Is Becoming An EMT Right For Me?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A career as an EMT is best suited for those who enjoy working with others and have

excellent problem-solving and listening skills

. EMTs must often be detectives of sorts, having to figure out what is wrong with a patient after sorting through information that may not be as complete as one might like.

Why you shouldn’t be an EMT?

If EMS personnel do get into an accident with lights and sirens running, they

are almost always at fault

. EMTs also learn that the few seconds saved by driving fast are rarely, if ever, meaningful to the patient’s outcome, but the consequences of a single bad decision while driving emergent can ruin a whole career.

Can you live off being an EMT?

EMTs and Paramedics

can live off the salary they make

. However, the lifestyle they can live will depend on location, experience, employer, and overtime hours.

Why are EMT paid so low?

There are other reasons EMS pay is so low.

Certification is minimal — it only takes 120 to 150 hours of training to become an EMT

(paramedics require significantly more). Ambulances in rural communities are often staffed by volunteers, which depresses wages for those who do pursue the role as a career.

Why do EMT get paid so little?

Many EMS workers, a category which includes both EMTs and paramedics, say their

low pay reflects a lack of appreciation for their work

, which can be just as dangerous as and at times even more dangerous than the work of police officers and firefighters….

How hard is the EMT exam?

Most people taking the exam will fall between the 75 and 140 question allotment.

The exam is difficult

and many candidates do not pass during the first attempt. Most future EMTs pass the second or third time through. … The test is serious and the study habits of those taking it should be as well.

Is EMT class hard?

All in all, you should expect to spend about 350-400 hours completing an EMT class. … After you have passed an EMT class, you must now pass the national licensing exam and fulfill state and county requirements. This part

is usually not as difficult

, especially if your EMT class has adequately prepared you.

What state pays EMTs the most?

The states and districts that pay Paramedics the highest mean salary are

Hawaii

($56,610), Washington ($56,140), Maryland ($50,750), Alaska ($50,640), and District of Columbia ($47,830).

Do paramedics make more than nurses?

On average,

paramedics do not make more money than nurses

. The average nurse will earn a higher salary than the average paramedic. However, paramedics in some areas will certainly earn more money than some nurses.

How long does it take to get EMT certification?

The Boston EMS EMT-Basic Course is $950 and lasts for

six months

. Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 – 10 p.m., as well as every other Saturday from 9 a.m – 3:30 p.m.

How can an EMT make more money?

  1. Become an EMT-Intermediate. Certain states offer an EMT-Intermediate, EMT-B, or AEMT license, a step between EMTs and paramedics. …
  2. Advance in your career. …
  3. Look for a new employer. …
  4. Work more overtime. …
  5. Find a second job.

What happens if you fail EMT test?

If a candidate is unsuccessful on an exam attempt,

they may apply to retest 15 days after the last examination

. After three unsuccessful examination attempts, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic candidates must submit official documentation verifying the completion of a remedial training program.

How do you pass EMT school?

  1. Read the book. But, no, really. …
  2. Study your NREMT skill sheets. Practice makes perfect–we all know that. …
  3. Go to every class. There is A LOT to learn when you’re in EMT school–it seems impossible to know everything. …
  4. Ask for extra help. …
  5. Make friends.

Is becoming an EMT easy?

Is becoming an EMT easy? To answer your main question first,

it is relatively easy to become an EMT

. Most courses are offered over the course of a few months and even a cursory knowledge of physiology/anatomy will secure you a passing grade. To answer your main question first, it is relatively easy to become an EMT.

Is Joe Exotic an EMT?

The star of the famous Netflix show “Tiger King” has

today been voted as EMT of the Year for 2020

. Joe Exotic, now in prison, has been given the award because of his life-saving actions taken to save the life of one of his employees who was bitten by a tiger.

How much does an EMT make?

Paramedic salaries.

The more time on the job and the skills you acquire, will increase your earning capacity. … For a Registered Ambulance Paramedic, the average salary is usually

around $93,000 per year

, with plenty of room for growth as the demand for skilled, experienced and dedicated Paramedics increases.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.