4 Reasons Why an EMT is a Rewarding Career Option
For a lot of people who end up with thriving careers in healthcare, their first foray into the exciting and challenging field begins as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
An EMT career is a life-saving profession that is also high-pressure, fast-paced, and challenging. However, it’s also known to be one of the more fulfilling careers in healthcare. It’s a great starting point for building a career in the medical industry. Studying to be an EMT and learning the necessary skills to truly make a difference in the lives of others is a highly rewarding career option in itself. Here’s why:
1. Build a Fulfilling Career in Healthcare
As an EMT, you have the potential to make an impact in your community by helping people in dire situations and saving lives. In many cases, EMTs are responsible for keeping patients calm in very high-stress scenarios.
EMTs serve as the first line of care and treatment in emergencies. So, while it’s largely considered an entry-level position, training tends to be comprehensive. After all, you have peoples’ lives in your hands.
As such, an EMT education offers the chance to learn through a combination of hands-on, practical experience and theoretical classroom instruction. The goal is to equip you with the necessary medical skills to be a competent first responder. In addition to industry-specific skills, training includes interpersonal and listening skills, how to think on your feet, and advanced problem-solving skills.
2. Consistent Growth of EMT Career Opportunities
Some of the most accomplished doctors, nurses, and medical specialists begin their careers as EMTs. As an EMT, you gain valuable practical experience in the field given the numerous opportunities to practice your skills. Every day is different and you will likely come across new challenges that will test and hone your skills as a medical professional. This kind of experience in the field is unmatched and allows for growth.
Additionally, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for EMTs is poised for faster than average growth from 2019 through 2029. Growth is forecast to increase 6% faster than for other professions, with EMTs being paid a median annual salary of $35,400.
The increased demand for skilled healthcare workers is driven by the rising life expectancy of the Baby Boomer generation, whose need for emergency care and services is on the rise.
3. Make a Meaningful Impact in Your Community
As an EMT, your work will have a direct impact on the lives of people in your community. You are likely the first person to respond to their emergency and can make a real difference in their lives. Even the smallest medical calls can make a significant impact when you’re trying to help.
How well you do your job, your competence as a paramedic, and your ability to execute your training and skills will have a direct impact on your patients. This is why communities continue to recognize and value the contribution that EMTs make in their lives.
4. Varied Options for Training and Education
Since training in this field doesn’t take very long, it can be fast-paced and challenging. Training to be an EMT can be completed in around a year, with the option to finish the program in a shorter period of time based on your availability. Likewise, you may also choose to invest more time in your training.
There are also lots of supplementary and specialty training programs to ensure that your skills and knowledge fit your career goals and you keep up to date with the latest advances in healthcare.
Staying current with training will help you perform your job better. It can also help open doors to other career opportunities in the future. For example, some EMTs can become instructors or coordinators further into their careers; others shift to careers as firefighters; while still others opt to pursue a role beyond becoming a first line emergency responder and explore opportunities as nurses.
The point is, the skills and training you receive as an EMT not only ensure your competence as a first responder, they also offer a good baseline of knowledge that can help propel your healthcare career forward should you decide to switch careers in the future.
If you think you have what it takes to become an EMT and want to start a rewarding career in healthcare as a first responder, visit our website today.
