EMT & Paramedic

When someone calls 911 in need of emergency medical care, EMTs and paramedics are the first to arrive on the scene. Medical emergencies from car accidents to allergic reactions to heart attacks all require the swift care of professionals trained to handle crises.

EMTs and paramedics have received extensive training on how to provide emergency care to individuals and transport them safely to the hospital. EMTs can provide first aid, administer auto-injectors such as epi-pens, assist with breathing treatments, stop external bleeding, and stabilize broken bones. Paramedics have received further training that allows them to open airways, provide breathing assistance through ventilation, administer medications, and even deliver babies in emergency situations. Professionals in this field also possess the skills to stay calm under extreme stress and problem solve complicated scenarios.

Growth for this career is steady with an anticipated seven percent increase each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) reports that between 2023 and 2033, there will be 16,200 new EMT and paramedics jobs across the country—a 6 percent increase. Professionals in this field can expect to earn a median annual salary of $44,780. 

Continue reading to learn more about what it takes to become an EMT or paramedic, what common job duties are, top programs in the field, and licensing requirements.

There are three levels of EMTs, each with progressively longer training and more job responsibilities: emergency medical responder (EMR), emergency medical technician (EMT), and advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT). 

From there, professionals can pursue certification as paramedics, as most paramedic programs require prospective students to already hold an EMT certification prior to enrolling in the program. Some programs allow the EMT and paramedic certifications to be earned consecutively. 

EMT programs generally issue certificates, whereas paramedic programs are more in-depth studies that may result in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. There are also wilderness emergency medical technician programs (WEMT) for professionals who wish to work in the backcountry.

Admission requirements for paramedic courses are more stringent than those for EMT courses. EMT courses generally require students to have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, and hold a CPR certification. A background check is often required, and some programs require proof of immunizations and a current negative tuberculosis test. 

Paramedic programs require proof of current EMT or AEMT certification and a high school diploma or GED. Proof of immunizations and a current negative tuberculosis test are also often required. Some programs ask prospective students to complete a physical test to prove they can perform the duties of a paramedic. CPR certification (or the more advanced basic life support certification) is also typically required.  

Paramedic programs are accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), which is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). 

EMS programs do not have programmatic accreditation, so applicants should ensure the program meets their state’s licensing requirements. 

At minimum, students should ensure the programs they enroll in are regionally accredited. Accreditation guarantees a minimum standard of education and often meets the state education requirements for licensure.  

Oregon Institute of Technology & Oregon Health Sciences University

The only paramedic program offered at the university level in Oregon is at the Oregon Institute of Technology, in partnership with Oregon Health Sciences University. This two-year program results in an associate degree in applied science (AAS). As part of the degree, students also earn the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) certifications. 

Students have the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on cadaver labs in addition to classroom courses such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and EMT basics. Throughout the course of study, students participate in clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience in the field. The program culminates in a 12-week externship with a local agency.

• Location: Wilsonville, OR
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (CoAEMSP)

Santa Rosa Junior College

The rigorous paramedic academy at Santa Rosa Junior College begins once a year in late August and takes 12 to 15 months to complete. Students are expected to already have hands-on EMT experience prior to admission. A one-day course to assess suitability for the career is also required and is completed in May. 

From the start of the program, clinical rotations are held alongside classroom sessions. Throughout the program, students are expected to attend 16 hours of classroom learning in addition to completing 32 to 40 hours of study per week. Students are strongly encouraged to limit their work and family obligations while enrolled in this intensive course. 

• Location: Santa Rosa, CA
• Duration: Twelve to 15 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (CoAEMSP)

Middle Tennessee State University

The emergency medical technician training program at Middle Tennessee State University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the National Registry exam and become state-certified EMTs or AEMTs. The program features a team of experienced instructors who provide mentorship and instruction. Classes are held two nights a week, with practical skills training extending to four hours per session. The program is non-credit, meaning no college credit is awarded, and federal financial aid cannot be used. Registration fees cover textbooks, insurance, and clinical rotation software, with additional costs for exams and testing. Admission requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and meeting specific health and character criteria. The program is eligible for certain veteran benefits, though payment is required upfront.

• Location: Murfreesboro, TN
• Duration: Seven and a half months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota’s Emergency Medical Services (UMEMS) offers a range of emergency medical education programs, including courses for students, faculty, staff, and the public. These programs cover basic AED training, hands-on CPR, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses, along with professional EMS continuing education. 

The EMT Initial Course prepares students for certification following DOT and National Registry guidelines. The program requires completion of FEMA online courses and includes American Heart Association BLS certification. UMEMS also offers EMT refresher courses, Emergency Medical Responder training, and custom first aid education for groups.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Duration: Four months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

George Washington University – School of Medicine and Health Science

The on-campus, for-credit emergency medical technician course at George Washington University (GWU) is through its Emergency Medical Services program. This course is designed to prepare students for EMT certification with the National Registry of EMTs, providing foundational skills in patient assessment and emergency care. The program includes a lecture (3 credits) and a lab (1 credit), both of which must be taken concurrently. It is open to GW students, the community, and non-degree students who can earn college credit and receive an official transcript. The course requires CPR Health Care Provider certification, which can be obtained through GW’s EMS Program. The program boasts a high pass rate of 82% for the National Registry EMT certification exam, compared to the national average of 68%.

• Location: Washington, DC
• Duration: One semester
• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Due to the hands-on nature of EMT and paramedic programs, there are no completely online courses. However, there are courses that provide hybrid formats.

Lenoir Community College

The paramedic academy at Lenoir Community College requires only 11 onsite weekend labs. The rest of the course is done online and through clinical rotations in the student’s own community. This program is open to residents of California, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.

This program’s courses include anatomy and physiology, basic crisis negotiation, and special needs patients. Applicants must have already obtained EMT certification prior to enrolling. Proof of completion of college-level math and English courses is also required. 

• Location: Kinston, NC
• Duration: Ten months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (CoAEMSP)

Iowa Western Community College

At Iowa Western Community College students can complete all of their paramedic classroom hour requirements online. Lab hours still need to be completed on campus, but there are day and evening options available making the program accessible to working professionals or those with family obligations. There are four required in-person courses (two days each) to obtain various life support certifications. 

Outside of the lab, certification courses, and online learning, students are expected to complete an average of 12 internship hours each week. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. For the past three years, 100 percent of graduates have found work as paramedics. 

• Location: Council Bluffs, IA
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (CoAEMSP)

Texas EMS School

The Texas EMS School offers an online Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program designed to prepare students for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and a career in EMS. The program includes online coursework, a hands-on skills lab, and clinical/field experiences. The online component is flexible, allowing students to progress at their own pace, with support available through online tutoring. The skills lab requires a two-day in-person session, and clinical experiences are conducted at hospitals and first-responder organizations in Texas. The program costs cover tuition, materials, and various fees, with rebate opportunities available. Students must be Texas residents, 18 or older, with a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Location: Abilene, TX
• Duration: 18 weeks
• Accreditation: In the application review process for Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (CoAEMSP)

University of California, Los Angeles – Center for Prehospital Care

The UCLA  Center for Prehospital Care offers a ten-week online course for students seeking flexible EMT training. This program includes online lectures held twice a week in the evenings and recorded for convenience, and self-paced interactive assignments. In addition to the online component, students must attend on-site skills labs, choosing from weekend or evening sessions. This hybrid format allows students to balance their training with other commitments while preparing for EMT certification.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

National Medical Education & Training Center

The National Medical Education & Training Center (NMETC) offers a comprehensive paramedic program available both online and on-campus in West Bridgewater, MA. The program spans 16 to 18 months and includes 1,200 hours of instruction, training, and supervised field experience. The online component features live, interactive lectures, allowing students to engage in real-time with instructors or recorded lectures for flexible scheduling. 

Students complete a 12-day intensive skills bootcamp on-site, followed by clinical internships totaling 200 hours in various medical settings and a field internship with 300 hours of ride time. The program prepares students for the National Registry exam and Massachusetts EMS certification, boasting a 100% pass rate for certification-seeking graduates.

• Location: West Bridgewater, MA
• Duration: 16 to 18 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (CoAEMSP)

EMT certification can be obtained in less than a year after high school graduation, depending on the intensity of the chosen program. Paramedics can expect their secondary education to take one to two years to complete, but it can take up to four years if they complete a bachelor’s degree as part of their studies. 

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)

Most EMT courses require students to have completed high school or obtained a GED. Students interested in pursuing a career as an EMT or paramedic can take health, anatomy, biology, and psychology classes to prepare them for further studies. Additionally, many EMT programs have a minimum high school GPA requirement, so students should ensure their grades are up to par.

Step 2: Enroll in an EMT Program (Six Months to Two Years)

EMT programs are available at community and technical colleges across the country. Depending on the intensity of the course, they can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. Numerous programs offer night and weekend options to accommodate work and family obligations. Students should ensure the program they enroll in meets their state licensure requirements. 

Step 3: Obtain Certification as an EMT (Timelines Vary)

Upon completion of an eligible EMT course, students are eligible to apply for national certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Certification requirements include holding a current CPR certificate and passing the National Registry knowledge and state-approved skills exams. While not all states require NREMT certification, most do, and it is a highly recommended step toward licensure.

Step 4: Apply for State EMT Licensure (Timelines Vary)

Certification by the NREMT does not permit professionals to work as EMTs. A separate application to the state licensing board is required to actively work in this profession. Requirements vary by state, and applicants should check with their local board to ensure they meet all the requirements.

Step 5: Attend a Paramedic Program (One to Four Years)

A current EMT certification (and sometimes work experience) is a prerequisite to most paramedic programs. Paramedic programs provide between 1,000 to 2,000 hours of instruction and training in advanced life support, anatomy and physiology, and emergency management. Often, students will complete either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree as part of their studies. In order to apply for certification as a paramedic through NREMT, the program must be CAAHEP-accredited.

Step 6: Obtain Paramedic Certification (Timelines Vary)

Certification for paramedics is issued through NREMT. Requirements include completing a  CAAHEP-accredited paramedic education program, current EMT and CPR certifications, and passing the NREMT knowledge and skills tests. If the education program was completed more than two years ago, proof of a refresher course is also required. 

Step 7: Apply for State Paramedic Licensure (Timelines Vary)

Licensure for paramedics is issued on a state-by-state basis. Most states require NREMT certification as part of their licensure requirements. Applicants should contact their local licensing board to verify state requirements. 

In an emergency, the first professionals on the scene are typically EMTs or paramedics. Typical job duties for both professions include:

• Responding to 911 calls for emergency medical attention
• Performing CPR
• Bandaging wounds
• Stabilizing broken bones
• Transporting patients to the hospital
• Administering epi-pens
• Performing glucose blood tests
• Providing oxygen
• Assisting with breathing treatments for asthma attacks or allergic reactions
• Maintaining medical records

Additionally, paramedics can:

• Start IVs
• Administer emergency medications
• Deliver babies in an emergency
• Open airways for patients who cannot breathe
• Provide breathing support with ventilation and tubes

Certification for EMAs, EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics is done through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Certification is dependent on the successful completion of an approved program, current CPR certification, and passing the knowledge and skills exams. Licensure is done on a state-by-state basis, and requirements vary. However, all states require some level of training and examination. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), the 167,040 EMTs earned $43,100 per year on average, while the 98,770 paramedics earned $57,450. Here are the salary percentiles for EMTs:

• 10th percentile: $86,280
• 25th percentile: $108,100
• 50th percentile (median): $130,020
• 75th percentile: $151,720
• 90th percentile: $170,790

Here are the salary percentiles for paramedics: 

• 10th percentile: $38,520
• 25th percentile: $45,990
• 50th percentile (median): $53,180
• 75th percentile: $64,370
• 90th percentile: $79,430

Here are a few alternatives to a career as an EMT or paramedic. 

Become a Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive treatment. They also educate patients and families on health management, monitor patient conditions, and offer emotional support and advocacy.

• Typical Education: Associate or Bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working by implementing treatment plans designed by occupational therapists. They assist patients with therapeutic activities, monitor their progress, and report back to the therapists to adjust care plans as needed.

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Become a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders by administering therapies and monitoring respiratory equipment. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease, ensuring effective respiratory function and patient education.

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.