Degree2Trade
🚑

EMT / Paramedic

Be first on scene when seconds count

$38,000-$55,000 (EMT) / $50,000-$75,000 (Paramedic)
Salary Range
2-6 months (EMT) / 1-2 years (Paramedic)
Training Time
5%
Job Growth

Career Overview

EMTs and Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. This is often a stepping stone to other healthcare or emergency services careers.

📅 A Day in the Life

1Respond to 911 emergency calls
2Assess patient conditions and provide immediate care
3Perform CPR, wound care, and splinting
4Transport patients safely to medical facilities
5Document patient encounters and hand off to hospital staff

💪 Key Skills

  • ✓Calm under pressure
  • ✓Quick decision-making
  • ✓Physical fitness and strength
  • ✓Compassion and patient communication
  • ✓Teamwork with partner and dispatch

📜 Certifications

  • ★National Registry EMT (NREMT)
  • ★State EMT License
  • ★CPR/BLS Certification
  • ★Paramedic Certification (advanced)
  • ★PHTLS/ITLS (trauma certifications)

📈 Career Progression

EMT-Basic→
Advanced EMT (AEMT)→
Paramedic→
Flight Paramedic / Critical Care→
EMS Supervisor / Director

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • +Fast entry into healthcare
  • +Exciting and varied work
  • +Make immediate impact
  • +Stepping stone to other careers

Cons

  • −Lower pay than other healthcare roles
  • −High stress and trauma exposure
  • −Irregular hours and shifts
  • −Physical demands

🔗 Learn More

National Registry of EMTs →NAEMT →Bureau of Labor Statistics - EMTs →

Ready to Get Started?

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