Emergency Medical Technician

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the second tier of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team, delivering out-of-hospital emergency care under the direction of an emergency physician. EMTs are a primary link between the emergency scene and the emergency department. An EMT’s primary responsibilities are to provide care by stabilizing victims of critical illnesses and sudden injuries.

The Polk State Emergency Medical Technology Program prepares individuals for initial employment as an EMT. Instruction includes knowledge of current techniques and development of professional attitudes required of an EMT providing emergency medical care in any setting. This program consists of lecture, lab, and clinical components.

Gainful Employment:  For more information about graduation rates, the median debts of graduates, and other important information, please click here.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for Emergency Medical Technology is EMS1059C – Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). Current EMR certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is the only means of obtaining Polk State College credit for EMS1059C.

Regulatory and Program Approval Information

The Polk State College Emergency Medical Technician Program operates in accordance with applicable State of Florida and Department of Health requirements governing Emergency Medical Services education.

Program Hours

The EMT Program consists of didactic lectures, skills lab, simulated scenarios, and clinical internships. Classes are held twice a week, with day or night options available. Clinical internship schedules may require participation during weekends and/or holidays.

Working Sites

EMTs are employed by private or public sector ambulances either on basic life support (BLS) units or partnered with a paramedic on an advanced life support (ALS) unit.

Potential Salaries

Please refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the most up to date earnings publishing.

The median annual wage for Emergency Medical Technicians was $44,470 in May 2025.

Certification Examination

Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ NREMT exam. A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to be issued a certificate or license by the Florida Department of Health, which is the licensing authority for healthcare certification and licenses in Florida.

Click here for the EMT curriculum.