Become EMT Certified
The process for becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) differs from state to state, but the overall trajectory is similar. You must become a certified EMT before you can move on to learning advanced life support skills in paramedic courses. Prior to enrolling in an EMT course, you should also consider CPR and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certifications, which may suffice for your intended purpose. See Step 1 to get started on your path to this exciting and fulfilling career.
Contents
Steps
- Check your state requirements. While a vision exists to align EMS education and certification procedures nationally, there is still variance at the state level. Each state will have minimum certification requirements and most maintain a list of authorized EMS instructors and training facilities.
- Get CPR certified. You might just save a life before you become an EMT! If you're thinking medical, make sure it's a healthcare provider class so that it counts later on.
- Join a local volunteer rescue squad or fire department (or at least get in touch with them). Usually you can join a fire department or rescue squad without being an EMT and it's a great source of information for furthering your career. Many departments have Explorer programs for teenagers, which allow you a view on the inside to determine if it is right for you.
- Find the class or classes right for you. Some employers are looking for certified paramedics to fill EMT slots, but the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) designation may be right for you if you're just looking for an entry level certification to test the waters. Classes will not always be offered close by, you may need to commute to other counties to find a class that will fit your needs and goals. It even helps to take simulated practice tests from viable EMT test prep sources since you must pass the National Registry examination before getting your state license.
- Start shadowing EMTs. Once you are in an EMT class you will be required to have a certain amount of hours riding along in an ambulance, learning from experienced EMTs.
- Study for all your classes. Many EMT courses are broken up into two sections: A lecture portion consisting of book work and written tests, and a laboratory portion that includes skills review and a practical test. EMS training facilities are introducing technology such as interactive simulators (patient and ambulance) that allow you to practice what you will do in the field.
- Register for and pass a state National Registry EMT test. Each state offers at least one EMT test a year (usually more) you must successfully complete the class to be allowed to test at the site. The test will include a written test and practical examination. The didactic portion is now available online in many areas and the skills are sometimes demonstrated during you laboratory final in class, but you may have to attend a practical exam separately from the written test if this is not an option in the training program you select. Find out before you register.
- Check if you passed. You can go online and check to see if you are on your state EMT registry weeks before they will send you a letter that lets you know if you pass or not (Google your state name and "EMT registry" to find this list)
- Re-take the test if you fail. You have two more attempts to take the state test if you fail. After a certain number of attempts, you will be required to retake the EMT course before you will be allowed to test again. This is why it's suggested that individuals take test simulations online before tackling the arduous EMT testing process.
- Keep up to date. The medical field is constantly evolving. Stay abreast of dynamic changes by joining professional groups an subscribing to educational literature. If you notice a big change, try to take a class so that you can be competent in the new procedures.
- Re-certify your EMT certificate through Continuing Education classes acceptable to the state (or national) re-certification requirements. EMTs are required to maintain documentation for their continuing education courses. Most states allow a portion of the requirement to come from online sources, but it's worthwhile to attend skills refreshers for core areas like CPR and Airway Management in person.
Tips
- If you come across something you don't know, write it down and use any resources you have (mentors, Google, text) to find the answer. Constantly ask WHY and don't consider class time the only time to learn.
- Speak with instructors from these facilities to learn more about what is right for you. Do your research before you spend $2,000 +/- on a course.
- Especially if you have already joined your local rescue squad of fire department, talk to the training officer about when you can shadow and determine who is willing to guide you in this process before the time arrives. Some people enjoy teaching and others just want to do their job without the added responsibility. Don't take it personal. Just find someone who wants you to ride along.
- Be prepared to dedicate more time studying on your own than in the actual class. A 3 hour class needs at least 3 hours of intense studying.
- Becoming a volunteer EMT at a fire station is a great use of your time. Also consider how you can turn this into a job at a hospital, resident camp, nursing home, or factory.
Warnings
- Understand that being an EMT is not just a career, it's a lifestyle. If you're out to eat with your family and someone goes into cardiac arrest, your conscience will eat at you if you ignore a victim.
- Don't expect glory. EMS is often overlooked and other first responders and hospital personnel receive credit for our actions. One must be content knowing that that made a difference and may only be viewed as the "ambulance driver".
- The job is demanding, both physically and emotionally. You will have to be your best when others are at their worst.
- Politics suck. As fun as the job may be, there are often administrative and routine duties that are design for political or legal reasons. They get old, but are part of public sector affiliation.
- Always follow your station's standing orders. Failing to do so could result in losing your certification.
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