Start a Rewarding Career in Emergency Medical Services

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In today’s economy, everyone is looking for stable employment that evades layoffs, while providing steady income and benefits. Why not start a rewarding career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS)? Here is a guaranteed job that not only helps others, but provides job satisfaction, career advancement, and steady income. Our nation is at a critical juncture, with a high demand for EMS professionals and an increased demand on our already taxed EMS delivery system. Jobs for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics are available nationwide. You will work on in hospitals, on ambulances, air ambulances, at major sporting events, or anywhere people tend to congregate. Jobs are available in big cities, small towns, and rural areas alike, so chances are that you can find a job near you. While the training is intensive, EMT’s can complete training in less than six months, and Paramedics in less than a year, some companies are offering incentives to attract new blood into this profession.

Choose a Certification Level

As a prospective candidate, you need to choose where you want to go. Typically, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) is your starting point for certification. This course, usually conducted over a semester at a community college, is also offered in condensed versions on a 40 hour week schedule. Training includes classroom and practical exercises with a written and practical final exam. Attendance is mandatory; however some schools are offering a portion of the course online, with the student completing the practical training and final testing at an educational facility. Visit the Training Division at http://www.trainingdivision.com/ , a Texas based education provider that is able to work with out of state students. Once training is complete, it is highly recommended that you follow up with National Registry Certification, available from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians at http://www.nremt.org/ . This certification is recognized worldwide, and greatly enhances your ability to work in other states.

By starting as an EMT-B, you will be able to begin working and gaining valuable experience in the field. This will prepare you for the next certifications as an EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic. Both of these levels allow certified personnel to perform advanced skills that an EMT-Basic cannot. EMT-Basic certified personnel typically provide Basic Life Support (BLS), while EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic levels provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills. Typical EMT positions start at $10 per hour and up, while EMT-Intermediate and Paramedics can expect $12-15 per hour or more.

Interested in working with a health care provider while you train? American Medical Response (AMR) is one of the largest providers of ambulance services in the nation http://www.amr.net/ .

They have developed their own training program for EMS professionals, visit http://www.amr.net/getdoc/3ef5e2db-fc19-4952-b019-b8cf0834630e/Paramedic-and-EMT-Training.aspx for more information.

Some rural areas and private industries do not require EMT-Basic for entry level personnel. Medical First Responders receive approximately 48 hours of training, and are used in place of EMT’s in certain areas. While the pay may not be as high, it allows you to once again valuable experience while pursuing your EMT training and certification. Visit http://www.nsc.org/ , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_first_responder , and http://www.firemanagementconsultant.com/ for additional information.

Regardless of the training level you choose, you will be required to maintain your certification. A current Healthcare Provider Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card is required for all certification levels along with refresher or continuing education training. Individuals interested in driving an ambulance may also be required to obtain a specialized drivers license from their state.

Advancement

Advancing in EMS depends on your personal goals. With so many American’s holding advanced degrees in Business and Management, your opportunities for moving in to management are endless. While Paramedics receive the highest pay on an ambulance, they may also find sign on bonuses in other communities, or transitioning to government jobs in the fire service. Firefighter/Paramedics are typically paid a higher salary than Firefighter/EMT’s, with annual stipends and educational incentives offered. Why not try for a job overseas? Tax breaks, higher pay, and the opportunity to travel make overseas jobs lucrative to the right individual. See the related articles at http://socyberty.com/work/how-to-become-a-career-firefighter/ and http://socyberty.com/government/industrial-firefighting-jobs / for additional information.

Still not sure if this is for you? Check “EMT Jobs” on any of the popular search engines to see if jobs are available in your area. Did I mention that ambulance personnel in certain areas work 24 hour shifts, with a total of 10-15 shifts a month? This gives you a lot of free time to be with your family. Are you a workaholic? Plenty of overtime is usually available in larger EMS systems. Part-time positions are often available if you are not looking for full time work, and volunteer opportunities abound for individuals with these certifications and skills. Your opportunities are endless, and remember, there is not satisfaction greater than saving a human life, or helping someone in need.