Emergency Medical Services--Career Opportunities

Moraine Valley Community College’s Emergency Medical Services Program is for individuals who want to go into the public or private sector as emergency medical technicians. It can also be on alternative career path for those presently in the fire science field. The program includes an Emergency Medical Technician course and a Paramedic Certificate Program.

Competition for jobs will be seen in fire and police departments because of attractive pay, benefits and job security. Opportunities for EMTs are expected to be excellent in hospitals and private ambulance services where pay and benefits are usually lower. Most job openings will occur because of replacement needs. 

Employment Outlook—Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. Population growth and urbanization will increase the demand for full-time paid EMTs and paramedics rather than for volunteers. In addition, a large segment of the population—the aging baby boomers—will further spur demand for EMT services as they become more likely to have medical emergencies. There will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas. In addition to those arising from job growth, openings will occur because of replacement needs; some workers leave the occupation because of stressful working conditions, limited potential for advancement, and the modest pay and benefits in private-sector jobs. Earnings of EMTs and paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual’s training and experience. Median annual earnings of EMTs and paramedics were $24,030 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,040 and $31,600. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,530, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $41,980. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of EMTs and paramedics in 2002 were:

• Local government $27,440
• General medical and surgical hospitals $24,760
• Other ambulatory health care services $22,180

Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those in emergency medical services who are part of fire or police departments receive the same benefits as firefighters or police officers. For example, many are covered by pension plans that provide retirement at half pay after 20 or 25 years of service or if the worker is disabled in the line of duty. For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.