[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics both work together as part of emergency medical services (EMS). Although EMTs and paramedics work in many of the same settings and perform many of the same responsibilities, the roles have some key differences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Find out which role is right for you when you compare the education and certification requirements, the responsibilities, and the salary information for an EMT vs. paramedic.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]EMT and Paramedic Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]EMTs and paramedics both work for EMS to provide urgent and emergency care for patients. Both careers require a high school diploma, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – basic life support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers, a license to practice in their state, and certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). To become a paramedic, one must already hold EMT certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paramedics must receive an additional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nmetc.com/courses/paramedic/” target=”_blank”]1,200 hours of training[/hen-ui-link], so they can lead their team on the field, make decisions about where to take the patient for the best care, give oral and intravenous (IV) medication, and use advanced airway management techniques. Paramedics often earn higher pay because they receive additional education and learn more skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-table]Major Comparisons[hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Points to Consider[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]EMT[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Paramedic[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Points to Consider”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”EMT”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school diploma or equivalent[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CPR certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Paramedic”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school diploma or equivalent[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CPR certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]EMT certification from NREMT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Points to Consider”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”EMT”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]None[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Paramedic”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degree or bachelor’s degree could be required[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Points to Consider”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Certification Options[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”EMT”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CPR-BLS certification for healthcare providers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An EMT license issued by the state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Paramedic”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CPR-BLS certification for healthcare providers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paramedic certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A paramedic license issued by the state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Points to Consider”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Recertification Options[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”EMT”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule and pass the recertification exam for EMTs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]OR[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete 40 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements the National Continued Competency Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Paramedic”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule and pass the recertification exam for paramedics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]OR[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete 60 hours of continuing education that meets the requirements the National Continued Competency Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Points to Consider”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”EMT”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Responding to 911 calls[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Asses patients’ medical condition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Driving the ambulance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing first aid[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing life-support[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Paramedic”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leading the EMS team in the field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deciding where to take the patient for the best care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stitching wounds[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reading EKGs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Giving oral and IV medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Points to Consider”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Average Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”EMT”]$41,340[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Paramedic”]$58,410[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paramedics earn higher pay, have skills in advanced emergency medical procedures, and hold more responsibility to make decisions about medical care and patient transport. However, EMTs and paramedics share many of the same duties, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Driving the ambulance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing first aid[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing basic life-support[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reporting their observations to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Documenting medical care they give to patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transferring patients to the emergency department in a hospital or other healthcare space[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Replacing, cleaning, and taking inventory of supplies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Additional Paramedic Duties[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most paramedics work in other ambulatory care services; local government, excluding schools and hospitals; general medical and surgical hospitals; other support services; and physicians’ offices.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paramedics hold all the responsibilities of an EMT and additional responsibilities, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deciding which healthcare space to take the patient to[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leading the team in the field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Giving oral and IV medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stitching wounds[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing advanced airway management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Reading EKGs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing advanced cardiac life support[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to become an EMT or a paramedic, you need a high school diploma or a GED diploma and CPR certification. EMTs and paramedics also have to pass three exams: a state licensure exam, a knowledge and skills test, and a NREMT certification exam. After that, deciding which career path to choose depends on how much time you want to spend in training before you can apply for employment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When applying for NREMT certification, you can create an account with the NREMT. After that, fill out an application for certification and pay the non-refundable application fee of $98 for EMTs and $152 for paramedics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects 5% job growth for EMTs and paramedics between 2024 and 2034, resulting in the addition of 19,000 open positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many factors contribute to the need for more EMTs and paramedics, such as retirement and transfer of current EMTs and paramedics, new specialized care facilities, and a growing population of middle-aged and older adults who have age-related health issues.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pay for EMTs and paramedics varies by location and work setting. EMTs may also earn more if they increase their certification and become an Advanced EMT (AEMT).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]EMT vs. Paramedic: Which Career Is Right For Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paramedics have more responsibilities and earn higher salaries in all work settings, but it takes at least 3-4 times longer to become a paramedic. You can become an EMT in as little as four months, but the average annual EMT salary is about $16,000 less than the average annual paramedic salary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All paramedics must start out as EMTs. If you’re an EMT thinking about becoming a paramedic, consider the time it takes to complete the education and certification requirements, the higher pay, and the greater responsibilities before you make your decision.[/hen-ui-text]