All You Must Know About EMS Instructor – Requirements, Curriculum, Salary and Jobs
The position of an EMS Instructor requires a person to equip the aspiring EMT students with an all-inclusive educational program through a set of instruction and quality teaching. Also, it involves clinical scheduling, preparing test papers, lesson plans, conducting laboratory session, etc. These professionals also counsel the aspirants about the future prospects of the program/ course and help in the registration process.
How to Become an EMS Instructor?
To become an Emergency Medical Services Instructor, one needs to possess the EMS Instructor certificate issued by the state agency. Requisites to acquire the certification vary in every state. One can become an EMS instructor either by gaining some experience in the field of emergency services and acquiring program in teaching methodologies or by pursuing a degree in the field of education (involving learning on educational methodology and theory).
If you want to take the way of experiential approach, start with the teaching of a specific EMS subject in which you possess strong knowledge or commence as a First Aid or CPR instructor. Gradually, your presentation skills will improve, and you will be able to teach at higher levels.
Formal Process of Becoming an EMS Instructor
- Search for a college in order to pursue education program.
- Go for the NAEMSE (National Association of EMS Educators) EMS Educator Course.
- Get in touch with the EMS regulatory office of the state to find out the requisite criteria.
Informal Process of Becoming an EMS Instructor
- Get coaching and mentoring by a veteran.
- Become a part of groups and societies that emphasize on educators. NAEMSE is one of them.
- You may find several associations and committees in your state that pay attention to education and EMS. You can volunteer for them.
- Attend state or national EMS conferences to get in-depth information on EMS education.
- Several universities and colleges focus on the professional development of EMS educators. You can search them online.
Core Curriculum
Through EMS instructor course, aspiring candidates inculcate the qualities of an efficient instructor and learn different techniques to educate Paramedic, Advanced EMT and EMT. The curriculum covers multiple principles and theories of teaching/learning and introduces DOT curricula and materials. It involves hands-on practices, student teaching time and classroom lectures. The focus is given to best practices, classroom applications, and teaching methodologies.
EMS Instructor Salary
Figures provided by indeed.com reveals that those candidates working as Emergency Medical Services Instructor in the state of USA managed to earn around $40000 as of June 27, 2018. The income of other professionals with related job title was between $19,000 and $74,000. Go to the following table to know in detail about the salary of each EMT professional.
| Job Title | Income |
|---|---|
| EMT HR | $29,000 |
| EMT Hour | $24,000 |
| Ems Lab Assistant | $31,000 |
| Paramedic Trainer Paramedic | $41,000 |
| Emergency Medical Services | $64,000 |
| Program Developer | $38,000 |
| Instructor Lifeguard | $19,000 |
| Security Sergeant | $41,000 |
| Paramedic Instructor | $61,000 |
| Emergency Medical Services Specialist | $59,000 |
| Lead Instructor | $74,000 |
| Lifeguard Pool | $29,000 |
Information Source – indeed.com (as of June 27, 2018)
Job Outlook
As per the projections of the U.S. Department of Labor, the job prospects for EMS instructors are expected to grow at a faster pace. Through some surveys, a rise of 15 percent is predicted for EMS practitioners by 2026. Hence, applicants who are keen to become an EMS instructor can enjoy thriving opportunities in this field.