Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
Very High
Salary
$24,000
Job Growth
24.20%
Job Description:
Assess injuries, administer emergency medical care, and extricate trapped individuals. Transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
What Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Do:
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
How to Become One:
Complete EMT basic training (EMT-B) which takes anywhere from six months to two years to complete, depending on the institution. In West Virginia, candidates must complete a state-approved program where education is based on national criteria from the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards. A written and practical examination from either the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or West Virginia State Initial Certification must be passed. Advanced EMT training typically requires 300 hours of coursework.
The educational requirements for becoming a paramedic are rigorous and typically include completing a two-year degree at a community college or technical school. Some programs require trainees to work as an EMT for six months before applying.