Austin Emergency Medical Technician Career Information
Watch this video about being an EMT, then read on for more information about becoming an EMT in Austin.
To work as an emergency medical technician, you must:
■ have a high school diploma or GED;
■ be at least 18 years old;
■ have a driver's license;
■ be in good physical condition;
■ complete an approved emergency medical technician program;
■ work well under pressure; and
■ be able to work as part of a team.
Did you know? Travis County Emergency Medical Services employs 380 full time staff and hundreds of volunteer responders.
Formal Education
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.
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's degree.
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.
Military Training
The military provides excellent training for this occupation. A military training program in emergency medical care takes up to 54 weeks to complete.
Hiring Practices Employers hire emergency medical technicians who are certified. They may require a valid driver's license. They look for EMTs who are emotionally stable. They also look for people who are physically coordinated and able to move easily and quickly. EMTs must be able to lift and carry heavy objects, such as patients. Employers also look for people who have good driving records. In addition, employers look for EMTs who can listen and talk to people from various backgrounds and cultures.
Licensing/Certification In most states, applicants for EMT-Basic licensure must:
■ be at least 18 years old and provide documentation of any felony convictions;
■ complete EMT-Basic training from an approved school;
■ pass a hands-on exam; and
■ pass a written exam.
To be certified as an EMT-Intermediate, applicant's must:
■ be registered as an EMT-Basic;
■ complete EMT-Intermediate training from an approved school;
■ pass an hands-on exam; and
■ pass a written exam.
To be certified as an EMT-Paramedic, applicants must:
■ be registered as an EMT-Basic;
■ complete EMT-Paramedic training from an approved school;
■ pass hands-on exam; and
■ pass a written exam.
All states require emergency medical technicians to be certified. Requirements vary by state.
Wages Nationally, the median wage for emergency medical technicians is $1,930 per month ($11.14 per hour). Half of all emergency medical technicians earn between $1,540 and $2,520 per month ($8.87 and $14.51 per hour).
Pay varies by who EMTs work for. Those who work for local governments earn more than those at hospitals or private ambulance firms. Pay also varies by the area of the country. Those who work in larger cities or communities where the cost of living is higher tend to earn higher wages. In addition, the more training and experience EMTs have, the higher starting salaries they earn.
Whether EMTs receive benefits depends on the employer. Usually, EMTs who receive benefits are those who work full time. Some of the benefits they receive include medical, dental, and retirement plans. They may also receive paid sick and vacation leave.
Employment
Nationally, about 172,100 emergency medical technicians work in this medium-sized occupation. There are many more volunteer EMTs. These volunteers tend to work in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. The departments they work in may only respond to a few service calls each month. The EMTs who make this field their career tend to work in larger cities.
Major employers
Private ambulance firms
Fire departments
Hospitals
Outlook
Nationally, the number of jobs for emergency medical technicians is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2010.
Much of the growth will come from volunteer positions changing into paid positions. As the population grows, there will be a need for more emergency services. Also, the number of older adults is increasing. Older adults are the greatest users of emergency services. Both of these factors will increase the need for EMTs.
Some EMTs will leave this occupation because of the irregular work hours and the fast pace of the work. Some may leave the occupation because the pay is low and there is little room for advancement. Because pay and benefits usually are better with fire, police, and rescue squads, applicants for these positions will face more competition. Job growth will be slower in these public agencies.
Advancement Opportunities Emergency medical technicians advance by taking additional training. To advance in this field, EMTs must be willing to move to other cities.
Usually paramedics advance to positions that do not include fieldwork. A paramedic with leadership skills may advance to supervisor, operations manager, or executive director of emergency services.
Some EMTs and paramedics become instructors or dispatchers. Those who enjoy forming relationships may move into selling emergency medical equipment. Some may decide that they want to receive further medical training. They may attend college to become registered nurses, physician assistants, or doctors.
Source Information:
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Department of Economic Development
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Did you know? Travis County Emergency Medical Services employs 380 full time staff and hundreds of volunteer responders.