay for an EMT is $36,650. Pay can vary greatly based on the state. Washington pays EMTs an average salary of $67,600/year, and Kansas pays EMTs an average salary of $30,520. Pay will likely go up as demand is currently high for EMTs with job openings projected to increase by 15% through 2026.

2. Requirements 

Becoming an EMT does not require a 4-year degree, making it attractive to students intimidated to jump into a larger program, but there are specific requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• CPR-training
• EMT program at vocational school or community college
  • 16 weeks - 1 year
• Cognitive Examination (a standardized test of 60 to 110 questions that takes 2 hours)
  • Trauma
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Medical care
  • EMS operations
  • Cardiology and resuscitation
  • Respiration and ventilation
  • Airways
• Psychomotor exam of medical skills
  • Patient assessments
  • Managing heart attacks
  • Treat broken bones
  • Immobilizing spines and dislocated joints
  • Stop bleeding
  • Manage shock

EMT training can seem intimidating, but EMT test prep resources online, such as practice tests and study groups, can help you prove you have a "standard level of competency."

After proper completion of the EMT requirements, you can work as an EMT. 

3. Pros and Cons of Working as an EMT

Pros:

• Rewarding work 
• Opportunity for professional growth
• Useful medical training
• Steady work 

Cons:

• Stressful work
• Long, inconsistent hours
• Entry-level pay 
• Uncooperative patients 

4.  Compatibility 

Certain people are better suited to life as EMTs than others. 

An EMT must move quickly and carry patients on a regular basis, so the best EMTs are physically fit and conscious of their fitness. 

An EMT must also have a calm demeanor to keep patients calm and work with a steady mindset. An EMT who panics at the sight of a serious injury or dangerous vital readings can cause the patient to panic. Panic can also cause the EMT to make an error. 

EMTs get a fast-paced introduction to the medical field at decent pay and job security with minimal training. EMTs can continue training to increase their rank to become advanced EMTs, paramedics, or registered nurses. 

Reach out to a service such as Guardian Test Prep to learn more.