There are numerous certification levels for being an emergency medical technician. Which level fits you?
Emergency medicine developed as a specialization within the broader field of general medicine in the U.S. throughout the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, it became possible to train as an emergency medical technician (EMT) to handle pre-hospital care for patients. Today, every state offers EMT programs to prepare people for challenging and rewarding careers in the field of emergency medicine.
There are numerous options for emergency medical technician training. You can choose to train to a specific level, with each level requiring a different amount of training time. No matter which level you train for, there are employment possibilities available once you complete your training.
Every state has its own standards for EMT certification. These standards must accord with the minimum requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA recognizes four EMT levels:
- EMT-B (basic).
- EMT-I/85 (intermediate).
- EMT-I/99 (intermediate-advanced).
- EMT-P (paramedic).
As an EMT-B, you do not perform invasive procedures. You are primarily responsible for actions such as controlling bleeding, fitting splints and delivering oxygen. As an EMT-I/85, you can administer intravenous lines to patients.
If you are certified as an EMT-I/99, you can monitor patients' hearts and administer pharmaceuticals intravenously.
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If you become a paramedic, you can perform a wide range of medical procedures involving heart monitoring and intravenous administration.
An emergency medical technician program for a particular EMT level can vary from state to state. However, most programs for a certain level of certification are within the same range regarding time commitment.
EMT-B courses are at least 110 total hours, and they sometimes exceed 120 hours. The intermediate levels are in the range of 200 to 400 hours, with the I/99 level requiring more hours than the I/85 level. Paramedic training requires at least 1,000 hours.
In addition to the time commitment for training courses, you must commit to refresher courses after completing your certification if you want to maintain your level of certification. The calendar duration of emergency medical technician classes can vary greatly. It is possible to complete fast-track programs for EMT-B certification in two weeks, while training as a paramedic can take two years.
There are numerous employment possibilities for you if you complete EMT certification. Hospitals and ambulance services are often in need of qualified EMTs. Many fire departments also hire EMT-Bs. It is also possible to find employment at colleges and universities. Although successful completion of EMT training does not guarantee employment, you may find that the skills you acquire are in demand.
Working as an EMT can make for a satisfying career. You can choose the level you want to train to, but it is important to understand the time commitment necessary for the level you select.
Reply! is a good resource for information to help you choose an emergency medical technician school. The path to becoming an EMT is challenging, but the right program can help you get there.
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