If you are learning about the levels of emergency responders, you might be wondering what an Advanced EMT is. An Advanced EMT is an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or AEMT.
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is the emergency medical services certification organization in the United States. It decides what skills and knowledge each level of emergency responders needs to do their jobs effectively and competently.
Three levels of NREMT certification fall under the umbrella term emergency medical technician (EMT). These are:
- Emergency medical technician (EMT)
- Advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT)
- Paramedic
Each level has its own training requirements, EMT test preparation, and job responsibilities at the scene of an emergency and when transporting a victim to the hospital.
A Closer Look at AEMTs
AEMTs can provide the same services as an EMT. They are also trained and approved to use the advanced medical equipment in the ambulance, administer fluids, perform certain advanced procedures, and give some medications to patients. Their advanced skills are used to lower risk in an out-of-hospital setting.
To become AEMT-certified, you must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), pass a criminal background check, be EMT-certified, or hold a state license for the EMT level or higher. You also need to complete a state-approved Advanced EMT course within two years. The AEMT course is usually based on the EMT program with an additional 350 hours of formal instruction.
An AEMT candidate must also have a valid CPR-Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider completion card, pass the NREMT cognitive (knowledge) exam for AEMTs, and pass a psychomotor (skills) exam.
The NREMT cognitive exam is comprehensive and covers areas such as airway, respiration, and ventilation; cardiology and resuscitation; trauma; medical; obstetrics and gynecology, and EMS operations. The AEMT exam is a linear exam. In other words, the test taker has to answer all 135 questions in order to complete it.
Being certified as an AEMT is not about what is the shortest time to become an EMT‒it is about ensuring that the emergency responder is capable of providing life-supporting medical care in a wide range of emergencies. The responder needs to be prepared for any situation (e.g., cardiac arrest, broken bones, severe bleeding, etc.), not just what is the most common call for an EMT. Depending on the state, AEMTs may be able to use defibrillators, electrocardiographs, and intravenous and airway devices.
In most cases, certifications and state licenses for all EMT levels last two years. EMTs can continue to work if they complete the required continuing education requirements.
Next Career Steps
If you’re passionate about a career in Emergency Medical Services, consider becoming a paramedic. Paramedics can perform a broader range of prehospital care than an AEMT, such as intubation and electrocardiograms. What procedures they can perform are often dictated by the state where they work.
Usually, a paramedic program requires 1,200 to 1,800 hours of instruction completed over six to twelve months. To qualify, the candidate usually must work for at least six months as an EMT.
Improve Your Chances of Success
Passing NREMT exams and becoming certified as an AEMT can be challenging. This is to ensure that people in distress receive the highest-quality prehospital medical care possible.
Improve your chances of passing an NREMT exam with flying colors the first time you take it. Our Video Vault offers nearly 500 videos, more than 2,000 practice questions, worksheets, and other resources to reinforce your coursework and training!
