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Starting Emt Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Patient Care Specialist - ED

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

OR EMS, or EMT. OR Registered on State of Iowa Nurse Aide registry listing as "Active" or eligible ... Retirement Savings program with employer match starting on Day 1 Ministry/Facility Information:

Patient Care Specialist - ED

Mason City, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

OR EMS, or EMT. OR Registered on State of Iowa Nurse Aide registry listing as "Active" or eligible ... Retirement Savings program with employer match starting on Day 1 Ministry/Facility Information:

Showing results 21-34

Starting Emt information

What is a starting EMT?

Starting EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, are entry-level professionals trained to provide basic emergency medical care and transportation for patients in urgent situations. They are often the first responders at accident scenes and medical emergencies, assessing patients, providing life-saving interventions, and transporting them to medical facilities. Starting EMTs typically hold an EMT-Basic certification, which requires completion of a training program and passing a national or state exam. Their role is vital in the chain of emergency medical care, working closely with paramedics, firefighters, and other first responders.

What can I expect during my first few months as a starting EMT, and how can I best prepare for the transition from training to real-world emergency response?

In your first few months as a starting EMT, you'll likely be paired with more experienced partners and exposed to a wide variety of medical emergencies, which can be both challenging and rewarding. You may encounter high-stress situations, irregular hours, and frequent changes in routine, so flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. To ease your transition, focus on building strong teamwork with your crew, seek feedback, and review protocols regularly. Taking initiative to ask questions and practice key skills will help you gain confidence and improve your patient care. Most importantly, remember that developing resilience and maintaining self-care habits are crucial for long-term success in this demanding field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a starting EMT, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Starting EMT, you need foundational knowledge of emergency medical care, basic life support skills, and completion of a state-approved EMT training program with certification. Familiarity with ambulance equipment, patient transport devices, and electronic patient care reporting systems is common. Strong communication, calmness under pressure, and teamwork are essential soft skills for effectively assisting patients and collaborating with other responders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure timely, safe, and effective care during emergency situations.

What is the difference between Starting Emt vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectStarting EmtEmergency Medical Technician
CertificationsBasic EMT certificationBasic EMT certification
Work EnvironmentAmbulances, emergency scenesAmbulances, emergency scenes
Job ResponsibilitiesBasic patient care, first responseAdvanced patient care, transport
Experience LevelEntry-level, new traineesEntry to mid-level

Starting Emt and Emergency Medical Technician are often used interchangeably, as both roles require similar certifications and work in emergency medical services. However, 'Starting Emt' typically refers to individuals just beginning their training or entry-level positions, while 'Emergency Medical Technician' is a broader term that can include more experienced practitioners. Both roles focus on providing essential pre-hospital care in emergency settings.

How to get started as a starting EMT?

To become a starting EMT, you need to complete a state-approved EMT training program, which includes classroom instruction and practical skills training. Afterward, you must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to obtain certification and be eligible for employment. Maintaining certification requires ongoing education and recertification every two years.

Is it hard to get hired as a starting EMT?

Getting hired as a starting EMT can be competitive, as many employers seek candidates with certification, basic life support skills, and sometimes prior experience or volunteer work. Strong communication, quick decision-making, and a valid driver's license can improve job prospects, but the hiring process often involves background checks and interviews. Overall, entry-level EMT positions are accessible to those who complete the required training and certification programs.

What are popular job titles related to Starting Emt jobs in Iowa?

For Starting Emt jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Starting Emt jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Starting Emt job openings:

Infographic showing various Starting Emt job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, and 48% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Blood Collection Staff - Customer Service

American Red Cross

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$18.22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


American Red Cross rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 282 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

562nd of 772 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

We provide Paid-Training – no prior medical experience required!
Joining The American Red Cross is like nothing else – it’s as much something you feel as something you do. You become a vital part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. Joining a team of welcoming individuals who are exceptional, yet unassuming. Diverse, yet uncompromising in unity. You grow your career within a movement that matters, where success is measured in people helped, communities made whole, and individuals equipped to never stop changing lives and situations for the better.

When you choose to be a force for good, you’ll have mentors who empower your growth along a purposeful career path. You align your life’s work with an ongoing mission that’s bigger than all of us. As you care for others, you’re cared for with competitive compensation and benefits. You join a community that respects who you are away from work as much as what you do while at work.

Where Your Career is a Force for Good!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview):
When you join our team you will be utilizing your healthcare and/or customer service skills to assist with every step of the blood collection process. This includes collaborating with your team to transport and setup equipment at the collection sites in local communities, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for volunteer donors, and following all safety procedures while collecting lifesaving blood donations that are delivered to hospitals. 

The Red Cross offers paid phlebotomy training with the ability to grow your healthcare skills and career within the nation’s top humanitarian organization. To learn more about being a phlebotomist and the impact you can make in this position, watch this short video: rdcrss.org/lifesavingrole.

WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE FOR GOOD (Key Responsibilities):
  • Take the time to personally connect with donors – listen to their stories and help them understand how impactful their donation is.
  • Collaborate with your teammates to create a welcoming and friendly environment so our volunteer donors feel comfortable coming back again and again.
  • Be detailed oriented all day, every day. This ensures that the blood you collect meets goals, regulatory requirements and can be safely transfused.
  • May drive Red Cross vehicles and you will work with the team to setup and tear down equipment at the donation sites. Position may require a minimum height of 60 inches to ensure the ability to safely operate Red Cross vehicles.

Standard Schedule (Dubuque, Iowa):
  • To best meet the needs of our donors and community, staff work a variable schedule which may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Overnight travel may be required in some locations.
  • Schedule is provided two to three weeks in advance.

Pay Information: 
  • Starting rate $18.22/hour.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications):
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Customer service experience and effective verbal communication skills are required.
  • A current, valid driver's license with good driving record is required. 
  • Physical requirements may include the ability to lift, push or pull heavy weights up and down ramps and stairs, good manual dexterity, the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time and adapt to long, irregular hours and frequent schedule changes is required. Position may require minimum height of 60 inches to ensure the ability to safely operate Red Cross vehicles.
  • At the American Red Cross, we conduct many mobile blood drives at businesses, schools, and many other locations. All staff work as a team to setup and tear down the equipment required to conduct a mobile blood drive.
  • Basic computer skills are required. Must be proficient with Microsoft office applications. 

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Prior healthcare or phlebotomy experience (CNA, MA, EMT, etc.).
  • Prior leadership experience.

BENEFITS FOR YOU:
As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive package includes:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
  • Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • PTO: Starting 15 days a year; based on type of job and tenure.
  • Holidays: 11 paid holidays comprised of six core holidays and five floating holidays.
  • 401K with up to 6% company match.
  • Paid Family Leave.
  • Employee Assistance.
  • Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term.
  • Service Awards and recognition.

Apply now! Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make your career a force for good!
https://americanredcross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/American_Red_Cross_Careers/job/Dubuque-IA/Blood-Collection-Staff---Customer-Service_RC89962

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and any other applicable state and local laws.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners — the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance — launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce. American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.

Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.
To view the EEOC Summary of Rights, click here:  Summary of Rights

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