EMTs are like a super-advanced lifeguard. They have a lot of knowledge in stabilizing threats to life, but the initial training doesn't really go in-depth into medicine. The thinking is very straightforward: If A, do B, if B, do C, etc... There are some new concepts and some memorization, but it's not really any more difficult than a CPR or a lifeguarding class. Just show up, do whatever homework they tell you to do, pay attention and do some practice tests (your instructor will probably give you advise on these). Classes are about 120-400 hours depending on the state. Most EMT classes are probably about 150-200 hours. You usually spend a day or two (total, not every week) on a truck and a day or two in the hospital practicing some skills and taking in the new experience of interacting with patients.
Paramedics are EMTs first. They might be an EMT for 10 years or 10 days before Paramedic school. Either way, they need to be able to perform all of the EMT skills and demonstrate all of the EMT knowledge at the beginning of schooling. Paramedics build upon the idea of stabilizing threats to life and add in a lot of medical knowledge to be able to be a resource for most medical calls. While all of EMS focuses on some degree of transport to a more definitive type of care (read: physician, PA, NP), Paramedics focus on a lifetime of learning so that they can avoid unnecessary and costly transports by providing the definitive care for a small number of calls. Some paramedic schools in the US might be as little as 900 hours. Some might be as high as 4,000-5,000 hours. Paramedic schooling in some countries like the UK or Australia might be as much as double this. Depending on the length of a paramedic program, you are probably in school 2-3 days a week and on a truck or in the hospital 2-3 days a week.
My experience was that EMT school was about 15-20 hours a week and Paramedic school was about 50-60 hours a week. My EMT class was as easy as a driver's ed class, cpr class or lifeguarding class. My Paramedic school was harder than my RN degree.
I just started EMT-B school back in January and have been talking a lot with some very knowledgeable people on here who have helped me a ton. A paramedic vs. EMT is a difference in education, training and basically what your state "allows" you to do. Paramedics are trained, licensed and certified to do a LOT more than an EMTs; especially on an ALS situation (advanced life support). I had posted something very similar to what you're saying about freaking over the national test (NREMT). A lot of experienced people on here gave some great advice -- focus on learning the material and passing your class. It's worked for me so far (I'm literally only about a month into school right now). Hope I helped a litte, especially as someone who's in the same boat as you are. 