Hot Healthcare Careers in 1 Year or Less - EMTs & LPNs
Health care is a burgeoning industry and is one of the top career fields in terms of growth. In just one year or less you can complete the necessary training for one of several rapidly expanding careers in the health care industry. This article will introduce two such career fields - Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics and Licensed Practical Nurses.
Below we'll take a brief look at each occupation's job duties, outlook, training requirements, and wages.
For a more detailed description about these fields from the U.S. government publication, The Occupational Outlook Handbook, click the highlighted title.
Duties: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) give immediate care to victims of automobile accidents, heart attacks, near drownings, unscheduled childbirths, poisonings, gunshot wounds, and any medical situation demanding urgent attention. At the Basic level of training, they may open airways, restore breathing, control bleeding, treat for shock, administer oxygen, immobilize fractures, assist in childbirth, manage emotionally disturbed patients and assist patients experiencing cardiac arrest. EMT-Intermediates have more advanced training, and provide more intensive and invasive procedures. EMT-Paramedics, the highest level in this field, may further give oral and intravenous drugs, interpret EKGs, perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment.
EMTs should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, be agile, have good physical coordination and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. Dealing with life-and-death situations is not only physically strenuous, but also stressful. Even so, many people find this work challenging and satisfying.
Outlook: Employment for EMTs is expected to grow rapidly because paid positions are replacing volunteer jobs. Most paid EMTs work in metropolitan areas. In 1996, about two-fifths worked for private ambulance services (45-50 hour workweeks); a third were in municipal fire, police, or rescue squad departments (usually about a 50 hour workweek with long shifts and on-call work); and a quarter worked in hospitals (often between 45 and 60 hour workweek).
Training: Formal training is needed to become an EMT. Applicants to training programs generally must be 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. State requirements vary, with some needing as little as 110 to 120 hours of formal training, plus 10 hours hospital ER internship, to qualify for entry level jobs. Training and certification is offered at three progressive levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate (35-55 additional hours), and EMT-Paramedic (750-2000 additional hours). EMTs in fire and police departments must also be qualified as firefighters or police officers.
Earnings: Earnings vary with the employment setting, and the level of training and experience. According to 1996 data from the Journal of Emergency Medical Services,
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