Cool Job of the Month

Emergency Medical Technician

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. As we have seen from the 9/11 tragedy in New York and Washington, the lives of many individuals depend on the bravery and unrelenting persistence of others. Firefighters, Police Officers, Doctors and Nurses all put their lives on-the-line everyday to help others. Included in this long list of heroes is Emergency Response Technicians (EMT); these individuals went right into the heart of ground zero to deliver immediate medical care to people who suffered serious, life threatening injuries.

Why it's cool

  • Employment in this field is growing rapidly. The demand for EMTs is expected to increase 29% or higher by 2020.
  • Everyday you meet new people and encounter new experiences.
  • EMT's save people's lives - Enough said!

Requirements for the Job

  • The ability to withstand stressful working conditions and irregular hours.
  • Strength and agility to endure heavy lifting.
  • The ability to stand the sight of blood and guts.
  • The courage and resilience to enter into unknown and challenging situations to save lives.
  • Confidence under pressure.
  • A sound mind to deal with patients who may be psychologically disturbed, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Education/Training

To become an EMT-Paramedic there are several levels of training that must be completed.

  1. Level 1: EMT - Basic
    Students must complete coursework on basic emergency skills and pass both the written and practical examination conducted by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
  2. Level 2: EMT - Intermediate
    EMTs are required to complete another 35-55 hours of training. This training will teach advance life support techniques, such as assessing what medication to deliver.
  3. Level 3: EMT - Paramedic
    This is the highest and final level of EMT training. Students must complete a two-year college program, and must then pass another examination given by NREMT to become certified. Once certified, EMTs must re-register every two years and be actively involved in continuing education to learn new medical techniques.

Career Path/Average Salaries

In 2012, the average salary for an EMT working in the US was about $14.77 hourly or $30,710 annually. Salary often depends on the place of employment, such as private ambulance firms, the government, or public hospitals.

Related Occupations

  • Registered Nurse
  • Doctor
  • Police Officer
  • Fire Fighter

JVIS Report

  • You should consider this job if you score above average on the following Basic Interes Scales: Medical Service, Life Science, Stamina, and Interpersonal Confidence.
  • Your JVIS Report should show one or all of the following occupation groups under your Top 3: Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Occupations, Occupations in Life Science, or Health Service Workers.

For more information contact:

  • The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
    P.O. Box 1400
    Clinton, MS 39060-1400
    Website: www.naemt.org
  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
    Rocco V Morand Building
    Box 29233/6610 Busch Blvd.
    Columbus, OH 43229-0233
    Website: www.nremt.org
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