Emergency Medical Services

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