What Jobs Exist in the NEMT Field?

Contents:

• NEMT Driver
• NEMT Dispatcher
• NEMT Provider
• Experience the Difference Routing Software Makes

NEMT Driver

Are you someone who’s always offering to drive, simply because you enjoy being behind the wheel? Becoming an NEMT driver might be the right career path for you. As a driver, you’re responsible for transporting passengers from their homes to their appointments and back again. This may sound simple, but there can be a lot more to the process than pick-ups and drop-offs. In some cases, a passenger might need help getting to the vehicle and out of it. Additionally, they may require a wheelchair, stretcher, oxygen tank, or another piece of equipment, in which case your job becomes much more hands on. One of the perks of becoming a NEMT driver is the ability to choose your own hours. If you only want to work part time, that’s an option, and if you want to work 7 days a week, that’s also a possibility. There are plenty of driver opportunities available, so make sure to check out the options in your local area. 

Job Requirements

NEMT jobs like this require drivers to perform specialized services. Beyond simple pick-ups and drop-offs, NEMT drivers may have to fulfill any special requirements that passengers might have due to their medical conditions. Since they are driving professionally, NEMT drivers must also possess valid certifications. The required certifications vary by state, but there are a few standardized job requirements:

Essential

• Valid driver’s license
• Commercial driving license (in some states)
• Auto insurance
• Clean driving record
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Physical fitness

Recommended

• Knowledge of how to operate the equipment in NEMT vehicles
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid training certification or ability to become certified
• Previous experience of operating an NEMT vehicle

Duties

NEMT drivers do all their work in the field. While their jobs involve spending the majority of the working hours behind the wheel, they are also expected to perform a few other duties over the course of their shift. An NEMT driver’s daily tasks usually include:

• Safely driving passengers to and from medical appointments
• Assisting passengers as they board and disembark from the vehicle
• Communication with dispatchers and clients
• Scheduling and routing if the business does not use NEMT software
• Operating and maintaining the specialized equipment in the NEMT vehicle
• Conducting regular vehicle inspections

Experience

As long as a candidate meets the requirements of an NEMT driver’s job listing, they are qualified for the role. These jobs can be entry-level or experienced professionals. The amount of experience you possess driving NEMT vehicles will impact your salary, with more tenured drivers able to earn more per hour. 

Whether you’re starting out or have already been working as an NEMT driver for years, here are the items you should include in your job application to highlight your experience:

• A recent, verified driving background check
• Latest certifications from driving and equipment operator courses
• References from former employers

NEMT Dispatcher

Another great career choice for those looking to get into NEMT is becoming a dispatcher. As a dispatcher, you’re in charge of scheduling routes, trips, and finding the best driver for each trip. This job is great for natural-born leaders and problem solvers. If you want to become a dispatcher, you should be able to work in a high-stress environment, communicate efficiently with both your team and your clients, and maintain an optimistic attitude throughout the day. Dispatchers may seem like behind-the-scenes workers, but the position holds a lot of weight that comes with a great deal of decision making. Luckily, most businesses use transportation dispatching software, so scheduling, routing, and dispatching trips becomes much easier than doing so manually. 

Job Requirements

An NEMT dispatcher’s main responsibility is to ensure that company operations are proceeding smoothly. When dispatchers perform their duties efficiently, drivers, passengers and medical facilities have better experiences throughout the passenger transportation cycle. 

Even though they aren’t out in the field, NEMT dispatchers are at the core of your business. They are the first point of contact for customers, partners, and employees, making interpersonal skills valuable. Here are the requirements that an NEMT dispatcher is expected to meet:

Essential

• A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required
• Previous experience in dispatching, customer service, or a related field is often preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency with computer systems

Recommended

• Some employers may prefer candidates with additional education or training in logistics, transportation, or a related field.
• Knowledge of how to operate NEMT dispatching software

Duties

NEMT dispatchers have to be exceptionally skilled at scheduling. This entails adjusting to last-minute trip requests and cancellations. Their job also involves handling any problems (either with scheduling or payment) that might arise before or after a trip is completed. Throughout their day, an NEMT dispatcher:

• Accepts trip requests from brokers and private pay clients
• Schedules trips and driver rotations
• Manages routes for drivers in the field
• Handles the fleet and selects vehicles that meet passenger requirements
• Records billing information for every trip

Experience

Since NEMT dispatchers play an important operational role, they need to be extremely familiar with their company’s processes and workflows. This is why most NEMT companies prefer to hire dispatchers who have previous experience or those who have worked for the company in a different capacity before taking up the dispatcher post. Here are some professional must-haves for anyone applying for an NEMT dispatcher’s position:

• References from former employers in the NEMT industry
• Two to five years of experience in NEMT services
• Prior experience in customer service, operations management, or both

NEMT Provider

Have you always dreamed of becoming a business owner? The NEMT industry just might be the right space for you. If you’re ready to start this journey, the great news is that you can start a business nearly anywhere in the country. Whether you reside in a booming city or you’re from a quiet, rural town, people everywhere need transportation. So if you feel passionate about starting your own NEMT business, don’t let location deter you. If you run a reliable operation, you’ll have no trouble finding and keeping clients. 

Experience the Difference Routing Software Makes

Whether you’re looking to become a driver, dispatcher, or provider, medical transportation scheduling software makes your job simpler. Schedule a free demo to see how RouteGenie can change the way you run your NEMT business.