Becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) is a rewarding career choice for those interested in healthcare, community service and public safety. EMTs provide critical prehospital care, respond to 911 calls and assist patients in emergency situations. If you’re considering a career as an EMT, this guide covers everything you need to know about EMT certification, EMT licenses, training, job outlook and salary expectations.
What is EMT certification?
EMT certification is the process of obtaining the necessary credentials to work as an EMT. EMTs can become certified by completing a state-approved EMT course that meets or exceeds National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards (NEMSES) requirements as well as the NREMT cognitive (knowledge) examination and a state-approved psychomotor (skills) examination.
How to get EMT certified
EMT certification ensures that an individual has completed approved EMT training and passed both the cognitive and psychomotor exam. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is the most widely recognized certifying body, although some states have their own certification requirements. EMT psychomotor exams are coordinated by either the State EMS Office or by educational institutions under the states’ authority.
To obtain EMT certification, follow these steps:
- Meet eligibility requirements. Most programs require candidates to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete an EMT training program. Enroll in a state-approved EMT training program at a college, technical school or EMS academy.
- Pass the NREMT exam. Take and pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams.
- Obtain state licensure. Some states require additional licensing beyond NREMT certification.
- Maintain certification. EMTs must complete continuing education and recertification every 2 years.
What is an EMT?
An emergency medical technician (EMT) is a healthcare professional trained to provide emergency medical care in prehospital settings. EMTs respond to medical emergencies, perform life-saving procedures, and transport patients to hospitals. They are typically employed by fire departments, private ambulance services, hospitals and government agencies.
MTs are trained to give Basic Life Support (BLS) treatments, so they are able to:
- Perform CPR and use an AED
- Bandage wounds
- Stabilize head and neck injuries
- Stabilize broken bones
- Resuscitate drowning victims
- Provide oxygen to patients
- Perform emergency childbirth procedures
- Assess health emergencies
- Administer certain medications like naloxone, epinepherine and albuterol
How long is EMT school?
EMT school typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the program’s schedule. Some accelerated programs allow students to complete training in as little as 4 weeks, while others may take several months.
How long does it take to become an EMT?
It takes approximately 120 hours of supervised training to become an EMT. The time required to become an EMT varies, but most people can obtain their EMT certification within three to six months. This includes completing an EMT course, passing the NREMT exam and obtaining state licensure.
What topics are covered in EMT school?
EMT training covers a wide range of medical and emergency response topics, including:
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Airway management
- CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use
- Trauma assessment and treatment
- Medical emergencies (e.g., cardiac, respiratory, diabetic emergencies)
- Patient assessment and vital signs
- Lifting and moving patients
- Pharmacology and medication administration (limited to certain medications)
How long does EMT certification last?
EMT certification typically lasts 2 years. EMTs must complete continuing education and pass a recertification exam or complete refresher courses to maintain their certification. The National Registry accepts State EMS Office approved and CAPCE accredited education, education from EMS education programs, and U.S. accredited academic credit or college courses related to EMS patient care.
Can I get EMT certification online?
Some portions of EMT training can be completed online, such as lectures and coursework. However, hands-on skills training and clinical experience, as well as the psycholmotor exam must be completed in person at an accredited training center.
What does EMT mean?
The term EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician. EMTs provide immediate medical care and transport for patients experiencing emergencies.
EMT training
EMT training programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools and EMS academies. Training typically includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, and clinical rotations in hospitals or ambulance services.
How much do EMTs make?
EMT salaries vary by location, employer, and experience level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for EMTs is approximately $36,000 to $40,000, with higher wages in urban areas and for those with advanced training or experience.
Where do I look for an EMT job?
Newly certified EMTs can find jobs through:
- The EMS1 Jobs Board
- Local ambulance services (private and public)
- Fire departments
- Hospitals and urgent care centers
- Government agencies (such as public health departments)
- Event medical services (concerts, sports events, large gatherings)
- Online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and EMS-specific career websites
|More: Passing on a love for EMS
Become an EMT: Start today
Becoming an EMT is a fast-track way to enter the healthcare field and provide life-saving care in emergency situations. By completing EMT training, obtaining certification and maintaining licensure, you can pursue a fulfilling career in emergency medical services.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors. This article, originally published on Sept. 21, 2011, has been updated to include additional information and resources.
