Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are a common type of emergency care providers, responsible for delivering important patient care and transport services. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get qualified in Australia and New Zealand.

 

What is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a healthcare provider who aids in emergency medical situations by evaluating patients’ conditions, recording treatment, and operating ambulances. They serve as the primary emergency responders and serve as the backbone of advanced emergency medical services.

EMT proficiency is generally classified into two levels: Basic EMT and Advanced EMT (also known as EMT Intermediate).

Typical duties of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

  • Responding to accident scenes or incidents, evaluating the required level of care, and requesting additional assistance if necessary
  • Utilising life-saving techniques such as CPR, wound management, and pain relief
  • Transporting patients to medical facilities and delivering care on the way 
  • Comprehending any legal ramifications of administering medical care and treatment

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) salary

In Australia, an EMT can earn a base salary of approximately $120,000 or more per year, depending on an individual’s level of experience.* For those residing in New Zealand, a salary of over $85,000 could be expected through our partner, Hato Hone St John*
Sources: *Indeed (April, 2024) and Hato Hone St John (May, 2024)

Become a qualified EMT

How to become an EMT in Australia and New Zealand

APC is proud to offer an EMT career pathway for those interested in pursuing a career in either Australia or New Zealand. Learn how here.

Become an EMT in Australia – 

In Australia, the HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care will allow you to become an EMT but the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care could give you an edge when applying for roles in the industry. To learn how to become Australia-qualified, click the button below. 

Learn more

 

Become an EMT in New Zealand – 

Exclusive to our collaboration with Hato Hone St John and Pro+Med New Zealand Ltd, graduates of the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care offered by APC can obtain a dual-country qualification, opening employment opportunities in vacant EMT positions across New Zealand.

To learn more about each of our Industry Partners in New Zealand, click the respective buttons below.

Hato Hone St John

EMT continues to upskill and thrive with APC

Meet Rachel, APC student from WA, studying the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care.

Rachel was keen to build her knowledge and skillset even further as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) so chose APC to pursue her goals.

Rachel completed her Clinical Placement through APC’s Industry Partner, St John Ambulance, and not only did she absolutely love the experience, but it has also led to employment as a result.

EMT skillset and qualities

Collaborative

Values teamwork and effectively collaborates with other ambulance services, hospital staff and the local community when assisting with patient transfers

Effective decision making

Evaluating patient conditions, analysing symptoms, and determining optimal treatment strategies to ensure timely and quality care

Empathy & patient care

EMTs need to demonstrate a high level of compassion and understanding on a day-to-day basis for patients in need