To work as an emergency medical technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old;
• have a driver's license;
• complete an approved emergency medical technician program; and
• be certified.

Education after high school

Emergency medical technician programs are available at community colleges, hospitals, and fire departments. There are several levels of EMT training. The first is EMT-Basic. This program offers courses in patient assessment, trauma, and cardiac emergencies. You spend your time in a classroom and an emergency room. You also study topics such as bleeding, fractures, and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and care for equipment, such as backboards, suction tools, and oxygen systems. This training prepares you for the next two levels of training.

The second level is EMT-Intermediate training. Students may attend classes called EMT-Shock Trauma. This training teaches you how to give intravenous (IV) fluids and some medications. You may also study EMT-Cardiac where you learn about heart rhythms and how to give more advanced medications. This level of training usually requires 35 to 55 hours of instruction.

Work experience

If you complete EMT-Basic training, you can do volunteer work to get valuable field experience. This experience may help you prepare for advanced EMT levels.

On-the-job training

The most advanced level of training is EMT-Paramedic. This program lasts up to two years. EMTs usually receive pay while completing this level of training because it requires extensive field experience. After completing this level, you receive an associate degree.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical service technicians. Training lasts 16 to 54 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.