A Roadmap for Anyone Interested in Pursuing a Career as an EMT
Working as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a rewarding career choice but it requires several “steps” to accomplish this goal. This guide should help you navigate the path to EMT certification.
Step 1: Research EMT Requirements in Your State
Each state has specific requirements for EMT certification. Most states mandate that you:
Be at least 18 years old.
Possess a high school diploma or GED.
Have a valid CPR certification.
Before starting the process, check your state’s requirements through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) or your state’s EMS agency.
Step 2: Take an EMT Preparation Course
Taking an EMT Preparation Course BEFORE beginning your full EMT training program is one way to make sure you have the best chance of passing your EMT course THE FIRST TIME you take it. Research shows that 50% or more of students that enroll in an EMT course either drop out or do not pass the first time through. This is consistent with the experience I’ve had training thousands of students over many years. It’s not that they are “bad students” or are not “smart enough” to pass. The problem is most people taking an EMT course don’t have a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology which is what pretty much everything in EMT training is based on. This EMT Prep course has proven to significantly help students that complete it before taking their EMT course.
3. Enroll in an EMT Training Program
Find a proven, high quality, EMT training program near you. These programs typically include classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experience. Their are public and private institutions where you can obtain this training. However, research the schools and find out what their “pass rate” is on the certification testing. Most states require graduates from EMT training to take and pass a “National Exam” before issuing a certification to work as an EMT. Find out the school's pass rate before enrolling. You want to make sure the training you receive is going to adequately prepare you to pass the certification exam once your EMT course is completed.
Step 4: Obtain CPR (BLS) Certification
CPR certification is a prerequisite for many EMT training programs but there are many different “levels” of CPR certification. Most EMS agencies require EMT students to have the “BLS” CPR certification. This level of training is specifically designed for “Healthcare Providers” and is different from the other CPR courses. BLS classes are offered by the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross and you should be able to find a course near you. Ensure your CPR course is the “BLS” course so it meets the requirements needed for EMT certification.
Step 5: Pass the NREMT Certification Exam
After passing your EMT training program, you’ll need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. This exam includes:
A computer-based cognitive exam that tests your knowledge.
A psychomotor skills exam where you demonstrate practical skills.
If you are attending a high quality EMT school you should not need any additional preparation to pass the NREMT exam. However, listen to the advice of your instructors and if they recommend any additional resources to help you pass the NREMT exam use them. Beware of using resources your instructors do not specifically recommend as there is a lot of information available online that may be dated or inaccurate. You can also consider using study materials from NREMT's official website.
Step 6: Apply for State Licensure
Once you pass the NREMT exam, apply for state certification/licensure. This step allows you to legally work as an EMT. Depending on your state, you may need to:
Pass a background check.
Provide proof of training and certification.
Your EMT instructors are usually a great resource for providing you with the “step by step” process of obtaining your State certification. You can also contact your state EMS office for detailed instructions.
Bonus: Continuing Education and Career Growth
Once certified, you’ll need to complete continuing education to maintain your credentials. The process can vary depending on your local and state guidelines but to maintain your certification you will need continuing education hours and skills training and testing. Your EMT instructor can usually provide you with the information needed to meet your local guidelines.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a certified EMT and launching a rewarding and meaningful career serving your community.