Emergency Medical Technician – EMT (NREMT)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) credential certifies that an individual has the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide emergency medical care and transportation to a variety of patients with varied medical conditions. Healthcare professionals with this certification can perform basic life-saving interventions to help stabilize the patient upon transportation to a medical center.
This is a mandatory certification in order to work as an EMT.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Knowledge of basic anatomy, body functions and physiology
- Ability to perform CPR and administer emergency medical care to a variety of patients with varied medical conditions
- Knowledge of ventilation procedures that assist patients in breathing
- Ability to perform various first aid procedures that can assist with the comfort and care of the patient
- Comprehension of anatomical positions
- Ability to maintain medical and legal standards
- Adherence to standard precautions/OSHA regulations
Exam Objectives
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must be 18 years of age or older; applicant must have completed a state-approved EMT course that meets/exceeds National Medical Services Education Standards for the EMR; course must have been completed within the last 2 years; applicant must have current CPR-BLS for healthcare providers certification; applicant must complete the EMT cognitive (knowledge) examination and the psychomotor (skills) examination; the Psychomotor Exam is a “hands-on” exam. It is administered by either the State EMS Office or at the training institution. The EMT instructors will provide test location information.
- Questions (for cognitive exam): 70-120. The exam is a computerized adaptive test (CAT). The more questions you answer correctly, the harder the questions get. The goal is to find out if you have enough knowledge to demonstrate entry-level competency.
- Time: 120 minutes
- Cost: Cost: $80
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 2 years
- Download Certification Guidelines
Other relevant details: Cognitive exams are given at Pearson VUE testing centers
EMT (NREMT) Careers
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Careers
Jobs you can get with an EMT (NREMT) certification (additional requirements may apply):
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the paramedic shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $34,320*
National average per hour: $16.50*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
EMT (NREMT) Careers Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the current American Heart Association’s Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- Review the NREMT Exam Preparation Guidelines
- Review the EMT Candidate Handbook
- Study and review the EMT performance skills checklist documents
- Complete EMT practice questions
- Take an online review course
- Study from exam review books
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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