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
BLS median wage
$45,750
Typical education
Less than one year of post-secondary training
10-year growth
+8%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
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.
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
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
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
- Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
- Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
- Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
- Comfort and reassure patients.
- Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of survivors, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
- Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.