What is Emergency Medical Technology?
Emergency Medical Technology (EMT), also known as Emergency Medical Services (EMS), is a major that trains individuals to provide emergency medical care. You will learn how to help kids who fall out of trees and people suffering from major heart attacks.
An Emergency Medical Technology program can range from a one week certificate program to a two-year or four-year degree program.
Is Emergency Medical Technology a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you enjoy a challenge? Are you compassionate? Do you like to help people? Do you enjoy working at a fast pace? Do you perform well under pressure? Are you a good communicator? Are you a team player? Do you like to work on your feet? If you answer yes to most of these questions, then you may have a future in Emergency Medical Services!
High School Classes Needed for an Emergency Medical Services Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 3 Math Credits
- Biology with a Lab
- Chemistry with a Lab
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- If your high school offers the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage:
- Team Sports
- Civil Rights Team
- Foreign Language Club
Common Emergency Medical Technology Courses in College:
- Airway Management and Assessment for the Paramedic
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Life Support for the Paramedic
- Information, Technology, and Society
- Medical Emergencies
- Obstetrics and Pediatrics for the Paramedic
- Operations and Rescue Practices for the Paramedic
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Paramedic
- Psychology
- Pulmonary and Cardiology for the Paramedic
- Sociology
- Trauma and Behavioral for the Paramedic
Most programs also require a clinical practicum.
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Criminal Justice: the study of society and criminal behavior
- Emergency Management: the study of how to best respond to both natural and human-caused emergencies
- Fire Protection and Safety Technology: the study of how to prevent fires and accidents and how to handle hazardous materials
- Fire Science: the study of how to fight fires
- Homeland Security: the study of how to protect the United States from both domestic and international threats
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN): a course of study that prepares students to serve as nurses who assist registered nurses and doctors
- Nursing (RN): a course of study that prepares students to serve as registered nurses
- Physical Therapy: a program that prepares students to work as physical therapists or physical therapy assistants (health care professionals who work to rehabilitate people using exercise and specialized equipment)
- Premed: a course of study that is not a major in and of itself, but prepares students to go on to medical school
Emergency Medical Technology Careers:
Emergency Medical Services graduates often go to work for municipal or hospital-based ambulance services. Some work for or with fire departments or police departments and some work for private companies.
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