From education and training to field responsibilities and salary, this article explores the differences between emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
Theshort answer is that a paramedic has additional training and education to an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This gives them a greater scope of practice and level of care in the field. So, if you were only Googling “paramedic vs EMT” out of interest’s sake, you’re free to return to your online meanderings.
If, however, you wanted to know the difference between an EMT and paramedic because you intend to become one or the other, this guide covers exactly the information you’re probably looking for, such as:
What is an Emergency Medical Technician or EMT?
What is a Paramedic or PM?
Where does an EMT vs paramedic work?
What is the paramedic vs EMT salary?
However, first things first: who are we? And what the heck do we know about EMT vs paramedic stuff?
Well, we’re Brainscape, the world’s smartest study app. And we’ve partnered with nationally registered and certified paramedic and emergency medical services (EMS) instructor, Jeralyn Price to curate a certified collection of NREMT EMT flashcards, as well as informative guides, such as the one you now hold in your virtual hands, on working in EMS.
(We've also created this free suite of NREMT Paramedic exam prep videos and a podcast, which you can watch or listen to when you can't study your flashcards, like when driving, exercising, or doing housework!)
Throughout her 33+ year career, Jeri has taught over 100 EMT courses; authored countless exams, evaluations, and matrices; coordinated NREMT psychomotor skills finals at every level; and served as a board member of the Colorado State EMS Education Association.
So, yeah, not to brag or anything, but she knows a whole lot!
And we, the team here at Brainscape, are truly passionate about helping people complete their EMT and paramedic training so that they can join the ranks of this really important field. So stick with us, and we’ll guide you through everything you need to know, starting with what an EMT is and does …
Paramedic vs EMT: What is an Emergency Medical Technician?
The primary job of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is to assess a patient and determine if any life-threatening injuries or illnesses may be present. This quick assessment is then followed by interventions intended to (1) save the patient’s life, (2) stabilize them for transport, and even (3) provide respite from pain, shock, and emotional distress, for example:
Splinting injuries for a patient following some kind of accident, such as a car crash
Administering life-saving epinephrine for a patient in anaphylactic shock
Giving CPR to a patient in cardiac arrest
Delivering a newborn baby to a patient who wasn’t able to get to a hospital in time
Administering oxygen / bag valve mask ventilations to a patient struggling to breathe
Once an EMT has done as much as they can to stabilize the patient in the field, they will then transport (ambulance or helicopter) the patient to a medical facility to receive advanced care.
How do I become an EMT?
In order to become an EMT, you have to complete a training course that is between 120 and 150 credit hours in length, which is typically spread out between three weeks and one year.
This training culminates with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians ® (NREMT) examination (a cognitive and psychomotor exam), which tests your content knowledge and practical emergency care skills, respectively.
In general, to be eligible for enrollment at an EMT school you don’t need any prior medical experience. Beyond that, educational institutions may have some requirements for applicants (such as a minimum age of 18) so make sure you check with your chosen school’s and state’s regulations beforehand.
Side note: Not everyone who gets EMT certification stays an EMT. Many go on to become paramedics (more on that in the next section) or even nurses, firefighters, and doctors!
Hey! Want to know what you’re in for, and how you can best prepare for the challenge? Check out our guide ‘What to expect from EMT school’.
Paramedic vs EMT: What is a Paramedic?
Paramedics actually start out as EMTs (with a minimum of 6 months’ experience) but then complete additional training and certification in order to offer a greater scope of care to patients.
How much additional training?
Well, a paramedic program takes between 1,200 and 1,800 hours, and up to 24 months to complete (although it can be done quicker). This training involves lectures, skills labs, a hospital internship, and then an EMS field internship. Finally, paramedic students are required to pass the national certification exam.