FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a college degree required to work in EMS?
No. A high school diploma or GED is necessary and you do need to have good reading, math, and study skills. The EMT and Paramedic programs are post-high school level programs but testing for licensure does not require a degree.
How long does it take to become trained as an EMT or Paramedic?
Most basic EMT programs operate 2 days or 2 nights each week for about four months. In addition, EMT students must serve hospital and ambulance clinical rotations which are done concurrently with classroom training.
Advanced paramedic training programs are about one year long, meeting 2 days or 2 nights per week. During this period, the paramedic student must complete approximately 500 hours of hospital and ambulance clinical time. Some paramedic programs operate on an accelerated basis, eight hours per day and in some cases five days per week. Depending on the schedule, these programs can be completed faster, but the student most devote most free hours to studying and clinical times. The accelerated schedule makes working and going to school at the same time almost impossible. Note: Paramedic students must complete basic EMT training and become licensed as a prerequisite to starting paramedic training.
What is the cost of EMT and Paramedic training?
Tuition at HVA Basic EMT programs is about $950 plus about $150 for textbooks. Tuition at HVA Paramedic programs is $5,050 plus about $400 for textbooks. For additional information, please contact Kristen Collins at 734-477-6331 or go to HVA's Education website. Tuition at other programs, such as community colleges varies.
Who licenses EMTs and Paramedics?
In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Community Health EMS Division licenses EMTs and Paramedics. The Department provides written testing and skills evaluation through various testing centers. For more information, click here to go to the EMS Division website.
What is the salary of an EMT or Paramedic?
That varies, depending on where you work and what you do. Annual salaries for EMTs in ambulance services, such as HVA, pay $30,000 to $40,000 annually, sometimes more. HVA paramedic annual salaries are $38,000 to $54,000 annually. For full time employees, HVA provides a full range of benefits including healthcare, paid time off, retirement and retiree healthcare. Pay for EMTs and Paramedics who work in hospitals is about the same. Paramedics who work in fire departments can increase their salary range by as much as 15% but they have additional duties and job hazards including fire suppression.