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Healthcare

Emergency Medical Technician

Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

Annual openings

319

Median wage

$45,750

Typical education

Less than one year of post-secondary training

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Less than one year of post-secondary training

Credential requirement

A certification is required for this job.

Credential detail

Must pass two National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians tests, one written and one psychomotor.

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.

Training

Completion of an approved Emergency Medical Technician training course.

Previous experience as an EMT is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring an Emergency Preparedness Specialist.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Emergency Services

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
  2. Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
  3. Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
  4. Comfort and reassure patients.
  5. Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of survivors, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
  6. Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
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