Save A Life, Make a Difference, Become an EMT

There is nothing like taking a class from instructors who make sure everyone passes the rigorous state of Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services exams. 

Learning to save a life is exhilarating and fun and the employment outlook is great. Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow 9 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth in this occupation is due in large part to increasing call volume due to aging population. As a large segment of the population—aging members of the baby boom generation—becomes more likely to have medical emergencies, demand will increase for EMTs and paramedics. In addition, the time that EMTs and paramedics must spend with each patient is increasing as emergency departments across the country are experiencing overcrowding. As a result, when an ambulance arrives, it takes longer to transfer the patient from the care of the EMTs and paramedics to the staff of the emergency department. In addition, some emergency departments divert ambulances to other hospitals when they are too busy to take on new patients. As a result, ambulances may not be able to go to the nearest hospital, which increases the amount of time spent in transit. Both these factors result in EMTs and paramedics spending more time with each patient, which means more workers are needed to meet demand. There also still will be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas. 

Job prospects should be favorable. Many job openings will arise from growth and from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation because of the limited potential for advancement, as well as the modest pay and benefits in private-sector jobs. In addition, full-time paid EMTs and paramedics will be needed to replace unpaid volunteers. Emergency medical service agencies find it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain unpaid volunteers because of the amount of training and the large time commitment these positions require. As a result, more paid EMTs and paramedics are needed. 

Competition will be greater for jobs in local government, including fire, police, and independent third-service rescue squad departments that tend to have better salaries and benefits. EMTs and paramedics who have advanced education and certifications should enjoy the most favorable job prospects, as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.

Cole Holland Training Center is an excellent choice for emergency medical training. Our medical directors, T'Ann Ularich, a Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Troy Badger from the University of Utah Cardiac Clinic are extremely engaged in the classes and bring a wealth of information spending hours and hours with students - confident in their skills and knowledge, students routinely finish their exams with a smile on their face, knowing they aced it!  Call Cole Holland Training Center at 801.759.5164 or find us on the web at www.coleholland.com.