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Top 10 ER tech jobs and who's hiring

Discover the top 10 ER tech jobs and the companies hiring for them. Which one is right for your next career move?

If you are looking for a job to take your health care career to the next level and if you love working in a fast-paced environment, you might be the perfect candidate for a job as an emergency room technician. There are plenty of full-time and part-time employment types for you to choose from in this field, and each one requires its own diverse skill set and level of work experience.

In this article, we’ll go over the top 10 ER tech roles and detail exactly what each job description means. We’ll also let you know what skills and education you need to qualify for each job title. Read on to discover your next job in the exciting field of ER tech!

1. Emergency room technician

Average salary: $53,297 per year

An emergency room technician, also called an emergency department technician, is a great first step into the emergency department. Technicians take blood pressure or temperatures, collect samples from patients for testing, move patients, assist clinicians during procedures, and handle patient discharges.

If that sounds like an interesting role, let’s go over what you’ll need to become an emergency room technician.

Education required:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • CPR certification
  • Defibrillator certification

Skills Needed:

  • Thriving in high-speed environments
  • Working with different team members
  • Empathy
  • Problem-solving
  • Physical strength
  • Communication
  • Taking direction

ER tech certification programs teach you how to draw blood, start an IV, perform an EKG, and more. Certification can take up to six months. Certain hospitals can also require a passing score on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam.

2. Ultrasound technologist

Average salary: $80,458 per year

An ultrasound technologist uses ultrasound radiology equipment to examine the abdomen, reproductive system, prostate, heart, or blood vessels to diagnose diseases and other issues.

These professionals also maintain their equipment, perform diagnostic procedures, analyze the images they capture, and report findings to other medical professionals. They work in various settings within the health care system, from hospitals to medical centers.

Education required (depending on role):

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor of Science degree
  • Some states require special licensing

Skills Needed:

  • Ability to work with people
  • Empathy
  • Organization

3. Registered nurse

Average salary: $67,770 per year

Nurses are critical to patient care in various long-term and acute care settings. The scope of practice for registered nurses is virtually unlimited; in this role, you could work in health care fields like mental health or transplant coordination, but you can also offer legal consulting.

Registered nurses working in patient care settings might monitor patients’ vital signs, explain care plans to patients and their families, coordinate care with other medical professionals, and more.

Education required (depending on role):

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s or Doctor of Nursing degree
  • Online licensing exam through National Council Licensure (NCLEX)

Skills Needed:

  • Thriving in high-pressure environments
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

4. Emergency medical technician (EMT)

Average salary: $36,440 per year

Many EMTs work on an ambulance team, either within the emergency response system, interfacility transport, or nonemergency transport (for patients who need to move from one place to another and require monitoring on the way).

Those working within the emergency response system can be called upon to administer Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS). ALS calls require working with a paramedic, as well. When a patient arrives at a hospital, the EMT updates staff on the patient’s condition and helps move the patient between beds.

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • EMT education (varies by state)
  • CPR certification

Skills Needed:

  • Compassion
  • Listening
  • Physical strength
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Ability to work under pressure

5. Paramedic

Average salary: $47,684 per year

So, what is the difference between an EMT and a paramedic? While they often work together, a paramedic can do more complex or risky procedures (e.g., inserting IVs and administering pharmaceuticals). That’s one reason the role requires more education. But paramedics can also work on cruise ships, air and ocean rescue teams, and oil drilling platforms, making this a versatile and exciting career choice.

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • EMT education (varies by state)
  • CPR certification
  • National Paramedic Certification
  • Some states may require additional licensure

Skills Needed:

  • Compassion
  • Listening
  • Physical strength
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Ability to work under pressure

6. Medical Assistant

Average salary: $39,003 per year

Medical assistants can work in outpatient medical offices or inpatient care facilities. They assist doctors by providing clinical and administrative support. For example, one might take down a patient’s history, collect laboratory specimens, answer the phone, and code insurance forms.

Education:

  • Associate degree
  • Some employers require special certifications, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants Exam

Skills Needed:

  • Organization
  • Attention to detail
  • Working with people
  • Patience

7. Patient care technician

Average salary: $35,428 per year

Patient care technicians play a critical role on a health care team. They monitor and document patients’ vital signs, provide updates to nurses and medical staff, and maneuver patients as needed. They also provide patients with emotional support and report their concerns to the appropriate medical professionals.

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Certain states and employers may require additional education and certification.

Skills Needed:

  • Working with people
  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Physical strength
  • Empathy

8. Surgical technician

Average salary: $50,600 per year

A surgical tech (also known as an operating room technician) works in surgical facilities, keeping operating rooms and equipment sterile, organized, and in working order. They may also prepare patients, pass tools to the medical team during surgery, and dress surgical sites. They typically work with surgeons, nurses, and other health care professionals.

Education:

  • Associate degree or accredited certification, depending on employer and state requirements

Skills Needed:

  • Ability to stand and remain alert for long periods
  • Organization
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Ability to work under pressure

9. Respiratory therapist

Average salary: $74,560 per year

While most respiratory therapists work in a hospital setting, they may also work in labs, nursing facilities, and home health care environments. They are responsible for evaluating patients to help doctors diagnose and treat respiratory illnesses. Other duties include analyzing samples, managing equipment to help patients breathe, and educating patients about diagnoses and how to manage them.

Education:

  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree (for some employers)
  • State-specific licensure and certifications

Skills Needed:

  • Ability to stand and remain alert for long periods
  • Organization
  • Thriving in fast-paced environments
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork

10. Pharmacy technician

Average salary: $38,139 per year

Pharmacy technicians often work in pharmacies, medical centers, and hospitals. Their primary tasks include filling, packing, and labeling prescription orders, running patients’ insurance for payment, and managing inventory.

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Completion of a pharmacy technology program approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
  • Passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
  • State-specific licensure (depending on state)
  • Continuing education (20 hours every two years)

Skills Needed:

  • Ability to stand and remain alert for long periods
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Teamwork

Which companies are hiring ER techs on Handshake?

Now that you know more about the most in-demand ER tech job types, where can you find open positions for each of these roles? If you are exploring an emergency services career and want to start with an entry-level job, you are in the right place.

Handshake can help you start your health care career on the right foot by connecting you with the best employers in your field. You can also set up job alerts to let you know when your dream job comes available. Sign up today to start your job search and find the organizations looking for your specific skill set!

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