They are responsible for providing ALS skills such as advanced medication administration, advanced airway management, and performing advanced diagnostic procedures. Paramedics can also perform certain invasive procedures such as chest tube insertion and intubation. Learn more about Unitek’s intensive 2-Day EMT Refresher course with up to 24 hours of self-guided online learning. Paramedic courses can last 10 times as long as EMT courses, for a 1,200 hour minimum.
- Paramedics operate in ambulances, helicopters, and specialized rescue teams, among other environments.
- If you are already an EMT and want to gain a higher level of training, the AEMT certification is the next level offered by the NREMT.
- They are responsible for assessing the patient’s condition and providing BLS skills.
- The advanced EMT job introduces more complex life-saving skills, such as intravenous procedures and airway management.
Critical Role in Pre-Hospital Care
Most people know that if they call 9-1-1, a medical professional, most commonly a Paramedic, will show up. What the general population does NOT know is how many different levels of EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) providers there are. Before enrolling, always check with your local EMS authority or health department so you know exactly what level of certification is available and what scope of practice you’ll be allowed to perform.
What Are the Different Levels of EMTs?
The second level of EMT certification is Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Many emergency medical services are built on EMTs as they provide vital pre-hospital treatment and transportation. This level builds on the EMS base by offering a greater spectrum of talents and duties. The course addresses fundamental anatomy, patient evaluation, and emergency medical skills. EMR training offers a strong basis for emergency response, even if its scope is smaller than that of higher EMT levels.
These EMTs are trained in the use of medical equipment such as defibrillators, electrocardiographs (EKGs) and backboards. Some intermediate EMTs learn advanced medical skills such as utilizing intravenous medications and airway devices. States differ in the scope of medical skills required by basic and intermediate level EMTs. EMRs are the entry level medical responders on the scene of an emergency.
Keep in mind that you do not need to continue earning certifications, you can stay at any level if you wish. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) has 4 EMT certification levels. Each EMT certification has various requirements and allows the person to do different things. Paramedics are also trained to manage critical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and trauma emergencies. Paramedics earn the most because of their advanced skills and responsibilities.
Important Facts About Popular EMT Jobs
If you work as a volunteer firefighter, lifeguard, or police officer, you may need first responder training. EMR training covers advanced first aid, CPR, and other life-saving skills. If you are considering a career in emergency services, then it is important to learn the levels of EMS careers, since they require different training. While people may use the terms paramedic and EMT interchangeably, these two roles are far from equivalent.
They can perform more advanced airway techniques, start intravenous (IVs)/intraosseous (IOs), and give a wider range of medications. AEMTs often provide medicines for cardiac, diabetic, allergic, or respiratory emergencies by following the standard protocols. In the list, each state’s certification levels are provided from most basic at EMS certification levels the top to most advanced at the bottom. Sohini has completed her training on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) program and shares a passion for writing. She is dedicated to spreading vital medical knowledge through her engaging and informative articles.
Below is a review of all four types of EMT certification, including the requirements to obtain certification and the job duties and career opportunities of each certification level. The National EMS Scope of Practice Model defines “scope of practice” as the set of activities a licensed individual is legally authorized to perform. It not only distinguishes the roles of professionals from those of a lay person but also outlines the specific responsibilities among EMT professionals. These boundaries can either be exclusive or overlapping, depending on the specific roles and tasks within the EMS field. The psychomotor exam differs slightly and is more complex for the AEMT.
The 4 Levels of EMS Certification – From EMR to Paramedic – Similarities & Differences in EMT Levels
- To become AEMT certified, you will already need to be certified at the EMT level and complete a state-approved AEMT course, which will consist of 350 hours of instruction.
- To become an EMT-B, individuals must complete a training program that meets national standards.
- The exam will be 135 questions, and you are given two hours and 15 minutes to finish.
- Of the questions related to patient care, 85% focus on adult and geriatric patients, while 15% involve pediatric care.
Renewal typically requires proof of continuing education hours, refresher courses, and sometimes re-verification of hands-on skills. For EMR and EMT basics, you’ll often find courses at community colleges, EMS academies, or technical schools. For AEMT and Paramedic levels, look for hospital-based programs or degree-granting institutions. AEMT training usually requires additional classroom and clinical hours beyond EMT, often in the 200 – 400 hour range total (varies by program and state). Includes both didactic (theory) and hands-on, supervised practical skills. Candidates must first meet EMT competencies and then add AEMT modules and testing.
Final Step Additional Details
Understand the differences between EMS career levels to make sure that you select the best training program for your end goal. An advanced emergency medical technician also provides pre-hospital emergency and transportation care. Those who want a job in EMS or just have questions about pre-hospital treatment must first understand the variations among the four levels of emergency medical certification. This comparison, from EMR to Paramedic, highlights each level’s main features. Let’s explore how these levels compare, including the distinctions between advanced EMT vs Paramedic. Skilled emergency responders, AEMTs treat intermediate-level injuries in the pre-hospital environment.
Our leadership team, with their combined 120 years of industry experience, guides us with a steadfast commitment to the core values of integrity, honesty, and accountability. Paramedics are the most advanced EMS providers and can treat nearly all emergent situations. In most cases, they are the highest trained medical professional on an emergency scene, which also renders them in charge of all other medical personnel. All four certification levels are nationally recognized, but some states set their own training hours, testing rules, and renewal cycles. So, always check your state EMS authority before enrolling to ensure the program matches local requirements. Any provider between the levels of Emergency medical technician and Paramedic is either a form of EMT-Intermediate or an Advanced EMT.
Additional training is given in anatomy and physiology through training courses. As a paramedic, you’ll apply more advanced medical techniques such as performing EKGs and carrying out intubation procedures. However, paramedics don’t have set ranges of medical capabilities, due to differing state regulations. In addition to classroom and hands-on training, EMT-Bs must complete a specified number of clinical hours in a hospital and on an ambulance (also referred to as field work). After completing the training program, individuals must pass a certification exam to become a certified EMT-B. Certified EMTs go beyond the responsibilities of an EMR by stabilizing and safely transporting patients from routine calls to critical emergencies.
They can administer basic medications such as epinephrine for severe allergic reactions or aspirin for chest pain. They can also perform more advanced airway management techniques such as using a bag-valve mask device to assist with breathing. EMT-Bs also have more in depth training on specific medical emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, diabetic emergencies, and traumatic bone fractures or dislocations. Ever dialed 911 or watched a medical drama, and got inspired by how Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) save lives?
The Differences Between EMS Career Levels
In the U.S., employment of EMTs & paramedics is projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. So, if you are exploring a career path or just curious about the different types of EMT, this guide will walk you through each of them. You will learn what they do, how to become one, and how to choose which level is right for you.
Emergency medical responder levels by U.S. state
AEMT programs typically take between 200 and 300 hours to complete. In addition to classroom and hands-on training, AEMTs must complete a specified number of clinical hours in a hospital or ambulance setting. After completing the training program, individuals must pass a certification exam to become a certified AEMT. In addition to classroom and hands-on training, EMRs must complete a specified number of clinical hours in a hospital or ambulance setting. After completing the training program, individuals must pass a certification exam to become a certified EMR.