Does EMT Training Require a College Degree?

The question is often asked:
Do EMTs and Paramedics Need a College Degree?

Not necessarily, not in all cases, but let’s discuss the details.
Both EMTs and paramedics require EMT training in order to receive EMT certification.

The EMT or EMT paramedic training required depends upon the level of EMT paramedic certification you want to obtain, the region or country in which you live, and the requirements by the employer who will be hiring you. Whether or not a college degree is required depends upon the level of EMT paramedic training you wish to pursue.

Your first step regarding the necessary education to become an EMT (emergency medical technician) or paramedic is, of course, a high school diploma. There are other specific requirements that must be met in order to enter EMT training and EMT paramedic training programs. Read Applying for an EMT Paramedic Training Program for details of requirements.

Once you complete that step in your education, your next step is EMT training which, once completed, will award you the EMT-Basic certification. This EMT certification does not require a college degree.

For EMT-B (basic) you will receive EMT training in several medical scenarios, including but not limited to: airway maintenance, emergency oxygen administration, CPR, defibrillation AED, trauma assessment, splinting and bandaging, emergency childbirth and transporting patients in an ambulance.
This level of EMT training can be taken at a variety of places offering EMT or EMT paramedic training, including colleges, technical schools, or medical facilities and even, in some regions, fire stations.

Upon completion of your EMT training or EMT school, you will need to be out working in the field, gaining the important hands on experience necessary for completion of your EMT training. This allows you to receive EMT certification.

Your next step, preferably, is to seek employment as an EMT. Most employers require or prefer an EMT who has at least 6 months of experience. This will lead you into an EMT paramedic program. Prerequisites for a paramedic program usually require EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate Certification.

The next two levels of EMT training are EMT-I/85 (lower level intermediate) and EMT-I/99 (higher level intermediate). This consists of approximately 250 hours of field work and provides EMT training for patient care at the next level of assistance. Some of the skills acquired are needle-decompression of tension pneumothorax, intravenous cannulation, endotracheal intubation, nasogastric tubes, and the administering of certain medications. As with EMT basic, there are numerous institutions in which you can receive your training. This level of EMT training usually involves general education studies and college credits, though a college degree such as an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree is not required in order to receive these levels of EMT training certification.

The next and final level of EMT training is EMT paramedic certification through an EMT paramedic school program. Some of the EMT paramedic training includes, in more depth, anatomy and physiology, patient assessment survey and triage, airway management, oxygen therapy, treatment of shock, and bleeding control. Care for fractures, spinal injuries, cardiac arrest, and various other medical emergencies are also taught.

Paramedic school can be as short as 8 months (Accelerated paramedic courses) or as long as 4 years. An Associate’s degree program is 2 years, often administered through a community college or technical school. A two year paramedic program resulting with the award of an Associate’s degree is the most common, although four year Bachelor’s degree paramedic programs exist.

Upon conclusion of EMT paramedic training through a paramedic program you will receive college credits. Most states do not require a college degree in order to become an EMT. In fact, many EMTS work as volunteers. Furthermore, some do not require a degree to become a paramedic; however most employers place preference on hiring an EMT paramedic who has received an Associate’s degree through an accredited paramedic program or EMT school. Much like the U.S., many countries also require an advanced level of EMT training for paramedic training, in order to receive paramedic certification or licensing. The education degree is what also differs, and you will want to explore each region carefully to be sure the level and content of EMT paramedic training in which you have enrolled is accredited in the country, region, or state in which you wish to apply for employment.

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