Career Opportunities

Paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and first responders are primarily employed at the following locations, public safety agencies, hospitals, private and public ambulance services, and fire departments

As an EMS program graduate, you are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written and practical exams to become certified nationally and in the state of Minnesota.

Employment Information

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Quick Facts: EMTs and Paramedics

2020 median pay: $36,650 per year | $17.62 per hour
Number of jobs nationally in 2020: 261,300
Job outlook: 2020–2030: 11 percent (faster than average)
Employment change: 2020–2030: 28,600

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook

(NAEMT) lists four categories of emergency medical practitioners:

Emergency medical responder (EMR)
Emergency medical technician (EMT)
Advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT)
Paramedic

Opportunities in the Field

Wilderness EMS
Special operations
Special events
Hazardous materials
Industrial safety
Quality management
Disaster relief

Workplace Settings

Urgent care centers
Public safety agencies
Public and private ambulance services
Fire departments
Hospitals

EMS-Related Occupations in Detail

EMTs and Paramedics
Firefighters
Physician Assistants
Registered Nurses

Career Links

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
EMS World
Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS)
GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences: Urgent Matters
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians