2 answers
Awan
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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What did you experience EMT and Paramedic Programs ?
Hello, I have a few questions in EMT and Paramedic programs for a school project.
1. Would you get lots of field experience in the EMT program, if so what kind?
2. What are some of the work-life benefits of the career, or the most notable ones?
3. What is the process of becoming a Nationally Registered EMT?
4. What would Emergency Medical Technicians looking to become Paramedics need to learn in order to be one? Like for example would they work with people somewhere? Or Watch someone else work to gain experience and learn technique?
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2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
118
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Awan.
First, let me differentiate between EMT and Paramedic so we're on the same page. In most places EMT programs are roughly 12 semester credits, which translates to 200 classroom contact hours. Its an entry level class / certification. Paramedic is a substantially longer program, around 51 semester hours. Paramedic is not entry level, and will require (in almost all places) that you get your EMT first.
1) The field experience for EMT is about 3 credits or 1/4 of the contact hours. The students I teach are required to do 12-hours on a fire engine, 24 hours on an ambulance, and 12-hour in an ER. For Paramedic, the field experience is 12-credits, or nearly 200 hours riding on an ambulance.
2) The best work-life balance in EMS is that, in some places, EMS works longer than normal shifts. My medic crew and myself work 48-hours, 96-hours off (2-on, 4-off). This means that every weekend is a 4-day weekend, so its great for getting stuff done, taking short trips, getting a 2nd part-time job, etc. Of course, there are trade offs as the lack of sleep for 48+ hours can cause health issues down the line, and will have to work weekends and holidays if your shift lands on those days.
3) The process for NREMT is relatively straight forward. The details are important and can be found on their website. But in a nutshell after you complete your class your instructors can go on and sign-off on your practical (hands-on) skills. Then you take a fairly challenging written (multiple choice) test at your local testing center. Lastly, fingerprints / background check and send them an application fee and you're all set.
4) I'm not sure I totally understand this question but I'll take a stab at it. Again, EMT is a prerequisite for Paramedic, so you will get experience and get to witness paramedics working up close as soon as you're employed as an EMT. Sometimes you'll find an ambulance staffed by two EMTs, or by two paramedics, but in most places ambulances are staffed by one EMT and one Paramedic. So working as an EMT probably means you will have a paramedic within 20 feet of you at all times while on duty that you can learn from!
I hope all that helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
First, let me differentiate between EMT and Paramedic so we're on the same page. In most places EMT programs are roughly 12 semester credits, which translates to 200 classroom contact hours. Its an entry level class / certification. Paramedic is a substantially longer program, around 51 semester hours. Paramedic is not entry level, and will require (in almost all places) that you get your EMT first.
1) The field experience for EMT is about 3 credits or 1/4 of the contact hours. The students I teach are required to do 12-hours on a fire engine, 24 hours on an ambulance, and 12-hour in an ER. For Paramedic, the field experience is 12-credits, or nearly 200 hours riding on an ambulance.
2) The best work-life balance in EMS is that, in some places, EMS works longer than normal shifts. My medic crew and myself work 48-hours, 96-hours off (2-on, 4-off). This means that every weekend is a 4-day weekend, so its great for getting stuff done, taking short trips, getting a 2nd part-time job, etc. Of course, there are trade offs as the lack of sleep for 48+ hours can cause health issues down the line, and will have to work weekends and holidays if your shift lands on those days.
3) The process for NREMT is relatively straight forward. The details are important and can be found on their website. But in a nutshell after you complete your class your instructors can go on and sign-off on your practical (hands-on) skills. Then you take a fairly challenging written (multiple choice) test at your local testing center. Lastly, fingerprints / background check and send them an application fee and you're all set.
4) I'm not sure I totally understand this question but I'll take a stab at it. Again, EMT is a prerequisite for Paramedic, so you will get experience and get to witness paramedics working up close as soon as you're employed as an EMT. Sometimes you'll find an ambulance staffed by two EMTs, or by two paramedics, but in most places ambulances are staffed by one EMT and one Paramedic. So working as an EMT probably means you will have a paramedic within 20 feet of you at all times while on duty that you can learn from!
I hope all that helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
I appreciate your support, Ryan
Awan
Mehdi Mahmoodi sharafeh
emergency medical services
1
Answer
Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Updated
Mehdi’s Answer
1. Field Experience in EMT Programs
- Ambulance ride-alongs: Students join real emergency calls for 12 to 24 hours under supervision.
- Hospital rotations: Spend 8 to 16 hours in ERs, learning patient assessment and basic life support.
- Hands-on skills practice: Learn CPR, manage airways, control bleeding, and stabilize fractures.
- Supervised patient care: Use classroom knowledge in real situations with guidance from experienced EMTs.
2. Work-Life Benefits of EMT/Paramedic Careers
- Purpose and fulfillment: Directly save lives and assist people in emergencies.
- Job stability: High demand for EMTs and paramedics everywhere.
- Flexible scheduling: Long shifts (12–24 hours) with several days off.
- Skill development: Gain critical thinking, teamwork, resilience, and communication skills useful beyond healthcare.
- Community impact: Recognized as frontline heroes in healthcare.
3. Process of Becoming a Nationally Registered EMT
- Complete a state-approved EMT course: Usually requires 120 to 150 hours of training.
- Create a National Registry account: Apply on the NREMT website.
- Pass the NREMT exam: Includes a written test and a skills test.
- Certification issuance: Receive a registry card and certificate if successful.
- Recertification every 2 years: Through continuing education or another exam.
4. EMTs Advancing to Paramedics
- Prerequisite EMT certification: Must be a licensed EMT first.
- Advanced coursework: Study anatomy, physiology, cardiology, pharmacology, trauma, and emergency childbirth.
- Clinical rotations: Train in hospital settings like ER, ICU, pediatrics, and obstetrics.
- Field internships: Join paramedics on calls, applying advanced skills under supervision.
- Paramedic program length: 1,200 to 1,800 hours (1–2 years), often leading to a certificate or associate’s degree.
- National Registry Paramedic exam: Required for certification.
- Ambulance ride-alongs: Students join real emergency calls for 12 to 24 hours under supervision.
- Hospital rotations: Spend 8 to 16 hours in ERs, learning patient assessment and basic life support.
- Hands-on skills practice: Learn CPR, manage airways, control bleeding, and stabilize fractures.
- Supervised patient care: Use classroom knowledge in real situations with guidance from experienced EMTs.
2. Work-Life Benefits of EMT/Paramedic Careers
- Purpose and fulfillment: Directly save lives and assist people in emergencies.
- Job stability: High demand for EMTs and paramedics everywhere.
- Flexible scheduling: Long shifts (12–24 hours) with several days off.
- Skill development: Gain critical thinking, teamwork, resilience, and communication skills useful beyond healthcare.
- Community impact: Recognized as frontline heroes in healthcare.
3. Process of Becoming a Nationally Registered EMT
- Complete a state-approved EMT course: Usually requires 120 to 150 hours of training.
- Create a National Registry account: Apply on the NREMT website.
- Pass the NREMT exam: Includes a written test and a skills test.
- Certification issuance: Receive a registry card and certificate if successful.
- Recertification every 2 years: Through continuing education or another exam.
4. EMTs Advancing to Paramedics
- Prerequisite EMT certification: Must be a licensed EMT first.
- Advanced coursework: Study anatomy, physiology, cardiology, pharmacology, trauma, and emergency childbirth.
- Clinical rotations: Train in hospital settings like ER, ICU, pediatrics, and obstetrics.
- Field internships: Join paramedics on calls, applying advanced skills under supervision.
- Paramedic program length: 1,200 to 1,800 hours (1–2 years), often leading to a certificate or associate’s degree.
- National Registry Paramedic exam: Required for certification.