Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in California can work shifts of eight, ten, twelve, or twenty-four hours. Regardless of whether you work during traditional or non-traditional hours, the duties of an EMT generally remain the same–you still respond to emergency calls, provide first aid and essential medical interventions, and assist higher-level emergency medical services (EMS) professionals in aiding and transporting patients to the relevant healthcare providers.
What Does an EMT Do?
An EMT conducts basic and non-invasive medical interventions during emergencies. They provide the majority of first aid and primary care, including stabilizing patients and transporting them to hospitals. They also aid higher-level EMS in out-of-hospital care.
Training for an EMT exam in California, which is required by the state, equips you with everything you need to know to do your duties as an EMT.
Working as an EMT
While EMT shifts can be physically and emotionally challenging, the job has many benefits. The work is exciting as you never know what will happen in the field. This opens the door to plenty of learning opportunities and allows you to hone skills like adaptability and critical thinking. Working as an EMT is an honorable endeavor as you help people–and possibly even save lives–every day.
How much are EMTs paid in California? On average, the salary of California EMTs is about $45,000 a year. The amount you earn, however, can vary depending on several factors, such as your location, employer, and skills. EMTs that are paid on the higher end of the range earn upwards of $62,000 a year.
How to Become an EMT in California
To become an EMT in California, you must receive training, pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, and obtain certification. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process to become a professional first responder in the state:
Undergo Training
California requires all EMTs to first undergo training through an approved course facilitated by a recognized provider. Multiple courses are available, so do your research and choose the best one for you.
EMT training in California usually costs around $1,200 to $3,000, but sometimes, you can find free, subsidized, or sponsored programs.
Pass the NREMT Exam
After you pass your EMT training course, you must take the NREMT exam–a test that qualifies everything you’ve learned in your program and assesses if you’re ready to work as a professional EMS provider. The NREMT exam can be intimidating, but if you have adequate test prep resources, like the Video Vault from The Paramedic Coach, acing the test will be a breeze!
Get Certified
After passing your NREMT exam, you can then apply for EMT certification in California. You need to pass certain requirements, such as your EMT course completion and NREMT certificates, along with other documents that will be listed on the website of your local EMS office.
You also need to apply for an ambulance driver’s license (ADL). This necessitates another set of requirements, including a medical check-up.
Become a Certified California EMT with Help from The Paramedic Coach
Before you can work shifts as a licensed EMT in California, you need to pass the NREMT exam. This test requires a solid foundation on EMS, and while you can build this with the mandated EMT training in California, having supplementary material that breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand ideas can be a big help.
The Video Vault from The Paramedic Coach is designed to make learning about EMS fun and understandable. Get lifetime access to more than 480 videos, 2,000 NREMT practice questions, worksheets, drug cards, audio files, and our private student group for only $147!
