An emergency medical technician (EMT) and an advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) do many of the same things–from stabilizing patients to performing vital care services during emergencies. However, an AEMT can do a few extra tasks that an EMT cannot. These include administering fluids and medications and using advanced equipment in an ambulance.
If you’re an EMT who would like to step up and become an AEMT, you’ll have to take AEMT training and pass the AEMT National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam to become certified. A good way to start this journey is by taking an online AEMT course alongside a professional study guide, like the Video Vault from The Paramedic Coach, which helps you pass AEMT school and the NREMT exam on easy mode.
For a one-time payment of $147, you get lifetime access to more than 480 videos of content, 2,000 NREMT practice questions, thirteen worksheets, drug cards, audio files, and a supportive private student group, among other resources that actually help you gain and retain knowledge, not just memorize words in a textbook.
AEMT vs. EMT Scope of Practice
| Skill / Responsibility | EMT | AEMT |
| Basic patient assessment | ✅ | ✅ |
| CPR and AED use | ✅ | ✅ |
| Oxygen administration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Use of basic airway devices | ✅ | ✅ |
| Intravenous (IV) fluid administration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Advanced airway management | ❌ | ✅ |
| Administration of certain medications | ❌ | ✅ |
| Use of advanced ambulance equipment | ❌ | ✅ |
| Higher-level pre-hospital care | ❌ | ✅ |
The Difference Between an AEMT and an EMT
What is AEMT and an EMT, and what is the difference between the two emergency medical services (EMS) levels?
An EMT conducts basic, non-invasive interventions in acute out-of-hospital emergencies, including stabilizing and transporting patients. They provide the majority of basic emergency care outside of a healthcare institution and possess additional skills associated with patient transport (i.e., using basic ambulance equipment).
You don’t need an emergency medical responder (‘EMR,’ which is the EMS level below EMT) to become an EMT. However, you must undergo 150 to 190 hours of extensive training in prehospital emergency care. After certification, most EMTs pursue careers in ambulance agencies, fire departments, or law enforcement.
An AEMT is similar to an EMT; they can perform the same interventions as the latter. However, they can also conduct some advanced interventions and pharmacological services. In some jurisdictions, AEMTs may be the highest level of out-of-hospital care, but in most cases, they support paramedic-level care.
AEMTs must first be certified EMTs before advancing to the next level of the EMS profession. It then requires approximately 150 to 250 hours of training, clinical training in a hospital, and an internship in an ambulance with a preceptor or training officer.
In terms of an AEMT versus an EMT salary, AEMTs earn more, given that they have a more advanced set of skills.
Both AEMTs and EMTs must complete an accredited training course and pass the NREMT exam before practicing in their respective fields. These programs are often rigorous and accelerated, and the test can get challenging on either level. It’s a lot of information to take in, and it may be difficult to truly understand everything if you’re just reading concepts off a page.
Our Video Vault is a comprehensive supplementary resource that helps you get a full grasp of EMS by breaking down key topics into simple concise video modules. It helps you really know the content! This way, you can walk into the NREMT exam confident in your abilities, and walk out ready to apply what you’ve learned to help people in emergencies.
What AEMTs Can Do That EMTs Cannot
EMTs can perform simple, non-invasive interventions; they can administer life-saving techniques like CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. They may assist other higher-level medical professionals in an emergency and provide care to minimize secondary injury.
In addition to that, EMTs can stabilize and transport patients. Their scope of practice, however, is limited to basic out-of-hospital skills and still requires medical oversight. They’re not allowed to use advanced equipment or administer drugs.
AEMTs can do everything an EMT can do, but they’re also trained to administer fluids and some medications and use the advanced medical equipment carried in ambulances. AEMT is the minimum licensure level to provide advanced care to patients at the scene of an emergency or during transportation.
Become an AEMT With the Video Vault
Becoming an AEMT can be a challenging feat. But taking that next step is possible when you have the right tools and resources to help you learn what you need to know. The Video Vault from The Paramedic Coach is designed to help aspiring AEMTs better understand the concepts and develop the skills they need to become an EMS professional!
Just take it from our users. We have many success stories that prove how effective our Video Vault is. Many of our students love how our resources help them make sense of what they learn in AEMT training. Some have even shared how they learn more from the videos than in class!
Thanks to our Video Vault, our students enter their NREMT test with confidence. “I passed because of the Video Vault” is something we hear quite often. Let us help you get that same result: enjoy lifetime access to our Video Vault for just $147 today!
