Difference Between an EMT and a Paramedic
                     DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EMT AND A PARAMEDIC
Both EMTs and paramedics work within emergency medical services 
teams. These teams are composed of medical professionals that provide 
basic and advanced care to patients. Both can help a patient while 
they’re being transported to a medical facility, but paramedics are 
trained to provide advanced care.
INTRODUCTION
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EMTs don’t need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a college. A 
high school diploma or GED is sufficient, however, EMTs should have 
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, and they must 
complete an EMT training program. 
EMTS
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It is not uncommon for paramedics to work as EMTs before completing 
their paramedic training. Paramedics are required to complete training 
for basic and advanced EMTs and also complete additional hours. College 
degree programs for paramedics usually take two years with between 
1,000 and 2,000 hours of training. 
PARAMEDICS
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In the field of medicine, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are the 
most common type of health professionals. They often see the patient 
first and start entry-level care while being transported to the hospital. 
JOB DUTIES OF 
EMTS
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These healthcare workers are licensed, pre-hospital service providers. 
Paramedics provide care for the patient before and as they reach the 
hospital. The care they provide is just about the same as emergency 
room care.
JOB DUTIES OF 
PARAMEDICS
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Generally, EMTs work for private ambulance services, hospitals, fire 
departments, and police departments. They have a limited scope of 
practice and work under the supervision of a medical director or 
physician.
WHERE EMTS 
WORK?
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In the setting of ambulance services, paramedics and EMTs work 
together, but paramedics can also work for air ambulances (helicopters) 
and fire services. Paramedics most commonly work in emergency 
medical services.
WHERE 
PARAMEDICS 
WORK?
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EMTs are often the first to arrive at a trauma scene, and they provide 
entry-level medical services and support to patients before they reach a 
hospital. They can administer basic medical care and CPR.
Paramedics are more advanced than EMTs and can perform more 
sophisticated treatment. Paramedics have between 1,000 and 2,000 
hours, and the
THE BOTTOM LINE
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