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- I don’t know what I want to do after I graduate high school. I want to work in healthcare because I’m compassionate, good at solving problems, and get along with people really well. Any ideas?
- Absolutely! Those are all excellent qualities for becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT.
- EMT? What’s that?
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- EMTs are first responders who provide emergency care to people in life-threatening situations. Your compassion helps you comfort patients during high-stress moments. Your interpersonal skills are key for working with team members and connecting with patients.
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- Problem-solving is also critical—you’d need to quickly evaluate symptoms and decide on the best course of action. Plus, strong communication skills are essential for explaining procedures or giving instructions.
- That sounds like a lot to handle!
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- It can be challenging, but it’s rewarding. EMTs need physical strength too—bending, lifting, and kneeling are part of the job.
- I have those qualities! It sounds exciting! What exactly do EMTs do?
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- EMTs assess injuries or illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and transport patients to hospitals or other facilities. They respond to calls for help, evaluate conditions, and decide what treatment is needed.
- So, do they actually treat people?
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- Definitely! EMTs perform first aid, provide life support, and stabilize patients for transport. They also monitor vital signs during ambulance rides and keep detailed records.
- Do EMTs get to drive the ambulance?
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- Yes! One EMT drives while the other monitors and treats the patient in the back.
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- That's so cool!
- But what if I want to do advanced procedures like giving medications?
- That depends on your certification level
- There are different levels?
- Slide: 9
- Yes, EMT-Basics focus on managing emergencies like respiratory or cardiac issues. Advanced EMTs can do more, like giving IV fluids and some medications.
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- Paramedics, the next level, handle even more complex procedures like administering a wider range of medications and using advanced medical equipment.
- So paramedics are like advanced EMTs?
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- Exactly! Paramedics need experience as EMTs before they can move up.
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- What if I decided to change to a different job in healthcare?
- With additional education, paramedics may transfer into other healthcare occupations. For example, paramedic-to-RN programs offer an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
- Slide: 13
- So how do I become an EMT?
- You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, CPR certification, and to complete an approved EMT training program. You must also pass an exam and get licensed.
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- What about here in Massachusetts?
- In Massachusetts, you need to complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and renew your license every two years.
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- There’s an exam and a fee?
- Yes, but think of it as an investment in your future!
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- So, how much do EMTs make?
- The median annual wage for EMTs in 2023 was $38,930, but it varies. EMTs in outpatient care centers earned around $65,660, while those in ambulance services made about $37,620.
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- Is it a competitive field?
- The demand for EMTs is growing—6% from 2023 to 2033, with about 19,200 job openings each year. Emergencies like falls or heart attacks will keep increasing, especially with our aging population.
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- What if I decide EMT work isn’t for me?
- You could consider becoming an Emergency Management Director. They plan responses to disasters and emergencies.
- Slide: 19
- That sounds interesting! Do they work in hospitals?
- Some do, but most work for local governments, colleges, or private companies.
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- What do they earn?
- Their median wage in 2023 was $83,960. However, you’d need a bachelor’s degree and experience in emergency response.
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- Well then there’s probably less openings than EMTs.
- Yes, employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 4 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings for emergency management directors are projected each year.
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- I’m worried there aren’t many women in healthcare. Is that true for EMTs?
- The EMT workforce is about 39% women and 61% men. It’s not very diverse—75% are white, with smaller percentages for Black and Hispanic EMTs.
- Slide: 23
- Oh, that’s unfortunate. Do men and women earn the same?
- There’s a gap. In 2022, men earned about $44,696 on average, while women earned $38,017. But EMT wages are generally distributed more evenly compared to other jobs.
- Slide: 0
- This has been so helpful! I’ll think about EMT training after I graduate. Maybe I’ll even take a CPR class now to get started!
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