Emergency room technicians assist ER nurses and physicians by helping with test, exams and procedures and performing clerical duties. Requirements for emergency room technicians vary by state and may include the completion of a certificate or 2-year degree program and sometimes EMT certification.
Essential Information
Emergency room technicians provide specialized assistance to nurses and physicians in the emergency room. They administer tests and assist with diagnostic exams and therapeutic procedures. Many schools offer certificate programs to train prospective emergency room technicians, and educational requirements vary among states and hospitals.
| Required Education | Varies; minimum high school diploma |
| Other Requirements | Emergency room technician certification EMT training CPR training |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 6% for EMTs and paramedics |
| Median Salary (2021)** | $34,513 per year for ER technicians |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com
Education Requirements
Educational requirements for emergency room technicians vary by state. Some hospitals require prospective technicians to have completed a certificate program. Several community colleges and other postsecondary schools offer emergency room technician certificate and/or associate's degree programs. Applicants generally need to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Coursework generally includes training in respiratory and cardiac care, anatomy, physiology, emergency childbirth and trauma treatment. Emergency room technicians also might be required to complete emergency medical technician (EMT) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Externships
In addition to coursework and lab studies, students might need to complete externships to obtain hands-on learning. Prior to enrolling and participating in an externship, students might need to complete certain prerequisites, such as showing proof of current immunizations and submitting to a criminal background check.
Externships are held at local medical facilities, under the supervision of medical staff, and are designed to allow students to practice what they've learned. Procedures they might practice include catheter insertion and reading EKG outputs.
Career Information
Under the supervision of nurses and doctors, emergency room technicians provide support services to patients and staff by performing medical procedures and clerical duties. They might take blood samples, suture lacerations, hook patients up to medical devices, prepare them for procedures and assist doctors with exams. They also might be responsible for care and maintenance of certain kinds of medical equipment.
Requirements for an emergency room technician vary by state and may include a certificate or associate's degree, along with an externship to obtain hands-on experience. EMT certification may be needed in some cases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that growth for the related job of EMT and paramedic is well above the outlook for the job market as a whole.
