EMT SALARY – Compensation For Emergency Medical Technicians
Emergency Medical Technician or EMT is a person who performs emergency medical procedures on the spot to an injured or sick person. He saves a patients life, and monitors the patient until he/she is transported to the hospital. The emergency medical technician either works in the emergency wing of a hospital or emergency ambulance service. The EMT salary is decided after considering their experience and their place of work.
Education and other Requirements for EMT:
To qualify for the EMT training program, one needs to pass high-school with science as one subject. And also, there should not be any criminal record in their name. They must possess a driving license and must be in good physical health. The EMT program consists of three levels EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic.
After completion of each EMT training program, one has to register with National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), once they obtain the certification; they have to renew it for every 2-3 years.
Courses for different EMT level:
a) EMT-Basic level: Here, one learns how use and maintain the emergency equipment, how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to check for signs of life in the patient, how to handle the patient while transporting him/her to the hospital, how to deal with excessive bleeding, fractures etc.
To enter this level, one needs to pass high-school. After its completion they work in emergency ambulance service and try to keep the patient alive while transporting to the hospital by performing necessary medical procedures. Apply for certification from NREMT which allows one to sit for the test up-to six times, failing which they have to take the course again.
b) EMT-Intermediate level: this level is divided into EMT-I/85 and EMT-I/99. In this one, one learns advanced medical procedures involving the use of intravenous fluids, and administration of certain medications, handling and maintenance of ECG machines etc. To enter this level one has to finish EMT-Basic level and have a CPR certification. They must be licensed by NREMT. They need to again apply to NREMT to obtain EMT-I license and renew it every 2 years.
c) EMT-Paramedic: Here, one learns advanced medical services like interpreting ECG readings, handling and maintaining of advanced medical equipment, and administration of most of the medications and intravenous fluids.
To enter this program, once has to finish EMT-I and possess NREMT certification.
d) Associate degree program: To enter this program, one must pass high school and have EMT certification. This program spans over 2 years. The coursework involves the entire course in EMT certification along with emergency surgical procedures, preliminary diagnosis of the patient etc.
e) Bachelor degree program: it is four years of study. In this program, clinical experience is provided to the student which is more advanced than what is taught at certification level and different aspects of EMS, emergency management service.
Responsibilities of EMT:
a) Must drive the ambulance carefully and swiftly to the area of call.
b) Must assess the patient’ condition and administer first aid.
c) Work efficiently.
d) Maintain a calm composure.
e) In-case of death of a person due to accident or a weapon, the EMT must protect the scene and notify the authorities.
f) Handle the patient gently.
g) Must determine a hospital to take the patient for further treatment depending on the patient’s condition.
h) Must notify medical facility for immediate action upon arrival and communicate the patient’s condition.
i) Must provide a record of the patient, including the first assessment and assessment while transporting.
j) After handing over the patient, must clean the ambulance with disinfectant, and change blankets and restock supplies.
k) Must ensure that the ambulance is in good condition.
l) Administering the medications in necessary doses as required by the patient’s condition.
EMT must have:
a) Ability to read maps.
b) Good eyesight.
c) Communication skills.
d) Physical fitness.
e) Aware of medical ethics and procedures.
What Are The Usual Ranges of EMT salary:
The average salary of an EMT starts from $25,000 to $37,500. The median EMT salary is $27,000. EMT-B will earn about $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the location of work. The EMT is paid about $ 11 to $ 20 per hour. The salary of EMT varies depending on the experience, certifications and location of work.
Job Prospects for EMT:
After completion of EMT-P, one can apply for the job of supervisor, operations manager, administrative director, or executive director of emergency services. OR can choose to work as instructors, dispatchers, or physician assistants. They can even work in sales and marketing department of emergency medical equipment.
Tips to choose EMT school:
a) Check whether the school offers clinical experience.
b) Check whether it offers all three EMT levels.
c) Check whether the medical equipment used by the school is up-to date or not.
d) Take into account the faculty-student ratio.
e) Approved by the state.
Top schools for EMT:
a) Drexel University: it is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers associate and bachelor’s degree in EMS.
b) University of Maryland: it is located in Baltimore. It also offers associate and bachelor degree in EMS.
c) Rice University: it is located in Houston, Texas. It offers certification in EMT-B and EMT-I levels.
d) Eastern Kentucky University: it is located in Richmond, Kentucky. It offers associate degree and EMT-B level certification.
e) Fortis College: It is located in Alabama, Florida, Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, Utah, Maryland, Indiana and offers the EMT-P ,EMT-B and EMS-P .
f) Herzing Univeristy: it has branches across Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Minnesota.It offers EMT-B and EMT-P certification.
g) Keiser Career College: It is located in Florida. it offers certification courses in EMT-P and EMS.
h) Sanford Brown Institute: It is located in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland an offers certification and associate degree for EMT-P program.
i) Grand Canyon University: it is located in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers bachelor’s and master’s in EMS.
j) National College: it is located in Salem, Virginia.It offers associate degree in EMT-P program.
k) Salter College: It is located in West Boylston, Massachusetts. It offers EMT-B and EMT-P certification.
The above are some of the schools,colleges and universities that offer the required training for an EMT.
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