Missouri EMT Programs

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How to Become an EMT-Paramedic in Missouri and EMT-Paramedic Programs in Missouri

An EMT-paramedic is the highest level of EMT. If you're considering a career in this area, you may want to become a lower level EMT first, which can be achieved with a short certificate program. As you progress through more advanced levels, you will learn additional procedures for diagnosing and treating patients in an emergency medical situation. EMTs are among the first responders at the site of an emergency. An EMT-paramedic can provide the patient with oral and intravenous medications, use an EKG to monitor heart activity, and provide several types of prehospital care. Keep reading to learn more about how to become an EMT-paramedic in Missouri and EMT-paramedic programs in Missouri.

There are four accredited EMT-paramedic programs in Missouri that are recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. These are available as certificate courses or Associate of Applied Science programs. Certificate programs can often be completed in less than two years. For an AAS, students should plan to commit two to three years to this course of study. Education for an AAS includes some general education courses like composition and algebra. Missouri programs for EMT-paramedics are available at: * Grand River Technical School * IHM Academy of EMS * Ozarks Technical Community College * South Howell County Ambulance

To work as an EMT-paramedic, you must obtain certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This requires the completion of a written and practical examination. After you have received certification, you must apply for state licensure in Missouri. Proof of NREMT certification and the completion of a license application are all that's required. A background check will be run on each applicant at the cost of the state. Paper licenses are no longer provided in Missouri. Instead, the state will issue each approved applicant an electronic license to expedite the process. Applications for license renewal must submitted no less than 30 days prior to expiration.

EMT-paramedics are essential as emergency responders. The job outlook in this area is excellent with a projected growth of 33 percent over the 2010 to 2020 decade. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, St. Louis has the ninth-highest metropolitan employment of EMT-paramedics in the country. The North Missouri area has the third-highest concentration of EMT-paramedics in a nonmetropolitan area. The annual mean salary for this profession in Missouri was $31,480, or about $15.13 an hour, as of May 2011. The 90th percentile for these annual wages was $48,780 while the 10th percentile was $19,190.

• Missouri Department of Health
• St. Charles County Department of Community Health & the Environment