What is the difference between an EMT and a nurse?
An EMT gives emergency care at the scene and during transport, after a short certification course. A nurse provides ongoing care in hospitals, clinics and homes, after a college program and a state license.
Training and credentials
EMTs complete a course and a national exam and are certified or licensed by the state. Paramedics train longer, usually for one to two years. Nurses earn a diploma or degree from a board-approved program, pass the NCLEX, and are licensed by the state board.
Where each works
EMTs work on ambulances, in fire departments and at events. Nurses work in settings from intensive care to schools. Some nurses work in emergency departments and as flight nurses, and some EMTs go on to nursing school.
Pay
The median registered nurse earned $97,550 in May 2025. We do not report EMT pay on this site. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (opens in a new tab) publishes it.
Pay and projections: Bureau of Labor Statistics. NCLEX figures: NCSBN. Enrollment: AACN. Sources and years are ondata sources.