Today’s generation is living longer than previous generations. As life spans increase, so does the need for health care professionals. However, there is a shortage of medical professionals who are needed to provide quality and affordable health care to patients around the U.S.
One such field which has an ever-increasing job market and offers many career paths is emergency medical services (EMS).
There are many career paths within the EMS field, including emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic. The average salary for EMTs is between $33,000-$41,000 per year with paramedics making an average of $38,000 per year.
This article discusses reasons why you should consider a medical career as a first responder.
#1 The need for medical professionals is high
Thanks to the pandemic, the need for medical professionals is higher than ever.
The population of people with chronic diseases and diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease is increasing every year.
On top of that, there are natural disasters that happen all over the world that require medical professionals to assist in disaster relief efforts.
#2 You will have a variety of career options in the field, including EMT, and paramedic
As patient lives become longer due to advancements in technology and medicine, opportunities for medical careers grow.
First responders and EMTs assist in emergency and rescue efforts and provide immediate basic care after accidents or injuries.
There are many EMS organizations that employ paramedics such as hospitals, fire departments, police departments, and communications centers.
In many locations, paramedics are needed in nursing homes and other facilities that require around-the-clock care.
#3 You can make an impact on someone’s life every day
“While many people go to work and see the same faces each day, EMS professionals are bestowed with a very special opportunity to have an impact on someone’s life every day”, says Maxim Gorin.
Your actions can immediately impact lives for better or worse. You may witness miracles or you may need to make critical decisions under stressful circumstances.
#4 The required training is affordable with financial aid and grants
There are many opportunities for financial aid to further your education. There are federal programs such as Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study Programs.
To become an EMT, the requirements vary depending on state legislation, but you must be at least 18 years old and possess a GED or high school diploma.
There are different levels of medical training that offer increasingly competitive salaries. A first responder can also choose to pursue further education or train to become a paramedic.
#5 It has one of the lowest unemployment rates compared to other professions
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that there is currently a severe shortage of first responders across the U.S. According to this agency, the growth rate of first responders is expected to be 18 percent between 2012 and 2022 – making it one of the highest among all careers.
#6 Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who want to further their education or training
This is a great reason to pursue a career as an EMT or paramedic because many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees who want to further their education or training.
A shortage of first responders has opened up job opportunities across the U.S., which makes it easier to find employment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why you should consider a medical career as a first responder.
These professionals have the opportunity to help people every day and make huge impacts on their lives. There is never a shortage of jobs in this field and it offers many opportunities for financial aid and tuition reimbursement programs. It has one of the lowest unemployment rates compared to other professions.
There are hundreds of different medical careers out there that include EMT, paramedic, and more.
To find out what specific qualifications you need for whichever career you choose, just google it!
