Travel EMT Jobs: what it is and how to get
A travel EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is a healthcare professional who takes temporary assignments in different locations across the country, providing emergency medical services wherever they’re needed most. Similar to travel nurses, travel EMTs fill critical staffing shortages at hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, and emergency medical facilities for weeks or months at a time.
Travel EMTs combine their passion for emergency medicine with the excitement of exploring new cities and states, making it an ideal career path for adventurous medical professionals who want variety in their work environment.
Why Choose a Travel EMT Career?
Benefits of Travel EMT Jobs
✅ Higher Pay – Travel EMTs typically earn 20-40% more than permanent positions
✅ Travel Opportunities – Explore new cities and states while working
✅ Housing Stipends – Many positions include free housing or generous allowances
✅ Flexible Scheduling – Choose assignments that fit your lifestyle
✅ Diverse Experience – Gain skills in different EMS systems and protocols
✅ Networking – Build professional connections nationwide
✅ Career Growth – Fast-track your experience and resume
Travel EMT Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
Average Travel EMT Compensation
Base Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
Hourly Rates:
- EMT-Basic: $18 – $28 per hour
- EMT-Intermediate (AEMT): $22 – $32 per hour
- EMT-Paramedic: $25 – $40+ per hour
Additional Compensation & Benefits
💰 Housing Stipend: $800 – $2,500 per month (tax-free)
💰 Travel Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 per assignment
💰 Meal Per Diem: $200 – $400 per month
💰 Sign-On Bonuses: $500 – $3,000 for high-demand locations
💰 Completion Bonuses: Additional pay for finishing contracts
💰 Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
💰 401(k) Matching: Retirement savings plans
Total Compensation Package: Travel EMTs can earn $55,000 – $80,000+ annually when including stipends and bonuses, with paramedics earning even more.
Highest-Paying Travel EMT Locations
- California: $30 – $40+ per hour
- New York: $28 – $38 per hour
- Alaska: $27 – $37 per hour
- Massachusetts: $26 – $36 per hour
- Washington: $25 – $35 per hour
Qualifications Required for Travel EMT Jobs
Essential Requirements
1. EMT Certification
- EMT-Basic (EMT-B): Minimum requirement for most positions
- Advanced EMT (AEMT): Better pay and more opportunities
- Paramedic: Highest level with best compensation
2. State Licensure
- Valid EMT license in your home state
- NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) certification strongly preferred
- Ability to obtain licensure in assignment states
3. Experience Requirements
- Minimum: 1-2 years of recent EMT experience
- Preferred: 2+ years in 911 emergency response or critical care transport
- Some entry-level travel positions accept new graduates with strong clinical skills
4. Certifications & Training
- CPR/BLS Certification (American Heart Association)
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) – often required for paramedics
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – preferred
- PHTLS (Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support) – recommended
- EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) – may be required
- HAZMAT Awareness – beneficial
- Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record
5. Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and move patients (50-125 lbs)
- Pass physical examination and drug screening
- Current immunizations and health screenings
- Ability to work 12-24 hour shifts
6. Background Checks
- Clean criminal background check
- Motor vehicle record check
- Professional reference checks
How to Become a Travel EMT: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Complete EMT Training & Certification
EMT-Basic Program:
- Duration: 120-150 hours (3-6 months)
- Cost: $1,000 – $2,500
- Includes: Classroom instruction, hands-on skills, clinical rotations
- Covers: Patient assessment, airway management, CPR, trauma care, medical emergencies
Paramedic Program (Optional but Recommended):
- Duration: 1,200+ hours (1-2 years)
- Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
- Advanced training in pharmacology, cardiac care, advanced airway management
Step 2: Obtain NREMT Certification
- Pass the NREMT cognitive exam (computer-based test)
- Pass the NREMT psychomotor exam (hands-on skills assessment)
- NREMT certification makes it easier to obtain licenses in multiple states
Step 3: Gain Experience
- Work as an EMT for at least 1-2 years
- Focus on 911 emergency response or critical care transport
- Document your call volume and types of emergencies handled
- Seek diverse experiences (urban, rural, special events)
Step 4: Obtain Additional Certifications
- Complete ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS courses
- Keep all certifications current
- Consider specialty certifications (wilderness medicine, tactical EMS)
Step 5: Research Travel EMT Agencies
Top Travel EMT Staffing Agencies:
- AMR (American Medical Response)
- AMN Healthcare
- Acuity Healthcare
- EMS Travel Staffing
- Supplemental Health Care
- Aya Healthcare
- Medical Solutions
Step 6: Prepare Your Application Materials
📄 Resume Requirements:
- Highlight emergency response experience
- Include call volume statistics
- List all certifications with expiration dates
- Detail special skills (pediatric care, cardiac emergencies, trauma)
📄 Required Documents:
- Current EMT license/certification
- NREMT certification
- Driver’s license
- CPR/BLS card
- Additional certifications
- Professional references (supervisors, physicians)
- Immunization records
Step 7: Apply and Interview
- Submit applications to multiple agencies
- Be flexible with locations and start dates
- Prepare for phone and video interviews
- Ask about compensation, housing, and contract terms
Step 8: Complete Credentialing
- Background checks (2-4 weeks)
- Drug screening
- Skills assessments
- State license applications
- Facility-specific requirements
Step 9: Start Your Assignment
- Attend orientation (1-3 days)
- Learn local protocols and procedures
- Familiarize yourself with the service area
- Build relationships with permanent staff
Types of Travel EMT Assignments
1. Hospital-Based Emergency Services
- Emergency department support
- Critical care transport teams
- Interfacility transfers
2. 911 Emergency Response
- Municipal ambulance services
- Fire department EMS
- County emergency services
3. Private Ambulance Services
- Emergency and non-emergency transport
- Special events coverage
- Standby medical services
4. Industrial & Remote Settings
- Oil rigs and mining operations
- Film and television production sets
- Construction sites
- Remote wilderness locations
5. Disaster Response
- FEMA deployments
- Hurricane and wildfire response
- Mass casualty incidents
- Pandemic support
6. Special Events
- Concerts and festivals
- Sporting events
- Marathons and races
- Political rallies
Travel EMT Contract Details
Assignment Length
- Short-term: 4-8 weeks
- Standard: 13 weeks (most common)
- Extended: 26 weeks or longer
- Per diem: Day-to-day or week-to-week
Typical Schedule
- 12-hour shifts (most common)
- 24-hour shifts (fire-based EMS)
- 36-48 hours per week
- Rotating days/nights
- Overtime opportunities
Housing Options
- Company-provided housing
- Housing stipend (find your own)
- Shared accommodations
- RV/travel trailer allowances
Skills That Make You a Competitive Travel EMT
🔹 Multi-state licensure (NREMT certification)
🔹 Diverse experience (urban and rural settings)
🔹 Advanced certifications (ACLS, PALS, PHTLS)
🔹 Flexibility with scheduling and locations
🔹 Strong communication skills
🔹 Adaptability to new protocols and systems
🔹 Professional references from supervisors
🔹 Clean driving and background records
🔹 Specialty skills (pediatric, cardiac, trauma)
🔹 Technology proficiency (ePCR systems)
Pros and Cons of Travel EMT Jobs
Advantages ✅
- Higher income potential with stipends
- Travel and adventure opportunities
- Professional growth and diverse experience
- Networking across the country
- Flexibility in choosing assignments
- Housing assistance or free accommodations
- No long-term commitment required
- Career exploration in different settings
Challenges ⚠️
- Time away from home and family
- Frequent relocation and packing
- Learning new protocols at each assignment
- Licensing requirements vary by state
- Less job security than permanent positions
- Adjustment period at each new location
- Potential for assignment cancellations
- Tax complexity with multiple state income
Tips for Success as a Travel EMT
Before Your Assignment
- Research your destination – Learn about the area, cost of living, and attractions
- Understand local protocols – Review state and regional EMS guidelines
- Arrange housing early – Secure accommodations before arrival
- Pack strategically – Bring essentials but travel light
- Get organized – Keep copies of all certifications and licenses
During Your Assignment
- Be professional – You represent your agency and yourself
- Stay flexible – Adapt to new systems and procedures quickly
- Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to clarify protocols
- Build relationships – Network with permanent staff
- Document everything – Keep records of your experiences
- Explore your location – Make the most of your time off
- Maintain certifications – Keep all credentials current
Financial Management
- Understand tax implications – Consult with a tax professional familiar with travel healthcare
- Track expenses – Keep receipts for potential deductions
- Budget wisely – Account for travel between assignments
- Save aggressively – Take advantage of higher pay
- Establish a tax home – Maintain permanent residence for tax benefits
Career Advancement for Travel EMTs
Growth Opportunities
🔺 EMT-Basic → Advanced EMT – 6-12 months additional training
🔺 AEMT → Paramedic – 1-2 years of education
🔺 Critical Care Paramedic – Specialized certification
🔺 Flight Paramedic – Air ambulance services
🔺 EMS Supervisor/Manager – Leadership roles
🔺 EMS Educator – Teaching and training
🔺 Hospital Emergency Department – ED technician positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can new EMTs become travel EMTs?
A: Most agencies require 1-2 years of experience, but some accept recent graduates with strong clinical skills and NREMT certification.
Q: Do travel EMTs need licenses in every state?
A: Yes, you need licensure in each state where you work. NREMT certification simplifies this process significantly.
Q: Is housing provided for travel EMTs?
A: Most agencies offer either company-provided housing or a tax-free housing stipend to find your own accommodations.
Q: How long are travel EMT assignments?
A: Typical assignments are 13 weeks, but can range from 4 weeks to 6+ months depending on needs and preferences.
Q: Can I bring family members on travel assignments?
A: Yes, many travel EMTs bring spouses or family members. Discuss housing arrangements with your agency.
Q: What happens between assignments?
A: You can take time off, return home, or immediately start a new assignment. Most agencies help you line up back-to-back contracts.
Q: Are travel EMT positions available year-round?
A: Yes, though demand varies by season and location. The summer and winter months often have more opportunities.
Q: Can international EMTs work travel positions in the US?
A: International candidates must meet US certification requirements and obtain proper work authorization.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
Ready to launch your travel EMT career? Here’s what to do now:
- ✅ Verify your certifications are current and NREMT-registered
- ✅ Update your resume with relevant experience and skills
- ✅ Research travel EMT agencies and compare benefits
- ✅ Gather required documents (licenses, certifications, references)
- ✅ Submit applications to multiple agencies
- ✅ Prepare for interviews and be ready to discuss your experience
- ✅ Choose your first assignment and start your adventure!
Conclusion
Travel EMT jobs offer an exciting opportunity to advance your emergency medical career while exploring new places and earning competitive compensation. With proper qualifications, experience, and the right agency partnership, you can turn your passion for emergency medicine into an adventurous and rewarding travel career.
Whether you’re looking to gain diverse experience, increase your income, or simply see the country while doing what you love, travel EMT positions provide the perfect blend of professional growth and personal adventure.