How to Become an EMT
So you’re thinking about becoming an EMT or Paramedic? Here are some things you need to know.
I will always remember a woman I met one day when my partner and I stopped to refuel the ambulance. I went inside to grab something to eat. While standing in line to pay, the woman behind me asked me if I was an EMT. Of course, I was in uniform and my ambulance was just outside, but I politely acknowledged that I was in fact, an EMT. She acted like she had just bumped into a movie star or some other famous person, and went on and on about how much she respected EMTs. She asked me how to go about becoming an EMT, so I gave her a general description of the requirements and where she could follow up for more information. Then she said something along the lines of, “I think I would make a great EMT, as long as I don’t have to see any blood. I can’t stand seeing blood.” I thought to myself, “reality check, EMTs deal with blood, sometimes a lot of it.” But I didn’t say anything more, just wished her luck and went on my way. That’s when I realized that most people have no idea what working as an EMT actually entails.
Becoming an EMT
Working as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or Paramedic can be a very rewarding career. No two days are ever the same, your job is helping people, and the general public holds EMTs and Paramedics in high regard.But becoming an EMT or Paramedic is not as easy as some people may think. Here are some things to think about if you are considering this as your career.
The first thing you need to know is that each state, and sometimes each region within a state, have different rules, regulations, and requirements. My experience is based on my employment in California. Be sure to contact your local EMS agency for more specific information.
Educational requirements. You must of course, have at least a high school education. Then you will need to take a full semester course just to get certified as a “First Responder” (Fire fighters have to pass this course also.) Then you will take another semester to get your EMT certification. These classes are usually available at a local Junior College.
While most of your training will be in the classroom, much of it will also be conducted outdoors, using real equipment and role-playing practice. This is where many people fail.
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Julia | Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
Glad you mentioned the piss poor paycheck they get. Perhaps there should be an across the board federal review on this issue and a mandatory pay raise enforced for all EMS caregivers, considering the EMT and Paramedic are the ones that KEEP you ALIVE until you make it to the hospital. The pay is horrible if you work on a private ambu, to say the very least.
I sometimes wonder why every 400+ pound person lives on the third floor of a building with no elevator. Stair chairs aint made to withstand that kind of load, nor is the standard human being.
Michael | Apr 10, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for the informative article. I currently work in IT and have been considering EMT for some time. Although IT is comparatively lucrative, I find no passion or meaning in it and really have to wonder if life is worth trading for a paycheck and a cubicle.
I especially appreciate the fact that, although you mentioned the negatives (what career doesn’t have negatives?), you also pointed out the positives. I’ve read dozens of articles on EMT, and one of the main factors keeping me from making the jump is not the pay, but rather the fact that everyone seems to hate their job!
Crystal | Sep 11, 2008 | Reply
I’m in my seocond year of high school. Can anyone tell me what couses a need in high school to become a paramedic?
If someone could help me that would be great
Thank you
richie | Oct 4, 2008 | Reply
I think to became a Emt is hard work and less pay it hard enoungh to lift haveny load. and become a EMT take lat of studing
Kay | Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
Wow! Thank you so much for writing this, it really helped me. Also thanks for pointing out negatives. Any site I go to is all, positive positive positive. Ah! (: But thanks so much! And thanks for being an EMT. They saved my life here in Indiana (i was in a AWFUL car accident.)
Lacy | Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
I PRETTY MUCH AGREE WITH EVERYBODY ELSES COMMENTS ON THIS ARTTICLE.
AND EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NEGATIVES
THE POSITIVES OF KEEPING PEOPLE ALIVE IS WORTH THE LESS PAY &&
LONG HARD HRS.
Elia | Nov 4, 2008 | Reply
This was very helpful and it helped me get the bigger picture for being a and EMT. Im really excited to persue this dream of mine
Chris | Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
Would my Battlefield First Responder qualification threw the Army qualify me as an EMT on the civilian side?
TBone | Jan 21, 2009 | Reply
Good article, I too am considering a career shift, Money aside, who you work with versus work for will make or break your experience to some degree. I am considering this as a potnetial fall back position and possibly front running position as I do like the job security of it all.
Any comment on the hours you put in, shift work etc…
kevin mccomirck | Feb 26, 2009 | Reply
im a sopmore in high school i want to now the qualifications to be an (emt) please i would like it if someone helped me out.
kevin mccormick | Feb 26, 2009 | Reply
woops spelled sophmore wrong sorry.
Tyler Mikesell | Feb 27, 2009 | Reply
Todd, I am sincerely grateful that you were willing and able to share your insight and life long experience with all of us.
Sarah | Mar 9, 2009 | Reply
Thank you. This page had more information than any other one I’ve looked at.
Lori | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
Much more informative than other sites that I read. Thank you! I have a lot of good facts now to work with.
Joe | Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
If anyone is studying to be an EMT this is a good site with a lot of helpful & free study tools… http://www.EMTAmerica.com
Anglaise | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
Hey #4 by richie….you need take English class
fourofus | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
I am taking the EMT course this summer and have been around EMTs for years. Story after story of victims from sledding accidents to major car accidents made me think long and hard about joining this career. I just wanted to thank you for pointing out the negatives. I needed to be reminded of the “not so nice” aspect of becoming an EMT. There is always something not nice about every job. Being an EMT is and always will be a dream of mine. By the way I am 33. It took me this long to make sure I was ready for the horror that can happen at every accident. Thanks again.
latasha lucas | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
more infomation about the emt certification classes. how do start a career in becoming a emt or paremedic.
MiLO | Apr 6, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the information. It was a great read.
Alexander | Apr 14, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the well-written article. It has mentally prepared and encouraged me.
Michael | Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Thank you so much!
This was a awsome article ^_^
Shawn | Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
kevin mccormick, you mispelled whoops and sophomore twice. Please tell that you are not an EMT.
Danyelle S | Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
After reading this wonderful article, I have decided not to become a paramedic or EMT. Don’t misunderstand, I didn’t know much about the job except the obvious. I am glad I got the information, I feel like I need to choose something that I would do well at and this would be very difficult for me for many reasons. I would not do any job where someone’s life is in my hands and doubt my ability. Thank you for helping me to decide that it may not be a wise career choice for me. Good luck and thank you to all who are able to do this rewarding and difficult career.
RZapien | May 19, 2009 | Reply
I know that in some California High Schools, Like mine Oxnard high School, you can take a ROP, a Regional Occupational Program, and they offer First Responder, so for those Sophmores on here, you can ask about ROP, im a Junior myself, I had signed up for ROP First Responder but the hours were changed and I couldnt take it.
Jocelynn | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I really am interested in making this a career of mine. I just love the thought of helping people.
Tyler | Jun 14, 2009 | Reply
too bad most job are bunches of discrimination about the vision and hearing requirement…. I really want to be a police officer, and paramedic or firefighter requirement are all the same almost in Canada..I Hate the Government.
Ate | Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
Thank you so much for this article.
I will try my best to handle the puke in the back of the ambulance.
Hopefully I will make it.
-God.
Mike | Aug 14, 2009 | Reply
I hope Kevin and Ritchie never meet. Could you imagine if they were partners? Drooling and chaos would ensue.
Angie | Aug 26, 2009 | Reply
I want to say I liked this article. I agree, a lot of the info out there is all about the positive side of things. I currently work at an office job and make good money but find I am just not 100% into it. I want a job where I have a STRONG purpose which is why I am looking into EMT. I have a strong stomach and a big heart which can both be good or bad qualities in an EMT position. Years ago I dated a guy who was a fire fighter and we witnessed an accident where a father and hs young daughter were thrown from the vehicle. The firefighter I was dating and an EMT who also happened to be there were to find the father who was thrown into a field. I got the duty of trying to keep the daughter calm. Mind you, this required me to slide under the truck that was stopped on top of her and hold her head and neck still. All the while she was bleeding and crying for her father. It was difficult but knowing that I helped that little girl made it all worth it. I am still debating on the career but it is a strong possibility.
Cody Roll | Sep 16, 2009 | Reply
I would like to bacome an EMT. I have my high school degree and thats it. I work in lawncare right now and Im not happy with the direction my life is heading. I would like to find out what i need to do to become an EMT. I dont have the money to go to school. Is there anyway to become an EMT without going to school??
Becky | Sep 26, 2009 | Reply
I am 38 years old. I was wonderingif I was too old. I have always wanted to do this. I am like the family EMT. I love the medical field, But life happened and there you go. Am I too Old????
Renee | Dec 13, 2009 | Reply
Becky — No you are absolutely not too old…if this is something that you want to peruse, got for it! There are plenty of opportunities for EMS at any age. I think it is great that you are interested.
Another thing about being an EMT is the compassion. I am looking forward to getting certified and in my ride time I noticed a great difference in the compassion from each individual. While all workers I observed were very good at what they do, it really made a world of difference in seeing those who had downright compassion for the job.
Overall, I feel that EMS and EMT is a great career path. If it is what you really like, the pay shouln\’t discourage you. There are plenty of alternative options in the world to make extra cash on the side, legit. Some I like to consider are renting property, finding a hobby to somehow obtain capital, ect ect. There is so much out there, dont let income limit your options for what you really want as a career.
Helpful Advice | Feb 12, 2010 | Reply
You’ll have to find yourself a good school or an online course. I would recommend a good school, and make sure it is ACCREDITED. You are going to have to get your EMT-Basic license first before you move on to Paramedic. All advice I’ve gotten is to work as an EMT-B for a while before considering Paramedic school. It is better to learn if you are going to like the environment before you spend all that money on your Medic classes after spending it on your Basic classes. Good luck.
Mary Ellen | Mar 30, 2010 | Reply
I think if some one really wants to be a Paramedic or EMT that all the positive far out weighs the negative. My boyfriend was one until he passed away, both my boys ages 21 and 19 love it and wouldn’t think of ever doing any thing else. The 21 year old was 15 when he started his classes but had to wait until he turned 16 to be certified in the state of CT. I will be getting mine this summer and cant wait to be able to help those in need. I have wanted to do this for 11 years now but couldn’t do it due to the death of my boyfriend but I’m sure ready now.
Darren | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
I Always wanted to become a firefighter emt and I’m in 12 greade some tell me do u need to be smart to do this kind of job.
Amanda | Jan 18, 2011 | Reply
Thanks for posting this. I’m definitely interested in becoming an EMT. As the end of my high school career nears, I need to look into it some more. This really helped me figure out what I need to be doing to get started. So thanks again!
Jerry | May 14, 2011 | Reply
I really found all the banter interesting; but only a couple of you hit on the key points of being an EMT. Compassion and a sense of responsibility to your fellow man. If you’re looking for great pay, look somewhere else – if you hate blood… well come on, do I even have to explain this one! Being an EMT is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Having someone elses life in your hands (literally) and the reward of being able to do something to save that life can’t be described. I am an EMT-I; I’ve picked a few bodies off the road, declared a few dead, picked up more body parts than you can imagine, and I still feel like a king when I can save a father and see the look of appreciation in his kids eyes. If you don’t like working in the middle of a cold night, getting paid poorly, or the sight of blood and guts find something else to do. If you do want to work hard and enjoy the most rewarding job on the planet, become an EMT.
seth | Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
its sophomore…you spelled it wrong twice