QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where can I find a First Responder, EMT or Paramedic course ?
I know what county I live in, but do not know where to start ?
I know what county I live in, but do not know where to start ?
Please visit our Educational Institutes page and simply click on your county for a list of facilities in your area
1. Once I become certified, is their any training associated with keeping my certification current ?
First Responders need 16 hours of continuing education credits in three (3) years. Eight (8) hours of that training must be medical/trauma
EMTs need 24 hours of continuing education credits in three (3) years. Twelve (12) hours of that training must be in medical/trauma
Paramedics are required to have eighteen (18) hours of continuing education every year. Nine (9) hours of that training must be in medical/trauma
2. How do I obtain continuing education credits to keep my certification current ?
There are several ways to obtain continuing education credits
Attend approved continuing education classes that are held throughout various parts of the Commonwealth
Attend EMS Conferences
The Learning Management System (on-line continuing education)
3. What type of job can I get once I complete an EMT or Paramedic course ?
EMT positions
Full-time, Part-time, Volunteer
Fire Department based
Basic Life Support unit stationed at a fire department
Ambulance service based
Basic Life Support unit stationed at an ambulance service, own separate entity
Volunteer vs. Career (paid)
Volunteer
An individual who volunteers their time providing care to the sick and injured
These individuals do not receive compensation for their time
Career(paid)
An individual who makes a career as an EMS provider
These individuals receive compensation for their time
Paramedic positions
Full-time or Part-time
Fire Department based
Advanced Life Support unit stationed at a fire department
Ambulance service based
Advanced Life Support unit stationed at an ambulance service
Hospital based
Advanced Life Support unit stationed at a hospital
Volunteer vs. Career (paid)
Volunteer
An individual who volunteers their time providing care to the sick and injured
These individuals do not get compensated for their time
Career (paid)
An individual who makes a career as an EMS provider
These individual get compensated for their time
4. What is the pay like for EMT’s and Paramedic’s?
EMT pay
Depends on the employment setting and geographic location
Depends on individuals training and experience
Average pay $16,090-$19,970/year (U.S. Department of Labor--http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm)
Paramedic pay
Depends on the employment setting and geographic location
Depends on the individuals training and experience
Average pay $25,310-$33,210/year (U.S. Department of Labor-- http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm)
5. I am an expired EMS provider; can I get my certification back?
You can find a detailed response to this question at: http://www.pehsc.org/recruitment-retention.html
6. I am a provider from another state, how do I obtain a Pennsylvania Certification?
You can find a detailed response to this question at: http://www.pehsc.org/recruitment-retention.html
