If you’re exploring a career in emergency medical services, you might be wondering about the EMT vs. paramedic question. They are both great career choices that allow you to make important contributions to your community. They’re also careers that are in demand, with good opportunities for stable employment in just about every part of the United States.
This article answers some basic questions about both the paramedic and EMT certifications and emergency medical services work in general.
EMT vs. paramedic: What’s the difference?
Both emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic are provider certifications within the field of emergency medical services (EMS). The primary differences between EMTs and paramedics are the amount of training they receive and scope of procedures they can perform. Both are referred to as EMS providers.
Additional EMS certification levels include emergency medical responder (EMR), the lowest-trained level of provider, and advanced EMT (AEMT), a level between EMT and paramedic.
EMT training vs. paramedic training: What are the requirements?
Candidates require about 120–150 hours of EMT training. Their skills involve basic life support, CPR and AED use, oxygen administration, basic wound care and bleeding control, spinal immobilization and patient transport. They can’t perform advanced medical procedures like administering most medications, starting IVs or using advanced airway management.
Advanced EMT training entails another 200–400 hours beyond EMT training. Their skills include all EMT skills, plus intravenous (IV) therapy, medication administration and advanced airway management, as well as certain cardiac monitoring.
Paramedic training takes around 1,200–1,800 hours, often through an associate degree program. Paramedic skills include advanced life support (ALS), intubation and advanced airway management, administering medications (IV, oral and injection), EKG interpretation and cardiac monitoring, and performing lifesaving procedures like chest decompression and cricothyrotomy. Paramedics have greater decision-making latitude and can provide more critical interventions on their own compared to EMTs.
EMT and paramedic certification requirements are largely standardized throughout the U.S., but there may still be variations among states’ designated levels and scopes of practice. Some states may still have certifications for levels like EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Cardiac that have been phased out elsewhere.
EMT vs. paramedic certification: Which is right for me?
When considering whether to become a paramedic or EMT, you should take into account that EMT training is less of a commitment. It generally takes about six months to complete the part-time schooling in basic life support. EMT training will teach you how to give important emergency medical care, such as performing CPR, bandaging wounds, treating burns, stabilizing fractures and administering some medications.
Paramedic training is quite rigorous and takes one to two years, depending on state requirements and if you are pursuing a technical certificate or associate degree. You usually must have completed college-level biology, math and English courses to be accepted in or complete paramedic training.
EMT vs. paramedic: How are they certified?
EMT and paramedic certifications must be recognized by the state in which they work. Most states use the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) as part of their certification processes. A few states use state-specific paramedic and EMT certification examinations.
A paramedic or EMT training program prepares candidates for the relevant NREMT certification test. Passing the certification test is an important step in demonstrating competence to perform the jobs of EMT and paramedic. State-specific licensure requirements set the process for maintaining competence through steps like affiliation with an ambulance service provider, medical director approval and completion of continuing education.
EMT vs. paramedic: How does the pay differ?
As a paramedic, you’ll earn more money than an EMT, which might impact your ultimate career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median paramedic pay in May 2023 was $53,180. The median EMT pay was $38,930. Pay rates will vary significantly based on the type of service, location and your experience.
For many who are considering the paramedic vs. EMT question, the bottom line is that you must first become an EMT before you can begin training as a paramedic. Some paramedic training programs require you to be employed as an EMT for a period before beginning your paramedic training.
When deciding whether to become a paramedic vs. an EMT, you should know that either choice offers a rewarding career, job security, good pay and a chance to perform an important role in your community.ments.
Is Advanced EMT a viable middle path?
Between emergency medical technician and paramedic lies the level of advanced EMT (AEMT), which roughly corresponds to the previous level of EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I). AEMTs provide a level of EMS care between EMTs and paramedics.
The additional training AEMTs get beyond EMTs lets them enhance care for common emergency conditions where safe, targeted and evidence-based interventions exist. These interventions may carry greater risk, if done incorrectly, than those allowed to emergency medical technicians. AEMT skills may include advanced airway management (and in some states intubation), intravenous therapy and administering certain medications.
AEMT is a great middle ground for those who want to expand beyond EMT skills but aren’t ready to commit to full paramedic training.
This article, originally published October 2011, has been updated.
