Emergency Medical Technicians

Employment for EMTs is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The proportion of older people, who most use emergency medical services, is growing in many communities, placing more demands on the emergency medical services delivery system and increasing the need for EMTs. There is also high turnover in this occupation (due to limited opportunities for advancement and modest pay), and many openings will occur as current EMTs leave the field. Demand is also growing as the number of specialized medical facilities increases. More EMTs will be needed to transfer patients to these facilities for treatment.

The employment outlook for paid EMTs depends partly on the community in which they are seeking employment. Many communities perceive the advantages of high-quality emergency medical services and are willing and able to raise tax dollars to support them. In these communities, which are often larger, the employment outlook should remain favorable. Volunteer services are being phased out in these areas, and well-equipped emergency services operated by salaried EMTs are replacing them.

The DOL predicts that more paramedics will be needed to care for the nation's aging citizens in the coming years. "Growth in the middle-aged and older population will lead to an increase in age-related health emergencies, such as falls, heart attacks, and strokes. This increase, in turn, will support demand for EMT and paramedic services."