EMT TRAINING AND EMT PARAMEDIC OVERVIEW
Becoming a paramedic may be your dream career, but it requires determination to achieve that dream. There will be numerous courses in paramedic school to undertake and master. Skills and training are extensive due to the fact that as a first responder, you are often dealing in life or death situations.
Here you will find out how to enjoy a rewarding career as an EMT Paramedic. Learn what EMT training and paramedic schools are best in your area. Find out facts about EMT paramedic training, Schools, EMT Guides and EMS Courses.
The path towards a paramedic career begins with EMT training, available in all 50 states, Canada and the UK. Outside many of these areas the word paramedic is not recognized as the high level of training it is and often refers only to a “first responder” level. Thus the following details on this site refer to training within the U.S. and Canada, though much is parallel to the training of the UK and other countries. Furthermore, while countries can vary when it comes to EMT paramedic training and EMT certification requirements, the recognition of EMS certification is taken into account by all countries when hiring both nationally and internationally.
Whether performing as a basic Emergency Trained Technician (EMT) or an advanced level (EMT Paramedic), an EMT’s main job is to provide medical assistance to the injured and/or ill. This is an extremely important job of which the EMS training must be the best. For that reason EMS professionals need to pass challenging courses involving EMT paramedic training to obtain certification and then continual paramedic training to maintain their skills and qualifications.
Both EMT Basic and EMT Paramedics work in a variety of settings which can include:
• Private Ambulance Companies 
• Fire Service
• Law Enforcement
• Hospital Systems
• Prison & Juvenile Systems
• Life-Flight Operations
• Military and Maritime Units
• Private companies for public events
• Casinos and Entertainment Facilities
• Sports Arenas
A question that often arises is,
“What is the difference between EMT and Paramedic?” The answer is the level of EMT training and the level of authority allowed when administering EMT services. Basic EMT training can be as short as 12 weeks or as long as 6 months, depending upon the paramedic school you attend. The EMT paramedic training required to become a licensed paramedic can take 12 to 24 months of EMT school and paramedic training courses. It is possible and often times necessary to pursue certification as a paramedic while working part time as an EMT basic. This can cause certification to take a little longer, yet the ability to be working and gaining hands on experience at the same time you are attending paramedic school is worthwhile. The fact that most paramedic programs require candidates to have at least one year experience as an EMT basic is another reason.
EMT training and certification has four specific levels of EMTs:
• EMT-B (Basic)
• EMT-I/85 (lower level intermediate)
• EMT-I/99 (higher level intermediate)
• EMT-P (Paramedic)
These levels are set by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and each requires certification before passing on to the next level or further advancement in EMT paramedic training.
In order to become nationally certified as an EMT basic or paramedic a formal certification exam needs to be passed after EMS training is completed. This exam is called the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam and it enables you to pursue a career as a nationally certified professional paramedic. Passing the NREMT allows you to apply for licensing anywhere in the United States.
Becoming an EMT basic or EMT paramedic is a rewarding career choice. By continuing your EMT training and education, and participating in annual EMS training refresher courses, your skills can remain at or above the levels required for certification. The benefits are numerous, employment is readily available, and you are part of one of the most satisfying careers, the profession of helping others and saving lives!
More information on EMT training, paramedic training programs and certification can be found under the EMT Paramedic Info article links. (top of page)
More EMT Training & Paramedic Training Articles:
EMT Training can Start in High School
EMT paramedic training can begin earlier than you think. Students who are pursuing a profession as an EMT or EMT paramedic can begin planning and choosing the best possible paramedic school course load as early as the beginning of their high school years. EMT training starts by finding good information and seeking good advice. With the help of an informed guidance counselor and careful attention to selecting the best possible course load, young men and women can put themselves on the pathway for an EMT paramedic career. Read more ~EMT Training
EMT Training – Great Employment Guarantee
Choosing to pursue a profession as an EMT or EMT paramedic is, quite possibly, one of the safest choices you can make in terms of job security. Demand for EMT training and EMT paramedic training is on the rise as potential EMT paramedic students seek an education in a career field that will yield employment upon certification. Read more ~ EMT paramedic training.
