Is EMT/Paramedic Worth it for Premeds? | Extracurriculars Explained

This is the second video in our new extracurricular series where we dive deep into various premed extracurriculars to help you decide which ones are right for you. Let us know which extracurricular you’d like to see next in the comments section below.

Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment and transport of sick or injured patients in the prehospital setting. Becoming an EMT is a great way to gain clinical experience and stand out on your medical school applications. That being said, it’s not for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about becoming an EMT.

To become an EMT in the United States, you must complete an accredited EMT course and pass a written and practical skills exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or NREMT for short.

There are three main benefits of becoming an EMT as a Premed. The most obvious benefit is that you’ll gain a great deal of knowledge and clinical experience by working as an EMT. Flexibility is another benefit that other premed jobs do not have. Lastly, becoming an EMT can help you develop your abilities as a leader and give you a taste of true responsibility for your patients.

Although there are many benefits to being an EMT, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of. First, there’s the time in training. Becoming an EMT requires anywhere from a few months to a couple of years to complete depending on the level of certification. Although the flexible schedule of an EMT can be beneficial in some ways, it can also be challenging in others. Being an EMT can also be incredibly stressful and may cause burnout.

If you’re decided on becoming an EMT, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience. First, approach the job with a sense of curiosity, there is no limit to how much you can learn. Next, use the opportunity to hone your communication skills. Arguably the biggest benefit that being an EMT has over other premed extracurriculars is that you’ll be directly involved in patient care. It’s also important to keep your end goal in mind. Although it can be exciting to get out there and start taking care of patients, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Lastly, use your time as an EMT as an opportunity to network. You never know what doors may open up for you simply because of who you know!

TIME STAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction
00:27 - What is an EMT?
03:20 - How to Become an EMT
04:41 - Benefits of Being an EMT as a Premed
06:53 - Drawbacks of Being an EMT
08:31 - Tips for Getting the Most Out of Being an EMT

LINKS FROM VIDEO:

#medicalschool #premed #extracurriculars
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Disclaimer: Content of this video is my opinion and does not constitute medical advice. The content and associated links provide general information for general educational purposes only. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Kevin Jubbal, M.D. and Med School Insiders LLC will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. May include affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through them (at no extra cost to you).

[MedSchoolInsiders]

Are you thinking of becoming an EMT? 🤔🚑 Tell us why or why not, since this is a big commitment for a premed extracurricular!

[asisababun]

I started as an EMT because I wanted to be a Nurse. Working as an EMT made me change my path towards becoming a Doctor.

[rocketsurgeon]

I highly recommend EMT for premeds. I am a flight paramedic with 10 years of EMS experience in many fields who has returned to school to become a physician. You can access so many different parts of the healthcare system as an EMT, the experience you will gain is unparalleled. Great video explaining career field.

[Leo-ubqu]

I just started my EMT course yesterday for this very reason and volunteer on a First Aid Squad. I am 16 and in high school. Going to be a tough summer, but anyone can do it with dedication.

[lilthang]

Former EMT and now resident physician and this was the best decision I made. I loved being an EMT and it allowed me to realize that I wanted to further my knowledge and become a physician. It was definitely something that got brought up a lot during residency interview season, which definitely helped me in matching.

[tonyducati]

I’m currently at the end of my third year of medical school. I worked as both an EMT-Basic and paramedic prior to medical school. I think EMT and paramedic roles are highly undervalued in the medical school acceptance process, however, those experiences have served me well throughout medical school, especially third year. I am much more comfortable communicating with patients and doing procedures than I would have been without that experience.

One aspect not mentioned in this video is that being a paramedic or EMT(in a service without paramedics) gives a reasonable taste of what it feels like for someone’s health being in your hands. Yes you take that patient to the hospital for definitive care, but the 45 minutes or so before you get there you are responsible for patient care. Regardless of the severity, it’s on you. It takes maturity and commitment to be successful in that endeavor, I wish more medical school admissions depts recognized that aspect and valued it. Admittedly, most people in healthcare don’t know what EMS does or have an idea of the scope of different licensure levels, so thank you for this video.

[xXpupperzXxx]

I worked as an EMT to see if medicine was for me, and I realized that it wasn’t. This is by far one of the best ways to throw your hat in the ring and see if it’s for you, and I really appreciate you covering this :)

[melissah]

Love my job as a 911 EMT! Just remember, the pay is pretty low and like he said, the schedule can be pretty intense. But if you love the idea of pre-hospital care and being out in the field, it’s an amazing job to gain experience as a pre-med! I talk to nurses and doctors all day long when we drop off patients, and most love answering questions and look forward to teaching people that care.

[TheDaydaySmith]

EMT aspiring to become a PA. This video hit every mark of the occupation. My peers always tell me how jealous they are because of so much I’ve learned.

[epicgah]

Just watched this while sitting at post in my ambulance. I can’t say enough good things about being a 911 EMT! Showing up first on scene to people with life threatening conditions, talking all day with paramedics/nurses/physicians, being a part of the camaraderie within EMS crews in the field, aaand getting to drive around code 3, lights blazing and sirens wailing haha. There are a few downsides, but overall I can’t imagine any other premed job being as exciting, interesting, and motivating. I’m looking forward to starting my top choice career changer formal postbacc later this month, but at the same time, I’m bummed to be leaving my job as an EMT.

[learningwithlanden]

Advice from someone who got EMT certified as an 18-year-old premed student: Research where you want to serve as an EMT before taking the course because hospitals and other organizations often have 21+ age restrictions per insurance reasons. Don't become an EMT if a good wage is a major factor in your decision. Volunteer firefighter stations can usually take those under 21 but expect additional training requirements. I made a video explaining my situation and how I'm now looking for an ER technician position at a hospital because they don't have 21+ limits. Best luck to all of you searching for meaningful, impactful healthcare experiences ---never give up :)

[jlgtco]

I was an EMT in the emergency department for about six months during my medical school application and my interviewers absolutely loved it. They told me I was going to have an extreme advantage over the rest of my classmates because of how much clinical experience I’ve had. I do not regret putting the extra time into it. It got me into medical school and that’s all that matters.

[jsyb]

Outstanding video. Myself my wife and three of my sons were EMTAs and paramedics. All of us are physicians and surgeons now and the experience put us way ahead during clinical rotations. One thing to add is when you become an MD, knowing how things work “in the field” is very valuable

[bellrenjoji]

A thing to note is that in some states, an emt b can go beyond their scope if a paramedic gives permission/is confident in the basics skill. For example, and emt b can do ivs if they have the training and get permission. This mighg vary by state though

[mitchpisane]

Becoming an EMT has been the single most important experiencing that I had prior to and during medical school. I am now a 4th year medical student and have worked prior to and during school as a per diem employee both on an ambulance and in the Emergency department.

Medical school does not train you to respond to emergencies. It will teach you vast amounts of diagnoses and in-depth patient assessments, but knowing what to do when things get critical or emergent is something that you will still not feel prepared to do if you do not have prior training.

I recommend becoming an EMT to every single person that says that they want to go to medical school. The amount of experience and your breadth of knowledge are extraordinarily helpful in med school and while scribes work in the ED they do not get practice making decisions and laying their hands on patients.

I will also add that many of my classmates have expressed that they wish they would’ve had training prior to starting medical school because of the learning curve when you enter clinical rotations. Rotating through the ICU or the emergency department while just having the knowledge base without experience can make you significantly uncomfortable if you don’t know what to do when things get emergent.

Also, as an EMT, you will see firsthand what it looks like when physicians who are fully trained in their respective field, never had any formal training in responding to emergencies or treating emergent patients. If you want to feel like you always have experience to fall back on when things get ugly, I would absolutely recommend getting your EMT prior to applying to medical school.

[SniperScope]

It is also important to note that a lot of the time after finishing EMT school you have a long road of certifications to get. I finally applied for a job and graduated about a month and a half ago. Also I never failed anything, the process just genuinely takes forever

[natc]

Thanks for the video! I’m actually completing my EMT skills testing this week. Wish me luck!

[carelesscappie]

Just finished my EMT-B and plan on getting my associates degree through paramedic school in chicago. I love this subject so much!

[dylanrogers]

Perfect timing Dr. Jubbal. I’m getting my emt license this summer and this was a great video to help further my understanding of what I’m getting into 🐐

[Dan-lgti]

Great video. One thing I’d add is that if you’re a new EMT expect to start on IFT for several months before being put on a 911 truck.