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An Emergency Medical Technician has an incredibly important job. They are usually on the frontline in emergencies. EMTs are medical professionals who provide emergency care to people who are far away from a hospital or on their way to one. They can provide basic medical and first-aid care until a person can be taken to a hospital or other medical facility for treatment.
Becoming an EMT is a very fulfilling career and leads to great job opportunities all over the US including in Arizona. In this article, we will share with you all the requirements to become an EMT and give you several places where you can get your certification.
Read on if you want to become a real hero to the people!
You are probably surprised to know that you don’t even require a college degree to become an EMT. It is an easy career to get into but before we talk about that let’s quickly find out what an EMT is and what is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic.
EMS personnel rescue accident victims or care for a patient with a medical emergency. The vast majority of EMS responders are either EMTs or Paramedics. Both have different roles and work in a variety of healthcare settings.
EMTs and Paramedics are both frequently employed in ground ambulances, helicopters, industrial safety, and fire departments. They both wear uniforms and help patients, so what's the difference?
There are various levels of certification for providers in the field of emergency medical services (EMS). Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the most common type of EMS provider and are also known as EMTs.
EMTs learn the skills necessary to assist in life-threatening situations, and many EMTs go on to earn an Advanced EMT certificate or become a Paramedic. Many doctors, nurses, and firefighters have used their EMT training and work experience to advance their careers.
So the simple answer is that Paramedics have more advanced training in emergency services. According to the Arizona Bureau of EMS, there are three levels of EMS licenses each more advanced than the other:
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EMT and paramedic employment is expected to grow 11 percent between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
On average, approximately 20,700 EMT and paramedic job openings are expected each year over the next decade. Many of those openings are expected to be created as a result of the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or leave the labor force for other reasons, such as retirement.
The state of Arizona, like other states, offers prospective EMTs the opportunity to practice pre-hospital medical care or emergency skills in order to save the lives of ordinary people while earning a handsome salary.
The salary of aspiring EMTs in Arizona is entirely dependent on:
The geographical areas where they provide services.
The program level they are on.
The number of hours they provide their service.
Emergency Medical Technicians in Arizona earn a decent wage, allowing them to live comfortably. According to data gathered from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly income of EMTs is $36,650, with an hourly wage of $17.62.
Be sure to check out: Best Paying Trade Jobs in Arizona
Below are the basic requirements for you to qualify for EMT certification:
Now that we've covered the prerequisites, let's take a look at the steps you'll need to take to obtain your certification.
You must complete EMT training at a state-approved training facility. EMT training programs in Arizona are authorized by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Emergency Services, and Trauma System.
In Arizona, there are two levels of EMT.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion (CCL) at both the EMT-B and EMT-I levels. To become an EMT-I, you must first become an EMT-B and then complete additional training. EMT-Is have a higher earning potential than EMT-Bs, because of the additional training and time required.
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) administers certification exams for EMT-Bs, EMT-Is, and Paramedics. But before the exam, the candidate must first complete the account creation process on the NREMT website.
The candidate must apply to the Bureau of Emergency Services and Trauma System in Arizona. Along with this, the candidate must provide a valid copy of any required documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, proving his or her legal presence in the United States.
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EMTs in Arizona are graded based on their level of expertise. An entry-level EMT has completed a course leading to licensure as an EMT-Basic (EMT-B) and possesses the fundamental skills required to work as an EMT.
An EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) certification is available once the EMT has gained experience and feels ready to move on to the next stage of education. To advance beyond the intermediate level, an EMT-I would go through paramedic training to become an EMT-Paramedic.
An EMT course teaches the fundamentals of emergency care, such as transportation, vital sign assessment, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and other skills. To become an EMT-B in Arizona, you must complete 110 contact hours.
While EMT-Bs can take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exams, they may want to further their education to become an EMT-I eventually. Becoming an EMT-I has advantages such as increased pay and skill level.
EMT-I training must include 1,000 contact hours and a much higher level of didactic requirements. An EMT-Intermediate can also work as an instructional leader or program manager in an Arizona training program.
The following are some community colleges in Arizona that offer EMT courses/certifications.
Pima Community College (PCC) is one of Arizona's most established and respected community colleges. It is a public community college with five campuses, four education centers, and numerous adult education learning facilities serving the Tucson metropolitan area.
The college has about 144 programs available in both traditional and online formats. Pima offers workforce training, non-credit personal interest seminars, and post-baccalaureate credentials.
The fast track course is intended to provide you with a certificate and a job as soon as possible. This accelerated learning program lasts only 12 estimated weeks and requires 20 hours of study per week.
At the completion of the program, you will be able to:
Total cost of the program is $2,687.5 (Excluding tax).
Note: Course fees are inclusive of text, laboratory materials, and national certification tests.
Financial aid is available to students who apply and qualify to cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies, as well as the costs of housing and transportation.
The College's Financial Aid Office is always available to help you with the application process, understanding your financial aid awards, and staying on track to remain eligible for aid.
Undergraduate Students: 17,141
Students who received Pell grant 57%
Race/Ethnicity
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Pima Community College has campuses and facilities located throughout the Tucson metropolitan area. Most Pima students take classes at multiple locations and are welcome to use the student services centers, libraries, and other resources at any of the campuses/centers listed below.
Farmington, New Mexico's San Juan College is a public college. Its campus has a total enrollment of 6,679. The academic year at the school is divided into semesters. There is a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
San Juan College's highest level of education is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and will give you credit for your life experiences.
Degrees and certificates are available in 26 different fields for students to pursue. Health Professions and Related Programs, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields are among the most popular programs.
San Juan College's Emergency Medical Services Program (EMS) prepares students for careers in pre-hospital emergency medicine. Through student-centered learning, advanced technology, collaborative approaches, and critical thinking, the program develops healthcare professionals who are valued members of Emergency Medical Services.
San Juan College's EMS education meets or exceeds the New Mexico EMS Minimal Curriculum Standards as well as the National Registry Standard Curriculum.
Graduates who complete any level of certification successfully will be eligible to take the National Registry of EMT's examination.
The cost to attend The Emergency Medical Services Program is $52/credit hour. The total Required credits are 15 hours. The basic tuition comes to $780 plus other fees of $212 making the total cost of the program approximately $1,000.
Note: Effective Fall 2022 tuition will be $56/credit hour. For exact fees please contact the community college.
financialaid@sanjuancollege.edu
Phone: (505) 566-3323
Fax: (505) 566-3593
Educational Service Building, Room 4136
M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
As part of their commitment, SJC works to provide financial assistance to anyone in need. In fact, 91 percent of San Juan College's first-year students receive financial assistance! Their Financial Aid Office will assist you in navigating the financial aid process so that you can afford community college throughout your time there.
Undergraduate Students: 4,762
Students who received Pell grant 61%
Race/Ethnicity
Acceptance Rate: 100%
The main campus is located in Farmington, New Mexico. The Farmington area is home to several Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Hopi.
Attending local cultural events, visiting trading posts, and visiting museums are all ways to learn about the art and culture of the Four Corners' Native people. Visits to Native American communities and lands can be both rewarding and educational.
Mesa Community College is a public college located in Mesa, Arizona. It has a total enrollment of 20,387 students.
The academic year at the school is divided into semesters. There is a 22-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Mesa Community College's highest level of education is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and will give you credit for your life experiences.
Degrees and certificates are available in 26 different fields for students to pursue. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Health Professions and Related Programs, and Physical Sciences are among the most popular programs.
EMT-Basic is the entry-level pre-hospital emergency medical care provider. EMT-Bs are not trained to deliver definitive medical care, but rather to give rapid in-field treatment and transportation to higher-level medical providers.
The training is intended to equip the next set of skills needed to advance in the emergency health care field, and it qualifies the student for state EMT-basic certification through the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The total cost of the program is approximately $1,860
Like all community colleges, Financial Aid is available on a need-to-need basis. Please contact the college to check eligibility.
Southern & Dobson Campus
Building: 39
P: 480-731-8900 F: 480-844-3272
Hours
Fall & Spring Semesters:
Mon-Thu: 8 am – 6 pm
Fri: 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Sat and Sun
Summer Semester:
Mon-Thu: 8 am – 6 pm
Closed Fri, Sat and Sun
Undergraduate Students: 16,010
Students who received Pell grant 47%
Race/Ethnicity
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Address: 2020, South Avenue, 8E Yuma, Arizona- 85365
Contact Number: (928) 317-6000
Official Website: https://www.azwestern.edu/
Address: District Office, 8470 North Overfield Road, Coolidge, Arizona- 85128
Contact Number: (800) 237-9814
Official Website: http://www.centralaz.edu/
Address: 3000, North Fourth Street, Flagstaff, Arizona- 86004-18925
Contact Number: (928) 526-7613
Official Website: http://www.coconino.edu/Pages/default.aspx
Address: 1601, West Main Street, Mesa, Arizona- 85201
Contact Number: (480) 461-4000
Official Website: http://www.evit.com/
Address: 615, North Stadium Avenue, Thatcher, Arizona- 85552
Contact Number: (928) 428-8472, 800-678-3808
Official Website: http://www.eac.edu/
Address: 1971, Jagerson Avenue, Kingman, Arizona- 86409
Contact Number: (928) 757-4331
Official Website:http://www.mohave.edu/
Address: 18401, North 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona- 85032
Contact Number: (602) 787-6500
Official Website: http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/
Address: 6000, West Olive Avenue, Glendale, Arizona- 85302
Contact Number: (623) 845-3000
Official Address: http://www2.gccaz.edu/
Address: 1001, West Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, Arizona- 85901
Contact Number: (928) 532-6111
Official Website:http://www.npc.edu/
EMT and paramedic employment is expected to grow 11 percent between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 20,700 EMT and paramedic job openings are expected each year on average over the next decade.
In this article, we showed you how easy it is to become an EMT as it does not even require a college degree. We also shared a fast-track option that can get you ready for certification in 12 weeks.
If you are interested in this noble profession of heroes then we wish you the best of luck with your certification!
