• First Responder: With this degree of specialization, you will learn bare minimal EMT skills, such as how to administer CPR and first aid.
• Basic: At this level, you will learn basic emergency skills. Many people who learn only basic skills become EMT volunteers.
• Intermediate/85 and Intermediate/99: As an EMT reaching the intermediate level, you will learn how to properly distribute medications to patients, administer oxygen via airway devices, deal with intravenous fluids, and how to complete other important medical tasks.
• Paramedic: If you become a paramedic, which is the top level of training within the occupation, you will certainly be prepared to respond to just about any emergency situation.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Certification: Completion time will vary

If you hope to become an EMT, you must obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before you can even enter a formal emergency medical technician training program. Once you possess this document, then you must complete either an accredited EMT-basic, EMT-intermediate or paramedic training program before you can apply for a job as an EMT.

Currently, 46 states use certification examinations administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Those states that do not use NREMT examinations must develop their own standards for certification that match those placed by the NREMT. The NREMT warns against confusing the terms certification and licensure, which is done often among the general public. In contrast to licensure, certification is a voluntary process administered by a private organization (such as the NREMT) that demonstrates to the general public that an individual has demonstrated professional and acceptable standards of practice within the profession. (NREMT)

If you would like better job prospects as an EMT, you should certainly consider achieving certification or a more advanced level of education. Taking these extra steps will make you stand out among those competing for the same jobs.

No matter which EMT program you enter, you will have to learn the basic skills to be successful on the job. As an EMT, you will indefinitely be faced with trauma cases, for which you must be prepared to address without a moment's hesitation. Therefore, coursework in an EMT program will teach you emergency skills, such as how to assess patients for the presence of injury or disease and how to respond to a respiratory complication, heart issue, emergency childbirth, and any other health issue that may compel someone to dial 9-1-1. Also, in an EMT course, it is essential that you learn how to operate emergency equipment, such as stretchers, backboards, oxygen devices, and more. If you are training to become a paramedic, your coursework will be more difficult than that of other EMT programs. For example, paramedics courses offer training in anatomy and physiology and also advanced medical skills.

To become an EMT technician, some degree of on-site training is usually required, especially if you intend to become a paramedic. In fact, to become a paramedic, you will need to complete a certain number of hours of field experience before you can graduate from the program. Importantly, no matter what degree of advancement within the EMT occupation that you obtain, you must have actual face-to-face interaction with patients in order to practice successfully in the field. The amount of on-site training you will need will depend on your program, but most programs recognize that no matter how many hours you spend with your nose in a book, you will not be sufficiently prepared until you get some real-world experience. Even basic EMT courses require that you ride along in an ambulance or complete shifts in the emergency room.

• Emergency Management: This degree will prepare you to plan for natural disasters. Citizens look to specialists in emergency management for protection in the case of these unfortunate events.
• Physician Assistant: With this degree, you will work alongside a physician to diagnose patients and treat them for various medical conditions. Some PAs will even earn the authority to prescribe medications.
• Registered Nurse: As an RN, bedside manner is extremely important. By obtaining this degree, you will tend to patients' needs and make their stays in the hospital or a clinic as comfortable as possible.
• Criminal Justice:: After obtaining this degree, you will be enforcing laws and deterring criminal behavior. By serving as a policeman or woman, for example, you can help members of the community to feel safer walking the streets. 
• Air Traffic Controller: Like an EMT, this job also involves a high degree of stress because people's lives will be on the line. Pursuing a degree in an air traffic controlling, you will learn about the intricacies of flight in order to direct pathways in the air.