How To Become An EMT In 2024? | The Comprehensive Guide

This article will guide you on how to become an EMT, including what it takes, where you can get started and the EMT practice test resource! Follow it now!

Updated at March 13, 2023

The first line of emergency medical services is made up of EMTs. They react to crises, perform life-saving procedures, and move the ill or injured from one place to another. Becoming an EMT requires extensive training and lots of effort, but the payoff is great once you do! This site will instruct you on how to become an EMT, what it takes, how to get started, and where to find free EMT practice test resource.

How to become an EMT

Different types of EMTs

There are several different types of EMTs that you can choose to become. The three most common and widely used are EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician), EMT-A (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician), and EMT-Paramedic (commonly referred to as Paramedic). Here is a brief summary of each one!

EMT-B

The standard certification level is EMT-B. Therefore, it involves fewer training hours and responsibilities than those with more advanced training. EMT-Basic performs a variety of duties such as: assessing a patient’s condition, performing basic life support (BLS), reading electrocardiograms (EKGs), and more.

EMT-A

EMT-A is a higher level that requires at least one year of additional training beyond the minimum requirements for an EMT-B certificate. The tasks EMT-A needs to perform are the same as EMT-B plus performing advanced airway management and intravenous therapy.

EMT-Paramedics

This is also at a higher level than EMT-A, which will require two years of training beyond the minimum requirements for an EMT-A certificate. They provide additional care such as administering medications orally or through injections to patients

The most advanced level of certification for an emergency medical technician is EMT-Paramedic. In order to receive this certificate, it requires at least two years of additional training not including EMT-B certification requirements. The duties performed by paramedics are the same as an EMT-A plus the ability to provide advanced medical care. This includes IV therapy, administering medications orally and by injection, and performing psychomotor skills including emergency childbirth deliveries and CPR for adults (including on pediatric patients).

Maybe you care about the average salary of an EMT.

How to become an EMT?

How to become an EMT

Complete EMT Basic Training

It is a must for any Emergency Medical Technician to obtain CPR certification. The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross regularly offer the CPR certification course which is available through many communities and organizations. Both EMTs and Paramedics have to complete a postsecondary emergency medical technology program lasting 1-2 years. They are taught how to assess, care for, and transport patients after finishing that course at a community college, technical college, or university.

Aspiring paramedics then pursue a two-year associate degree in emergency medical services. These programs prepare learners to administer medications, insert IVs, and resuscitate patients.

Register, Schedule & Pass the National Registry Exam

Then, you will need to pass the National Registry Exam. This test is offered in both written and practical formats, with a passing score of 75% or higher on each exam section being required for EMT certification eligibility. The current version of the registry exam has two sections:

Cognitive Section

The cognitive exam includes questions about patient assessment skills, medications and treatments, patient care skills, medical terminology, and anatomy.

Exam Type: Computer Adaptive
Questions: 70-120
Time Limit: 2 hours

Cognitive Exam Fee: $98 (Per exam attempt)
Renewal Fee: $20
Late Fee: $50 + Renewal Fee

Practical Section

Practical Section – includes a written exam on the Basic Skills Protocols to demonstrate that you can perform all of the tasks in this section successfully.

For more detailed information, check the Candidate book on the NREMT website.

Complete the Live Scan fingerprinting background check

You must complete a BCIA 8016, REQUEST FOR LIVE SCAN SERVICE form and take it to a live scan operator. They will then take a full set of your fingerprints which must be submitted to BCIA.

Necessary documents

Take all necessary documents and apply for certification at an EMS agency.

Before you apply for certification at an EMS agency, you must pass the NREMT exam and complete your Live Scan background check. Once you take your NREMT card, your completion certificate from the EMT course, and your CPR card, bring them to the local EMS agency and make an application for certification.

Complete Advanced EMT Training (Optional)

You can complete an advanced EMT course on your own time, and take the Advanced EMT exam from the NREMT through BCIA to become eligible for higher-level positions. It takes about 150 to 200 hours of fieldwork to complete an Advanced training course. Internship rotations in an emergency room and an emergency services agency are required by many courses.

Complete a Two-Year Degree Program (Optional)

EMTs are often eligible for a two-year degree program provided by community colleges or vocational training schools. These programs typically take between 18 and 24 months to complete, but they will provide you with the opportunity to earn more income while working as an EMT.

FAQs – Emergency Medical Technician Exam

What are the EMT Basic requirements?

To obtain an EMT-B, there are certain requirements that you must meet. You need to be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. In addition, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive formal training from an approved paramedic program. They must complete a state-approved EMT-B or I/85 course within the last 2 years. Successfully complete a psychomotor exam and pass the NREMT cognitive exam. Also, a current Healthcare Provider BLS certification is required.

Maybe you also want to know the NREMT Skills Sheets, you can get more information with our blog.

How long does it take to become an EMT?

Most candidates need six months to two years to complete the training courses and pass the NREMT exam. However, the length of time needed varies depending on the individual’s experience with related work and his/her desire.

What other jobs can I do as a paramedic/EMT?

They can work in a variety of fields, including emergency medicine and private ambulance companies. For example, EMTs and paramedics can explore careers as police officers and firefighters. Hospitals also hire them as emergency-room technicians.

If you care about which job you can do with EMT, you can try to visit our blog.

How to become an EMT after high school?

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain your certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. You can submit an application for a certification program as soon as you complete high school or earn your GED. In addition to earning your certification through a local college class, you can enroll in many universities’ Emergency Medical Services Associate in Science programs.

In conclusion, becoming a paramedic or emergency medical technician is usually one of the first things that comes to mind when individuals consider jobs in emergency medicine. What is the nature of this work? How can you get it? Hopefully this article has provided you with the basic requirements for becoming an EMT.

Read more: EMT vs Paramedic: What Is The Difference?

We hope that this comprehensive guide will enable you to advance in your job. It’s time to start practicing for your upcoming EMT exam. Now take it!

What Is The Average EMT Salary In Every State [2024 Updated]

In this article, we will provide beneficial information about how much an EMT makes and the average EMT salary by State. Follow this article to know more now!

Updated at March 13, 2023

EMTs are essential to the healthcare sector. They are the first individuals on the scene in emergency medical crises, helping to save lives. Although EMTs may not earn as much as paramedics, there is always a big need for them. We will address all of your queries on the average EMT salary by State and the payroll of EMTs in this blog.

average emt salary by state

What does an EMT do?

Emergency Medical Technicians, also known as EMTs, are the first responders at the scene of an emergency such as serious accidents or injuries. Hospitals, fire departments, police departments, or private ambulance services are some places where EMTs probably work.

There, they are in charge of assessing and treating patients in emergencies so that patients’ conditions can be stabilized long enough while they are being given to the hospital. Maintaining a patient’s airway, addressing bleeding, and preventing shock are several vital treatments EMTs can take care of on the spot.

To get more information about the job you can do with EMTs, you can try to visit our blog.

Do Paramedics make more than an EMT?

EMTs’ main duties are assessing and stabilizing patients’ conditions by providing them with some basic life-saving treatments. On the other hand, paramedics who are licensed medical providers have the right to apply more advanced life-saving measures such as using a defibrillator, administering drugs, inserting an IV line, and intubating a patient.

To become paramedics, students must study both basic and advanced EMT studies. They also have to finish the supplementary courses and on-job training as well. It means that Paramedics require higher education and more experience, so they can earn more than EMTs.

Read more: The difference between an EMT and a Paramedic

How much does an EMT make?

While paramedics can earn $40,000 as the annual average salary, EMTs earn between $33,000 to $50,000 per year on average. However, EMT salary can be affected by many other factors including the state of the employment and the company a person works for.

How much does an EMT Basic make in an hour?

According to Salary.com, the average annual salaries of EMTs are between $32,860 and $40,760 nationwide. Therefore, they can earn an average of $16 to $20 per hour.

Where do EMTs get paid the most?

how much an EMT makes

Like other careers, EMTs get paid the most in areas with high demand for their services. However, before seeking a job with a high-paid salary at a new place, you should also consider the course of living there, such as the costs of housing, travel, food, and other commodities. When considering these things, you may realize that the high wages offered to tend to be lower ones.

Zip recruiter’s report, which is confirmed by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, showed that New York is the place where EMTs get the highest-paid. The average salary of an EMT there is $15.78 per hour, so they can earn the average salary of $32,823.

Average EMT salary by state

Below are average estimates of wages as reported by Zip Recruiter, ranked from highest to lowest.

No.StateThe lowest salaryThe highest salaryThe average salary 
Per hourAnnually
1New York$24,622$42,678$15.78$32,823
2Massachusetts$24,419$42,326$15.52$32,286
3Washington$22,398$38,822$15.52$32,286
4New Hampshire$23,958$41,427$15.21$31,643
5Hawaii$22,549$39,085$15.01$31,226
6Maryland$22,780$39,484$14.49$30,131
7Connecticut$22,431$38,880$14.48$30,122
8Rhode Island$21,656$37,537$14.36$28,877
9Alaska$22,500$39,000$14.35$29,838
10Vermont$22,532$39,055$14.29$29,715
11Nebraska$22,562$39,107$14.27$29,677
12Nevada$22,500$39,000$14.23$29,677
13North Dakota$22,500$39,000$14.18$29,492
14Wyoming$22,500$39,000$14.17$29,467
15California$22,466$38,942$14.14$29,419
16Virginia$22,029$38,182$14.08$29,288
17Kentucky$20,910$36,243$13.80$28,699
18South Dakota$21,223$36,787$13.76$28,631
19New Jersey$21,521$37,303$13.74$28,569
20West Virginia$21,770$37,735$13.72$28,534
21Pennsylvania$21,328$36,968$13.65$28,396
22South Carolina$21,220$36,781$13.58$28,249
23Minnesota$21,146$36,653$13.57$28,223
24Oregon$21,214$36,771$13.54$28,155
25Delaware$21,251$36,835$13.53$28,151
26Colorado$21,383$37,065$13.52$28,114
27Tennessee$21,166$36,687$13.52$28,1114
28Montana$22,500$39,000$13.51$28,093
29Ohio$20,914$36,251$13.43$27,929
30Wisconsin$20,509$35,549$13.40$27,862
31Arizona$21,222$36,785$13.37$27,804
32Kansas$20,695$35,871$13.31$27,684
33Utah$21,077$36,534$13.30$27,672
34Indiana$20,840$36,122$13.28$27,626
35Oklahoma$20,781$36,022$13.26$27,582
36Idaho$22,500$39,000$13.22$27,504
37Maine$20,468$35,477$13.21$27,483
38Louisiana$20,678$35,843$13.16$27,372
39Iowa$20,616$35,734$13.02$27,090
40Georgia$20,107$34,851$12.90$26,822
41Texas$20,231$35,068$12.75$26,514
42Arkansas$20,216$35,041$12.68$26,370
43Alabama$20,132$34,895$12.59$26,195
44New Mexico$19,900$34,492$12.72$26,457
45Michigan$19,719$34,181$12.69$26,390
46Illinois$19,712$34,168$12.61$26,227
47Mississippi$19,826$34,366$12.47$25,930
48Missouri$19,445$33,705$12.44$25,869
49Florida$18,972$32,883$12.15$25,281
50North Carolina$17,455$30,256$11.57$25,072

It’s a well-known fact that EMT jobs are not as lucrative as they might seem. There are a few reasons why the EMT salary is so low.
Firstly, becoming an EMT is widely known as the first and fundamental step to getting to a better job or a better life. Therefore, a lot of people take an EMT course and exam first, but not all of them work as EMTs for their whole life, many EMTs then access higher education to become licensed paramedics or doctors and other higher-paid medical professionals.

Why is EMT pay so low?

Another reason why EMTs are paid so low is they are often seen as a public service. They can work for government-funded positions that do not always pay well, or they can work privately and get paid less than their counterparts in other medical fields.

Last but not least, in some rural areas, volunteers are often in charge of EMTs’ roles. This means that it will be harder for EMTs to earn a wage because there are so many people who are ready to do this job for free.

Are EMTs in demand?

The need for emergency medical care is largely stable, just like for all other medical specialties. From 2018 to 2028, it is projected to rise by 7%. This rate of growth is faster than that of all other professions. So, it would be simple to acquire employment as an EMT. 

In conclusion, being an EMT is not difficult. The required training can be completed rapidly, and those who go through this process are likely to swiftly obtain employment. We have created the EMT practice test website to assist you in strengthening your comprehension of all EMT knowledge areas so that you can succeed in your EMT career.

You have access to thousands of free EMT-B practice questions and EMT complete tests. Don’t hesitate and jump right in! 

EMT vs Paramedic: What Is The Difference?

This article is going to indicate the difference between EMT vs Paramedic, what these careers entail and how they differ from one another. Follow this now!

Updated at March 13, 2023

An EMT or paramedic career may be the best fit for you if you’re interested in a profession that involves saving lives. What these jobs entail and how they differ from one another will be explained in this blog post. We will also discuss the certification requirements so that you can begin your path to this fulfilling career.

The level of education and patient care are the two main differences when it comes to EMT vs Paramedic. An EMT cannot give the same degree of treatment for patients as a paramedic, who often has greater training.

What are they?

EMTs are also known as Emergency Medical Technicians, they are the person who will be providing pre-hospital care and who are typically the first person on the scene.

Paramedics, also known as Emergency Medical Technicians with Advanced Life Support training, have more advanced skills than an EMT, such as suturing wounds and administering IV drugs. They can provide both basic and advanced life support services for patients in emergency situations.

Where do they work?

Some places where EMTs can often work are ambulance services, governments, hospitals, fire departments, and hospital departments. In these places, a medical director or physician supervises their work and they have a limited scope of practice.

On the other hand, Paramedics most commonly are employed by emergency medical services (EMS). There, they can work with EMTs, but the number of Paramedics is often larger than EMTs. Besides, Paramedics can also work for air ambulances and fire services.

Maybe you care about the salary of an EMT.

emt vs paramedic

The difference in typical responsibilities between EMT vs Paramedic

As the first responders to an emergency situation, EMTs have some duties such as responding to 911 calls for emergency medical technicians, assessing patients, helping them stabilize, and treating them on the way to hospitals or between facilities. Some of the treatments they can do within their scope of practice are using a backboard and restrains to keep the patients still and safe in the ambulance during transport, providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bandaging wounds, and controlling external bleeding, preventing shock and further injury in patients. They also must maintain patient records, and inform the hospital about the injury or illness, the number of patients being transported, and the expected time of arrival.

In addition to some EMTs’ basic duties, Paramedics can take more advanced practices. For instance, they might provide additional treatment to the patient during transport, such as intravenous (IV) medications or fluid replacement. They can also use more advanced equipment in order to treat patients who have been injured severely enough that they need surgery and are transported by helicopter.

Education and experience requirements

If you want to become an EMT, having a high school diploma or GED is sufficient. You do not need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. However, completing an EMT training program that is offered by community colleges and vocational schools is a must. Such programs often are completed in 150 hours. In addition, to become a successful EMT, students must also pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam.

The highest level of EMTs is Paramedics which is why becoming a Paramedic requires more education than becoming an EMT. Students must finish basic and advanced EMT training courses and additional studies. Generally, they also have to work as EMTs for one to two years to gain experience. Students must also take EMT courses at a college or university. These programs typically last between two and four years. That depends on the school’s curriculum, which ranges from 100 to 200-course hours. Paramedics are required to be certified by the National Board for Certification of Emergency Medical Technicians (NBCET).

You can get more about NREMT Skills Sheets in our blog.

Certification and license

Obtaining CPR certification is a must for anyone who wants to become an EMT because only a person who possesses CPR certification can enroll in an EMT training program. Many organizations provide students with that certification such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Another certification students must take to become an EMT is the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification. NREMT certification is the guarantee of a student’s competence and almost every state requires it for becoming a licensed emergency medical technician. The EMT must be at least 18 years old and should have a valid driver’s license to receive an NREMT license.

In order to become a Paramedic, you are required to obtain all the licenses as an EMT. In addition, Paramedics must pass the NBCET Exam and also be licensed by their state. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) administers this exam which is a two-part assessment that consists of an essay test and a computerized practical examination where students are required to perform skills such as cardiac monitoring, and intravenous fluid administration, and airway management.

How do you become an EMT?

Steps for Becoming an EMT:

  • 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license.
  • Complete your basic educational requirements – a high school diploma or GED.
  • Gain CPR certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
  • Take the NREMT exam and get your certification once you pass it.
  • You can take boot camp to become certified but this is not mandatory in most states. This usually takes about three weeks).

To get more information about the way to become an EMT, you can try to visit our blog.

How do you become a paramedic?

You have to meet the following requirements:

  • 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license.
  • Complete your basic educational requirements – a high school diploma or GED.
  • Gain CPR certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association if you want to work as an EMT and not be limited to just paramedics (this usually takes about three weeks).
  • Take the NREMT exam and get your certification once you pass it.
  • Get a job as an EMT for at least two years. This will give you more experience in emergency medical situations.
  • Complete paramedic school (this usually takes about six months).

Visit our blog if you are interested in how to become a paramedic. 

In short, a paramedic has greater training than an EMT, which is the main distinction between the two professions. A paramedic administers basic life support (BLS), along with advanced cardiac care, including giving patients medicines and conducting endotracheal intubation (EIT).

We advise using our free EMT practice test if you plan to take the EMT-B exam. You may prepare for your upcoming exam to the fullest extent possible with the help of thousands of free EMT practice questions and our innovative gamified learning approach. Take it!

What Jobs Can You Get With EMT Basic?

What jobs you can get with EMT Basic? The answer is there are plenty of jobs that EMTs qualified professionals can apply for. Follow this article to know more!

Updated at March 13, 2023

What do you want to do with your life? What are your dreams and goals for the future? What career path would make you happy and fulfilled in this world? What if I told you that there is more than one way to achieve that goal of a fulfilling job. What if I told you that it doesn’t matter what college degree or professional license you hold because an EMT certification can open up many doors for jobs! In this blog post, we will explore what types of jobs are available to those who have obtained an EMT certification.

Many people often feel depressed after doing a certain job for a long time. Then they want to seek a new job, a new environment to experience and develop themself. So are EMTs, many of them want to try their hand in another field after years of working as EMTs. However, they don’t want to give up the skills they already have as EMTs, they want to use them in a different way. And then the question arises “What Jobs Can You Get with EMT Basic?” and the answer is there are plenty of jobs that EMT qualified professionals can apply for.

The following career list is some of the best choices for them. Although these careers probably require further training and education before you can apply, they are jobs where your EMTs certification is seen as an asset, and the skills you have are extremely useful.

Maybe you want to know about the average EMT salary in every state.

What Jobs Can You Get with EMT Basic?

Firefighter

In almost all areas, firefighters now have more duties than just putting out the fire. Because there is the fact that the calls firefighters run for emergency medical services account for 65% or even more of the total calls. Therefore, it is essential for firefighters to have the skills of EMTs or Paramedics. It also means that a certified EMT with a lot of experience can easily be hired as a firefighter. Though EMTs must complete some additional training courses to well perform some other roles such as fire suppression, rescue, and fire alarms as a firefighter. Sometimes, these courses are provided in the fire academy after you get hired.

Typically, if salaried, this job pays around $23 an hour or $47,500 a year.

Industrial medic

If you want to work as Industrial Medic, you can easily get that job because an industrial medic has the same skill requirements as an EMT. You will work in massive factories where there are a lot of injuries and illnesses. The only thing you will need to have in order to work as an industrial medic is a basic EMT certification. However, you can earn more and have great career prospects if you have a Paramedic certification. Though you can still work as EMT, you only with people who work for the company. In contrast, as an industrial medic, you can work in factories or industrial areas.

Typically, if salaried, this job pays around $24 an hour or $48,000 a year.

Offshore Medic

Another job that pays higher salaries and easily seeks for it is an offshore medic. If you have a paramedic or nursing qualification, you can try this career. Though this is hard work but better compensated than most EMT work. You will work on an oil rig with often 12 hours shifts and 12 hours off and probably lasts for 3 months. Nevertheless, for every week on the rig, you can get one onshore without doing anything.

Typically, if salaried, this job pays around $33 an hour or $70,000 a year.

Emergency dispatcher

If you wonder can you work as an emergency dispatcher or not, the answer is absolute can. The duty of the emergency dispatcher is to handle 911 calls. Then allocate the resulting work to the right people to handle the current emergency. Therefore, the biggest skill an emergency dispatcher needs to have is timely information gathering. In addition, with your experiences as an EMT, you will know exactly what kind of information you need to get.

This career is available from individuals to networked communications hubs serving all services. And, if you are hired, it usually pays around $20 an hour or $41,000 a year.

Emergency room technician

If you no longer want to work as an EMT outside of the hospital, you can consider working in an emergency room (ERT). The patients will come to you when you work in an ERT instead of you have to going outside to work. This is the biggest difference between an EMT and ERT. This sort of work is also available in an emergency room in the country, and your EMT certification equivalent to an ERT certificate.

Typically, if you work as an ERT, you will be paid around $31 an hour or $64,000 a year.

Read more: How To Become An EMT In 2024?

Contract medic

Normally, companies only need to hire contract medics at some certain time of the year. It is when they have concert venues or cruise ships. However, you tend to be paid more when working as a contract medic comparing to the ordinary EMT. Though contract medic probably results in fewer periods of activity, it is necessary for you to keep finding additional contracts. These sorts of roles can be found in some specialist employment agencies.

Typically, if you are hired, you will be paid around $28 an hour or $59,000 a year.

Biological technician

If you are interested in conducting laboratory tests and collecting samples, you can apply for biological technician positions. They are highly skilled research assistants who work to develop predictive models and new forms of medical action to help others as well. With an EMT certification, you can be hired to work a biological technician position as it doesn’t have any further requirements. However, you can get better chances if you have a higher degree. Some places you can work are hospitals, universities, and other research fields.

Typically, you will be paid around $24 an hour or $50,000 a year if you do this job.

Crime lab technician

With your EMT experiences in dealing with people and working out the risks associated with certain kinds of work as well, many crime labs really want to hire you. There, your major responsibility involves employing testing methodologies to derive evidence (or the lack thereof) for the police and other law enforcement agencies. You probably just need a degree and EMT certification to work as a crime lab technician.

Typically, if salaried, you will be paid around $38 an hour or $80,000 a year.

Health information technician

With an EMT certification, you can easily take a job as a health information technician who is an administrative staff member having the main duties of organizing and analyzing patient information. The demand for EMTs to work as health information technician is always high because they are familiar with the language and medical terminology. Besides, wherever medicine is being practiced, you can easily find this job. Some places you can work are clinics, surgeries, hospitals, and so on.

If you are hired, this job usually pays around $22 an hour or $48,000 a year.

Surgical technologist

Although you need to be more qualified to become a surgical technologist, you still can do this job as it has a lot of commons with an EMT. During surgery, surgical technologists are in charge of helping the surgical team and provide basic care and administration for patients. Most of these sorts of jobs can be found in hospitals as it where surgery tends to occur.

Typically, you will be paid around $24 an hour or $50,000 a year if you are hired.

As you can see, there are a variety of jobs you can do with an EMT certification. If you want to change of scene, do it right now because there are many opportunities open up to you. Once you do it, you will realize that you don’t have to give up your available EMT skills, you will just carry them out at different locations with other people and focus.

If you are going to gain an EMT certification, let our free EMT practice test helps you easily pass the exam. 

Let’s practice now!