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EMT Paramedic Degree - Online and Campus Programs

EMT Paramedic: Career at a Glance

Emergency medical technician (EMT) paramedics provide emergency medical care at the scenes of accidents, in homes, and wherever incidents occur. EMT nursing can save lives, providing vital medical and ambulatory services from the time of an incident until a patient is in a physician's care. Emergency medical technicians generally need the following skills:

Physical agility, dexterity, coordination, and strength
Ability to think clearly under pressure
Good decision-making

In addition, an emergency medical paramedics nurse should be emotionally and mentally sound, as the profession can be psychologically stressful.

What to Know About EMT Paramedic Programs and Degrees

EMT paramedic training generally requires a high-school degree. EMT paramedic programs are offered at three levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. Program lengths vary by state; the highest level is usually obtained through a one- or two-year degree offered through a technical school or community college. EMT paramedic classes include emergency medical skills, such as treating wounds and managing health emergencies like heart attacks. The more advanced the EMT training, the more students learn about anatomy, physiology, and medical care, and obtain field and clinical experience.

EMT Paramedic Career Outlook

EMT paramedic wages vary depending on the location and employment setting. As of May 2008, the median hourly wages were $14.10, with the highest-paid earning $23.77. In rural areas, some EMT positions are volunteer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs will grow approximately 9 percent, as fast as the average for all occupations from 2008 to 2018.