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How to Become an EMT and Paramedic

By Ashley Boyce, allied health world staff writer
Published:  January 7th, 2010

Steps to becoming an EMT/Paramedic

1. Seek out EMT volunteer programs with your local fire department to gain as much exposure to emergency medical work as possible to be sure it is a proper fit for you. For information on volunteer opportunities in your area visit www.volunteerems.org.
2. Research traditional or accelerated EMT and paramedic programs available through the local community college, technical school, or university of your choice.
3. Complete clinical and field training as part of your EMT/paramedic program.
4. Secure licensure through your state’s board of emergency medical services by passing the state board of emergency medical services exam. Learn more about EMT and paramedic certification.
5. Begin your challenging and rewarding career as a life-saving EMT or paramedic.

What is the typical career path for an EMT or paramedic?

Paramedics usually begin their careers as EMTs. Through the process of on-the-job training, and additional classroom & field training, EMTs with basic or intermediate certification will often work their way up to becoming certified paramedics.

There are some opportunities for advancement for those EMTs and paramedics who want to continue working as medical professionals, but in some other capacity in the industry. Their EMT training and experience qualifies them to work as instructors, dispatchers, supervisors, operations managers, administrative directors, or executive directors of emergency services.

Learn more about EMT and paramedic courses.

EMT training opens the door to any medical profession, whether it is emergency or traditional. Some RNs and physician assistants have started their careers as EMTs and paramedics to determine if they wanted a career in medicine before beginning their advanced medical training.

How can I get exposure to EMT work to see if it’s a good fit?

Given the unique personality required to be an EMT, and the stressful and demanding nature of the work, schools that offer EMT programs as well as agencies who hire EMTs, strongly recommend as much exposure to the work as possible before deciding on it as a career. This essentially is the first step in the process of eliminating those who aren’t prepared to handle the psychological and physical demands of the job.


The best opportunity for exposure to the daily rigors of EMT and paramedic work for those with some level of emergency medical training is through volunteerism. Those with no emergency medical training who wish to gain exposure can sometimes arrange to job shadow.

Learn more about EMT and paramedic training.

Opportunities to volunteer are also available to existing EMTs with all levels of training who wish to advance their careers by gaining more experience.

For information on emergency medical volunteer opportunities in your area visit www.volunteerems.org.

What are some hot topics in the field of emergency medicine?

The Department of Homeland Security’s National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) offers domestic preparedness training that deals with the threat of biological weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The NDPC brings together the military and other state and federal institutions that have experience with performing field exercises dealing with chemical or biological agents, explosives, or other WMD training scenarios. This domestic preparedness training is available to all state and local emergency responders including EMTs and paramedics. Training would include learning how to recognize hazardous materials, the protocols for how to respond to WMD attack, and how to prioritize and deal with mass-scale casualties. For information on how to get this important training search for Office of Domestic Preparedness at www.dhs.gov.