Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are often the first responders to an emergency scene. They don’t have much time to decide how to handle situations, making their job incredibly demanding and important. Becoming an EMT in Kentucky can be challenging—but if you’re determined, hard-working, and quick-thinking, it can be the most rewarding career you’ve ever had. 

How to Become an EMT in Kentucky 

If you want to become an EMT in Kentucky, several steps must be taken. First, you’ll need to check with your local community college or hospital to see if they offer EMT training programs. If not, many online courses are available through the American Red Cross or other organizations. 

The next step is classroom training. This is where you will be taught about emergency care, CPR techniques, and how to use equipment such as defibrillators and oxygen tanks. After completing this phase of your education, it’s time for field training. In field training you will go out into the real world, and apply what you’ve learned. You will do this all while working alongside experienced professionals who can give feedback on how well (or poorly) you’re doing! 

To become an EMT in Kentucky, you must complete a minimum of 153 hours of training. This includes classroom instruction and clinical experience. The training is provided by a community college or state-approved program and takes eight weeks to complete. 

Once all of this has been completed successfully–and you’ve passed your state exams–you’ll finally be ready for certification! 

Certification Requirements 

To become an EMT in the state of Kentucky, you must: 

• Have a high school diploma or GED. 
• Complete an approved EMT course. 
• Pass a national certification exam (NREMT). 

Job Outlook and Wages 

EMT jobs are available in hospitals, ambulances, and fire departments. The average annual wage for EMTs in Kentucky is $30,000 per year. At Pikeville Medical Center, our EMTs earn above average yearly! 

EMT wages vary by location and employer. In 2017 the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for all emergency medical technicians was $31,910 nationwide. However, it’s important to note that this figure includes paramedics who typically earn more than basic EMTs. 

What to Expect as an EMT at Pikeville Medical Center 

As an EMT at Pikeville Medical Center, you can expect to be part of a team of dedicated professionals passionate about helping others. You’ll work with our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, we have a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 waiting for you.  

At PMC we know what it’s like to be an EMT. When you’re on call at 2 am when your shift is supposed to end at 1 am. We know how much time you spend training, studying, and working on your skills so that when someone calls 911, they can be confident that they’re getting the best possible care. And we also know all that hard work deserves a little recognition—and a good paycheck. So with your help, we can ensure that our patients receive the best possible care in their time of need. 

If you are interested in becoming an EMT, contact your local hospital or community college and ask how they can help you get started. They will be able to tell you what classes are available and how much it will cost. If you’re interested in the available EMT positions at Pikeville Medical Center, give Alivia Coleman a call today!