Related Courses
CPR/Basic Life Support
EMT Preparation
Emergency Medical Technician
Paramedic Preparation
Paramedic Program
Whether it's on the breaking news or on a TV drama, you'll see them - EMS Personnel rescuing the victims of an accident or caring for a patient with a medical emergency.The majority of EMS responders are either certified at the EMT or Paramedic level.Both work in a variety of roles and in several different healthcare settings.Ground ambulances, helicopters, industrial safety, and fire departments are often where they are employed.They both wear uniforms and they both help patients - so what's the difference?
In the field of emergency medical services (EMS), there are different levels of certifications for providers. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the most common type of providers in EMS and are sometimes referred to as EMTs. EMTs learn the essential skills to help in life-threatening situations and many EMTs go on to earn anAdvanced EMT certificate or become a Paramedic. Many doctors, nurses, and firefighters have also used their EMT education and work experience as stepping stones in their careers.
Roadmap to Becoming an EMT or Paramedic
Curious about launching your career in Emergency Medical Services with the nation's top EMT program? This infographic highlights the path to become an EMT and the path to continue on to be a paramedic.
VIEW EMT/PARAMEDIC ROADMAP
The biggest difference between EMTs and Paramedics is the amount of education they receive and the level of care they providefor patients (i.e. scope of practice).
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)students complete a course that is a minimum of 170 hours in length. EMTs are educated in assessing a patient and determining if any life threatening injuries or illnesses may be present.This includes splinting injuries for a patient following a motor vehicle collision, administering life saving epinephrine for a patient suffering an allergic reaction, or even administering CPR to a patient in cardiac arrest. Other skills the EMT will learn include oxygen administration, bag valve mask ventilations, delivery of a newborn, and even administration of several medications.An EMT’s assessment skills, the ability to quickly recognize if someone is dying, is the best tool in their tool box and the primary focus of the EMT education.
In general, to be eligible for enrollment into an EMT course you donotneed to have any previous medical experience. The eligibility requirements and prerequisites for EMT and paramedic courses may vary from school to school. Be sure to check with the school’s and your state’s regulations before you enroll for a course. For example, in California you must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to certify as an EMT.
Paramedic (PM)students complete a program between 1,200 to 1,800 hours and may last six to twelve months. Topics covered in paramedic courses include anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medications, and medical procedures. Paramedic courses build on EMT education and teach skills such as administering medications, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management, EKG Interpretation for patients, and learning to provide emergency care to patients withlife-threatening medical or traumatic emergencies.Caring for the victims of a motor vehicle crash, interpreting the EKG of a heart attack patient, or delivering a baby; these are all patients a paramedic must be prepared to assist during their shift.It never gets boring!Through a combination of lectures, skills labs, followed by hospital internship, then EMS field internship, students are prepared to pass the national certification exams to achieve the highest certification level of pre-hospital care provider in the United States.
To be eligible for a paramedic course you must be an EMT and generally have at least 6 months of work experience as an EMT. Paramedic Programs may have different admission requirements.Some require you to take college level Anatomy and Physiology prior to admission, many have personal health requirements such as proof of immunizations and a physical as an admission requirement.Schools may also require a criminal background check, admissions interview, or an entrance exam to determine your eligibility for admission.Each school has slightly different requirements but the goal is to select those candidates who will be successful in the training program..
How Do I Become an EMT or a Paramedic?
In order to become an EMT or a Paramedic, there are five (5) major steps that you will need to complete, which may vary from state to state. In California you must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements and prerequisites for attending anEMTorParamediccourse, includingBasic Life Support(BLS).
- Attend and successfully complete an approvedEMTorParamediccourse.
- Take and pass theNational Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians(NREMT) EMT or Paramedic computer based exam.
- Take and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT or Paramedic skills exams.
- Apply and obtain for certification within two years of being issued a course completion certificate.
FAQs
The difference between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Paramedic is a significant amount of education. A Paramedic is an EMT, but goes through significantly more education and training and can provide a higher level of emergency care including invasive procedures, such as IV therapy and intubation.
What is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic? ›
Paramedics are more highly trained EMTs capable of more advanced medical procedures, such as providing oral and intravenous medication, monitoring electrocardiograms (EKG), and performing tracheotomies.
What is the main difference between an EMT and a paramedic quizlet? ›
The basic difference between EMTs and paramedics lies in their level of education and the kind of procedures they are allowed to perform. While EMTs can administer CPR, glucose, and oxygen, paramedics can perform more complex procedures such as inserting IV lines, administering drugs, and applying pacemakers.
What is the difference between a medic and a paramedic? ›
"Para" means next to, and "medic" means doctor. So it means that paramedics work alongside doctors, though not always physically. They can provide life-saving treatment for someone until they can get to a doctor. Paramedics are not Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), though many EMTs become paramedics.
What's the difference between AEMT and paramedic? ›
Paramedics are the final and highest level of EMS providers as they have the most training and experience. Paramedics are trained in all the skills of an AEMT, plus additional skills such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), advanced pediatric life support (PALS), and critical care transport.
Is EMT harder than paramedic? ›
Becoming a paramedic is the highest level of prehospital care and requires much more advanced training than becoming an EMT. Paramedic training is quite rigorous and takes one to two years to complete, depending on state requirements and if you are pursuing a technical certificate or an associates degree.
Why do EMTs make more than paramedics? ›
EMTs in the U.S. receive an average salary of $35,830, while paramedics earn an average salary of $46,100. The primary reason for the salary difference between EMTs and paramedics is the education requirements and job responsibilities. While both jobs provide emergency care to patients, the EMT vs.
What is a major distinction between a paramedic and an EMT is at the paramedic? ›
The main difference between EMTs and paramedics relates to the amount of education and training required for each job and the complexity of the tasks and duties each is qualified to perform. For example, paramedics are qualified to perform more advanced or specialized procedures.
Does an EMT require more schooling than a paramedic? ›
While EMTs require less schooling than Paramedics, both professions demand extensive knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively. It's important to note that the salaries for both professions vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and certifications.
Do EMTs and paramedics work together? ›
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics both work together as part of emergency medical services (EMS). Although EMTs and paramedics work in many of the same settings and perform many of the same responsibilities, the roles have some key differences.
The steps you'll take to become a paramedic are similar to an EMT, except you'll need to enroll in further training and gain additional training and licensure. A paramedic is the highest level of EMT. They first need training to become and EMT and then do more advanced training to qualify as a paramedic.
Is paramedic harder than RN? ›
Paramedics are more highly trained than LPNs, however, the 1,200 to 1,800 hours of schooling a paramedic receives is lower than the two to four years it usually takes to become an RN. The paramedic's duties are mainly concerned with delivering emergency care to patients prior to arriving at the hospital.
Do EMTs drive the ambulance? ›
Yes, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics do drive the ambulances, but we do so much more than that!
What is the main difference between an EMT and a paramedic? ›
The biggest difference between EMTs and Paramedics is the amount of education they receive and the level of care they provide for patients (i.e. scope of practice). Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students complete a course that is a minimum of 170 hours in length.
What is the highest form of paramedic? ›
Critical Care Paramedic: Highest level of specialized care with a focus on acute interfacility transport, air medical response, and infant, child and perinatal care.
What is the difference between EMT basic and intermediate and paramedic? ›
EMT-P or EMT-Paramedic is the highest level of Emergency Medical Technician and are allowed to do what a EMT-I and B are allowed to but on top of that are permitted to use advanced life saving techniques as well.
Are paramedics or nurses higher? ›
Paramedics spend about 23 months in training compared to the 2-4 years that registered nurses spend earning their degrees. However, registered nurses have more options for work settings, higher average annual salaries, and more responsibilities.
What is the highest level of paramedic? ›
EMT-P or EMT-Paramedic is the highest level of Emergency Medical Technician and are allowed to do what a EMT-I and B are allowed to but on top of that are permitted to use advanced life saving techniques as well.
