In most cases, a high school diploma is required in order to enter an emergency medical technician or paramedic training program. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, these programs usually offer training at progressive levels, including EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic.

During EMT-Basic training, coursework focuses on emergency skills, such as managing respiratory, trauma and cardiac emergencies, as well as patient assessment. Students often divide their time between formal courses, emergency rooms and ambulances.

Basic level training provides instruction on how to deal with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems and stretchers.

Students who graduate from approved EMT-Basic training programs are required to pass a written and practical examination administered by the state certifying agency or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Training requirements for the next level, EMT-Intermediate, vary by state. The 1985 and 1999 nationally defined levels usually require 30 to 350 hours of training based on the scope of practice. Students at this level learn advanced skills such as the use of advanced airway devices, intravenous fluids and some medications.

The final and most advanced training level is the EMT-Paramedic level. Caregivers at this level receive training in anatomy and physiology as well as advanced medical skills. Training, which may result in an associate's degree, is usually conducted in community colleges and technical schools during a one to two year period

Students are required to take extensive related coursework and have clinical and field experience. Following training, they're required to take the NREMT examination in order to become a certified paramedic.

Although licensing requirements vary by state, all states require certification for each of the EMT levels, and most states require registration with the NREMT. However, some states administer their own certification examination or provide the option of taking ether the NREMT or the state examination.

In order to maintain certification, EMTs and paramedics are required to recertify every two years, and they usually must be working as an EMT or paramedic and meet a continuing education requirement in order to do so. Once basic training is completed, EMTs and paramedics of all levels can take refresher courses and participate in continuing education.