How to Become an
EMT
The fastest entry point into emergency medical services — start saving lives in as little as 3 months
EMT Statistics — 2024 Data
What Does an EMT Do?
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the frontline of pre-hospital care. They respond to 911 calls, assess patients, provide basic life support (BLS), and transport patients to hospitals. EMTs are often the first medical professionals on scene at accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and other emergencies.
- Patient Assessment: Evaluate scene safety, determine chief complaints, take vital signs, and assess level of consciousness
- CPR & AED: Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use automated external defibrillators for cardiac arrest
- Bleeding Control: Apply tourniquets, pressure dressings, and hemostatic agents for severe hemorrhage
- Airway Management: Oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal airways, bag-valve-mask ventilation, suctioning, and oxygen therapy
- Splinting & Immobilization: Fracture management, spinal motion restriction, and patient packaging for transport
- Limited Medications: Epinephrine auto-injectors (allergic reactions), oral glucose (diabetic emergencies), aspirin (chest pain), naloxone/Narcan (opioid overdose)
EMTs work on ambulances, fire engines, in emergency departments, at sporting events, concerts, and industrial sites. The EMT certification is also the entry point for careers in firefighting, law enforcement, and healthcare — making it one of the most versatile certifications in emergency services.
Requirements to Become an EMT
Basic Prerequisites
- • Minimum age 18 (16 in some states with restrictions)
- • High school diploma or GED
- • CPR/BLS certification (often included in course)
- • Valid driver's license
- • Clean background check
Training Program
- • 120–150 hours of classroom instruction
- • 3–6 months (full-time or part-time)
- • Clinical ride-along hours on ambulance
- • Skills labs with hands-on practice
- • Available at community colleges, fire academies, and private schools
Certification
- • Pass NREMT cognitive exam (computer-adaptive test)
- • Pass NREMT psychomotor skills exam
- • Apply for state EMT license/certification
- • Recertify every 2 years
- • 40 hours of continuing education per cycle
Cost
- • Community college: $1,000–$3,000
- • Private academy: $2,000–$5,000
- • Textbooks & supplies: $200–$400
- • NREMT exam fee: $80
- • Some fire departments offer free EMT training
Step-by-Step Path to EMT Certification
Find an Accredited EMT Program
Search for CAAHEP or CoAEMSP-accredited EMT programs at local community colleges, fire academies, hospitals, or private training centers. Programs are available evenings and weekends for working adults. Some volunteer fire departments offer free EMT training in exchange for a service commitment.
Complete the EMT Course (3–6 months)
The EMT-Basic course covers patient assessment, airway management, cardiac emergencies, trauma, medical emergencies, obstetrics, pediatrics, and ambulance operations. Expect 120–150 hours of classroom and hands-on training plus clinical observation hours.
Pass the NREMT Exam
Register at nremt.org and schedule both the cognitive (computer-adaptive, 70–120 questions) and psychomotor (hands-on skills) exams. The cognitive exam tests all areas of the EMT curriculum. Most candidates pass on their first attempt with adequate preparation. You have 3 attempts within 2 years.
Obtain State Licensure
Apply for EMT certification/licensure in your state. Most states accept NREMT certification directly, while some require an additional state exam. Processing times vary from days to weeks depending on the state.
Get Hired & Start Your Career
Apply to ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, event medical companies, or industrial employers. Many fire departments require EMT certification as a prerequisite to apply. Your EMT cert also qualifies you to begin paramedic training.
EMT Salary & Compensation
Salary Ranges (BLS May 2024)
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
EMT Pay by Employer Type
- Fire departments: $45,000–$65,000 (highest pay + benefits)
- Hospitals: $38,000–$50,000
- Private ambulance: $32,000–$42,000
- Event/industrial: $35,000–$55,000 (varies widely)
Increase Your Earning Potential
The fastest way to increase EMT pay is to upgrade to paramedic certification (median $58,410) or combine EMT with firefighter certification for a dual-role position. Fire department EMTs typically earn 30–50% more than private ambulance EMTs, with full benefits and pension.
Where EMT Certification Can Take You
EMT-Basic is often called the “gateway certification” because it opens doors to many career paths:
Firefighter
Most fire departments require EMT certification to apply. It is the #1 prerequisite for a firefighting career. Median salary: $59,530.
Paramedic
The natural next step. EMT is required before entering a paramedic program. 1–2 additional years of training. Median salary: $58,410.
Nursing (RN)
EMT experience provides excellent clinical foundation. Many nursing schools value EMS experience in admissions. Emergency room nursing is a natural fit.
Law Enforcement
EMT skills are increasingly valued by police departments. Tactical EMT (TEMS) is a growing specialty combining law enforcement and EMS.
What to Expect as a New EMT
EMT is a demanding but deeply rewarding entry-level position. Here is what new EMTs should prepare for:
- High Call VolumeUrban EMTs may run 10–15 calls per 12-hour shift. Many calls are non-emergency transports, but you must always be ready for critical patients.
- Emotional ImpactYou will see suffering, death, and difficult situations. Peer support and mental health resources are essential from day one.
- Physical DemandsLifting patients (often 200+ lbs), working in all weather, kneeling on pavement, and carrying heavy equipment up stairs.
- Starting PayEntry-level private ambulance pay can be low ($15–$18/hr). Upgrade to paramedic or fire department EMT for significantly better compensation.
Despite the challenges, EMTs consistently describe their work as among the most meaningful careers possible. The ability to help someone on the worst day of their life is a privilege that few other professions can offer.
Sources & References
- • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — EMTs and Paramedics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024
- • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) — EMT Certification Requirements
- • NHTSA — National EMS Education Standards
- • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- • National Association of EMTs (NAEMT) — National EMS Assessment
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Start Your Emergency Services Career
EMT certification is your ticket into firefighting, paramedicine, and healthcare. Find fire departments hiring near you.