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.

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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.

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!

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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.

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.	State	The lowest salary	The highest salary	The average salary
				Per hour	Annually
1	New York	$24,622	$42,678	$15.78	$32,823
2	Massachusetts	$24,419	$42,326	$15.52	$32,286
3	Washington	$22,398	$38,822	$15.52	$32,286
4	New Hampshire	$23,958	$41,427	$15.21	$31,643
5	Hawaii	$22,549	$39,085	$15.01	$31,226
6	Maryland	$22,780	$39,484	$14.49	$30,131
7	Connecticut	$22,431	$38,880	$14.48	$30,122
8	Rhode Island	$21,656	$37,537	$14.36	$28,877
9	Alaska	$22,500	$39,000	$14.35	$29,838
10	Vermont	$22,532	$39,055	$14.29	$29,715
11	Nebraska	$22,562	$39,107	$14.27	$29,677
12	Nevada	$22,500	$39,000	$14.23	$29,677
13	North Dakota	$22,500	$39,000	$14.18	$29,492
14	Wyoming	$22,500	$39,000	$14.17	$29,467
15	California	$22,466	$38,942	$14.14	$29,419
16	Virginia	$22,029	$38,182	$14.08	$29,288
17	Kentucky	$20,910	$36,243	$13.80	$28,699
18	South Dakota	$21,223	$36,787	$13.76	$28,631
19	New Jersey	$21,521	$37,303	$13.74	$28,569
20	West Virginia	$21,770	$37,735	$13.72	$28,534
21	Pennsylvania	$21,328	$36,968	$13.65	$28,396
22	South Carolina	$21,220	$36,781	$13.58	$28,249
23	Minnesota	$21,146	$36,653	$13.57	$28,223
24	Oregon	$21,214	$36,771	$13.54	$28,155
25	Delaware	$21,251	$36,835	$13.53	$28,151
26	Colorado	$21,383	$37,065	$13.52	$28,114
27	Tennessee	$21,166	$36,687	$13.52	$28,1114
28	Montana	$22,500	$39,000	$13.51	$28,093
29	Ohio	$20,914	$36,251	$13.43	$27,929
30	Wisconsin	$20,509	$35,549	$13.40	$27,862
31	Arizona	$21,222	$36,785	$13.37	$27,804
32	Kansas	$20,695	$35,871	$13.31	$27,684
33	Utah	$21,077	$36,534	$13.30	$27,672
34	Indiana	$20,840	$36,122	$13.28	$27,626
35	Oklahoma	$20,781	$36,022	$13.26	$27,582
36	Idaho	$22,500	$39,000	$13.22	$27,504
37	Maine	$20,468	$35,477	$13.21	$27,483
38	Louisiana	$20,678	$35,843	$13.16	$27,372
39	Iowa	$20,616	$35,734	$13.02	$27,090
40	Georgia	$20,107	$34,851	$12.90	$26,822
41	Texas	$20,231	$35,068	$12.75	$26,514
42	Arkansas	$20,216	$35,041	$12.68	$26,370
43	Alabama	$20,132	$34,895	$12.59	$26,195
44	New Mexico	$19,900	$34,492	$12.72	$26,457
45	Michigan	$19,719	$34,181	$12.69	$26,390
46	Illinois	$19,712	$34,168	$12.61	$26,227
47	Mississippi	$19,826	$34,366	$12.47	$25,930
48	Missouri	$19,445	$33,705	$12.44	$25,869
49	Florida	$18,972	$32,883	$12.15	$25,281
50	North 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!

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NREMT Skills Sheets | What You Need To Know In 2024

The NREMT Skills Sheets are a must-have for NREMT candidates to successfully pass the NREM examination. Follow this article to know more about this now!

Updated at March 13, 2023

For NREMT candidates preparing for the NREMT exam, NREMT Skills Sheets are a must. This NREMT study guide includes all of the NREMT practical tips and knowledge required to pass the NREM exam. You may also use our free EMT practice test in conjunction with these documents to ensure that you are fully prepared for your upcoming big day.

Firstly, you must pass both the cognitive exam and the psychomotor exam to qualify and get your EMS national certification. Because you must present the same information across the board, remember to contact your course instructor to walk you through the steps of scheduling your exam before taking your practical exam. The National Registry does not administer the psychomotor exam. This exam is administered by your State EMS Office, so it varies between states how and where you will test.

Secondly, you must be acknowledged that you have completed your program and had comprehensive psychomotor knowledge from your program director before you sign up for the exam for advanced levels of the practical exam, AEMT and Paramedic. In addition, you must obtain a PATT letter (Psychomotor Authorization to Test) and remember to maintain your PATT number, and bring a copy of the letter to the exam.

The following PDF documents give a comprehensive checklist of each skill presented, they are taken from the National Registry website. Please remember that “the State EMS Office or training institution may use different forms and the following performance lists are just a guide for the verification of required skills.” You can find out more information on the NREMT website.

EMR Skills Sheets

Patient Assessment/Management – Trauma (Download PDF)
Patient Assessment/Management – Medical (Download PDF)
Oxygen Administration by Non-Rebreather Mask (Download PDF)
Cardiac Arrest Management/AED (Download PDF)
BVM Ventilation of an Apneic Adult Patient (Download PDF)

EMT Skills Sheets

Patient Assessment/Management – Trauma (Download PDF)
Patient Assessment/Management – Medical (Download PDF)
Oxygen Administration by Non-Rebreather Mask (Download PDF)
Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient) (Download PDF)
BVM Ventilation of an Apneic Adult Patient (Download PDF)
Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient) (Download PDF)
Cardiac Arrest Management/AED (Download PDF)
Bleeding Control/Shock Management (Download PDF)
Joint Immobilization (Download PDF)
Long Bone Immobilization (Download PDF)

Read more: How To Become An EMT In 2024?

AEMT Skills Sheets

Patient Assessment – Trauma (Download PDF)
Patient Assessment – Medical (Download PDF)
Supraglottic Airway Device (Download PDF)
Pediatric Respiratory Compromise (Download PDF)
Cardiac Arrest Management (Download PDF)
Intravenous Therapy – Bolus (Download PDF)
Pediatric Intraosseous Infusion (Download PDF)
Spinal Immobilization – Supine (Download PDF)
Spinal Immobilization Seated Patient (Download PDF)
Long Bone Immobilization (Download PDF)
Joint Immobilization (Download PDF)
Bleeding Control Shock Management (Download PDF)

Paramedic

Patient Assessment – Trauma (Download PDF)
Dynamic Cardiology (Download PDF)
Static Cardiology (Download PDF)
Oral Station (Download PDF)
Oral Stations Template (Download PDF)
Oral Station Sample Scenario (Download PDF)
Integrated Out-of-Hospital Scenario (Download PDF)

Read more: How To Become A Paramedic In 2024?

Finally, we sincerely hope that these NREMT Skills Sheets make it simpler for you to achieve your desired objectives!

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