EMT Associate Degree Program Guide

Each day, thousands of people call 911 for help during medical emergencies. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics rush to their aid to provide critical care and transport people to hospitals.

EMTs often work under the supervision of a paramedic. They respond to traffic accidents, disasters, and crime scenes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects positions for EMTs and paramedics will grow 11% between 2020 and 2030, a faster growth rate than average across all occupations. However, agencies across the country warn that high turnover could lead to a severe shortage of trained EMTs and paramedics in the coming years.

An EMT certification program typically requires less than one year of study. For many, pursuing an entry-level position as an EMT is the first step toward a career of caring for others.

EMTs work in a fast-paced environment providing medical care wherever and whenever they are called. These caregivers must possess compassion and empathy for others.

They also need to be able to maintain a calm demeanor. Often, the people they are called to help are emotional and in distress. The hours are often long, and many EMTs work nights, weekends, and holidays.

EMTs also must possess good communication skills in order to talk to patients and convey information to the hospital or dispatch center. Additionally, these professionals need to be observant. Things they see at a scene could inform the patient’s treatment plan later.

Because an EMT’s job is unpredictable, these workers need to think fast and problem-solve quickly. They need to know how to best use the tools available to provide care and determine when to call for assistance.

An EMT training program prepares entry-level EMTs for state licensure. These programs may only require a few months of training for the basic EMT license. An EMT associate degree program offers advanced training and the opportunity for career advancement. Some programs may also help prepare students for degrees in paramedic medicine or nursing.

EMT training programs typically include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Most programs require a field internship to ensure students understand the rigors of the field they have chosen. The number of hours spent working with an emergency medical service vary by program.

Courses cover topics in trauma and medical emergencies. They also explore how EMTs can respond to specific situations. These topics include caring for and transporting individuals with spinal injuries, how to stop bleeding, orthopedic injuries, and serious medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes.

They also learn how to insert IVs or maintain airways. The training includes legal and ethical considerations and how to chart patient information and document care.

According to the BLS, most EMTs and paramedics work for ambulance services. Sometimes local governments contract or operate these agencies for emergency medical services. Some EMTs work in hospitals. They also can provide transport services.

After completing your EMT training program, you may participate in additional training to become a paramedic. Paramedics can provide a higher level of care than EMTs. With advanced training, paramedics may find work in air ambulance services or specialty emergency medical services. EMTs may also continue their education and move into nursing, where they can apply their medical skills in a different setting.

The BLS reports that EMTs and paramedics earned a median annual salary of $36,650 in May 2020. However, pay varies by location and years of experience. EMTs and paramedics in Hawaii earned the highest annual salary during the same period at $58,580. California employed the most EMTs and paramedics in May 2020, with 22,690 of these workers in the state.

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