EMT Class Frequently Asked Questions

Both EMTs and paramedics are emergency response professionals. The main difference is the level of education and the types of procedures they are qualified to perform.

EMT students complete training that lasts from 8 weeks to 3 months depending on the course configuration. They learn to assess patients to determine whether they have any life-threatening injuries or illnesses. An EMT training program gives individuals the necessary skills to perform services like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), glucose monitoring, and oxygen administration.

Paramedic courses, on the other hand, provide students with more extensive and intensive training, with programs spanning 16 to 24 months. The program includes a background in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, cardiology, and medical procedures. Notably, paramedic subjects build upon the  EMT training, and they may perform more complex procedures, including IV line insertion, drug administration, airway management, and cardiac treatments.