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If you’re curious about what an ER tech does, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll describe the typical duties and responsibilities of an ER tech, so you can get a better sense of what this important role entails.
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Job Description
An ER tech is a medical professional who works in the emergency room of a hospital to provide care for patients who have been injured or who are experiencing a medical emergency. ER techs work under the supervision of a physician to provide life-saving care to patients.
Duties
An ER tech works in the emergency room of a hospital and is responsible for providing patient care. He or she may also be responsible for transporting patients to other areas of the hospital, such as the operating room or the intensive care unit. In some cases, an ER tech may also act as a liaison between the medical staff and the patient’s family.
An ER tech must be able to maintain a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations and have excellent communication skills. He or she must be able to follow instructions from medical personnel and take direction well. An ER tech must also be physically fit, as the job requires frequent lifting and moving of patients.
ER techs typically have at least a high school diploma although some jobs may require completion of an accredited ER tech program. Many ER techs choose to become certified through the American Board of Emergency Medical Technicians (ABEMT).
Skills
ER Techs must be able to handle the high stress that comes with working in the ER. They must have excellent customer service skills as they will be interacting with patients and their families on a regular basis. They must also be able to work well under pressure and be able to think quickly on their feet. In addition, ER Techs should have strong communication skills as they will be required to relay information between the doctor and the patient.
Work Environment
ER techs work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment. They must be able to think quickly and make decisions in a split second. They also need to be able to handle a lot of blood and sometimes gore.
Locations
ER techs can work in a variety of medical settings including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. Some ER techs may be required to work night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Schedule
While most ER techs work full time, about 1 in 4 work part time. Hours can be irregular because emergencies can happen at any time. You may have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Some ER techs work only during busy times, such as evenings and weekends.
Education and Training
Education to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic usually takes place at a technical college, community college, or university. Many technical colleges and community colleges offer 2-year associate degree programs in emergency medical technology. These programs typically include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience.
Programs
Interested in becoming an ER TECH? There are a few things to consider before investing your time and money into an education. Initially, you must research what type of program provides the necessary training for this career. An accredited program will ensure that you receive the best possible education and will also help you when it comes time to find a job. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) is the organization responsible for accrediting programs in the united states while the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) accredits programs in Canada.
The second thing to consider is whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or degree. A certificate can be completed in as little as six months, while a diploma or degree may take two years or more. The type of program you choose will depend on your goals and objectives.
Finally, you need to decide which school is right for you. There are many things to consider when making this decision, such as cost, location, size and reputation. Once you have taken all of these factors into consideration, you will be one step closer to beginning your career as an ER TECH!
Certification
Certification is not typically required for entry-level positions as an ER tech, but some employers may prefer or require it. To become certified, you must complete an accredited educational program and pass a certification exam. The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers a Certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (CEMT-B) credential.
Earning certification may help you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. In some states, certification may also be required to perform certain duties, such as starting IVs.
Salary
An Emergency Room Technician is responsible for providing care to patients in the emergency room. They are responsible for monitoring patients, taking vital signs, and providing support to the medical staff. ER Techs work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to multitask. The average salary for an ER Tech is $32,000.
Factors
Compensation for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is based largely on their level of training and the state in which they work. Median annual wages of EMTs and paramedics were $32,670 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,760, and the top 10 percent earned more than $56,310. Median annual wages for EMTs and paramedics were $31,860 in government positions in May 2012.
In May 2012, median annual wages for EMTs and paramedics were as follows:
*Hospitals; state, local, and private—$33,950
*Ambulance services; state, local, and private—$32,870
*Offices of physicians—$30,980
*Local government (OES Designation)—$30,710
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for ER techs is positive. The median pay for an ER tech in 2018 was $33,380 per year. The BLS projects that the demand for ER techs will grow by 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Growth Rate
The job outlook for ER techs is very good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 23% growth in the number of positions between 2016 and 2026, which is more than three times the average for all occupations. With an aging population and advances in medical technology, the demand for ER techs is expected to continue to grow.
