what an emt course is like

by Deangelo Dooley DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 9 min read

Medical technologist

A Medical Technologist is an allied health professional that analyzes and tests body fluids and tissues. This includes blood, urine, CSF, synovial fluid, all types of tissue samples, and almost any type of sample removed from a patient for testing. They are responsible for operating and maintaining complex analyzers that are used in a laboratory and ensuring the laboratory results of each patient are ac…

will be called on to transport patients with both severe emergencies and non-life threatening issues.

You will learn a lot in EMT class, including medical terminology, how to assess patients, and many different hands-on, life-saving skills. You'll learn in multiple locations: in the classroom, in the ambulance, and in the field.

Full Answer

How long does it take to become an EMT?

You must be 18 years or older
You need a fully valid driver’s license
You must have completed regular education to a minimum of 10 th grade (sometimes requires high school completion)
You must have a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification from your state’s healthcare provider

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How to become an EMT?

Skills for EMTs

Communication skills. EMTs work with and interact with different people every day, often in stressful emergency situations.
Compassion. An EMT must be able to show compassion when working with individuals who are in emotionally and physically stressful situations.
Physical strength. ...

What colleges offer EMT programs?

(KGUN) — There’s a new program at Pima Community College that is teaching people the skills they need for jobs but at much quicker pace. One of those programs is the EMT program where the students learn basic life saving skills in about 10 weeks.

What are the requirements to be an EMT?

Textbooks: $150 to $500 or more
Uniform (pants, polo shirt, boots): $100 to $300
Stethoscope: $20 to $75
Background check and drug screening: $60 to $100
Physical and immunizations: varies depending on your healthcare plan
CPR certification for healthcare providers: $40 to $85
Application fees for the NREMT cognitive exams (see below): $80 to $125

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Is getting EMT hard?

It may come as a shock if you're expecting to sail through your EMT classes, but EMT school is hard and it's hard because it's designed to weed out those people who won't cut it in a hard job. EMT work is not easy. It's physically demanding.

What is being an EMT really like?

What was it like to work as an EMT? Christina: Working as an EMT is extremely rewarding. EMTs have incredibly personal interactions with patients and their families. Moreover, you have a phenomenal ability to have a positive impact in your community and to truly serve those in need.

What do EMT basics learn?

They are: Preparatory, Airway Management, Patient Assessment, Medical Emergencies, Trauma Emergencies, Infants and Children and Operations. A brief description of each module follows.

Is it fun being an EMT?

The EMT profession is both rewarding and exciting. There is no doubt that it takes a special person to go out there every day and save lives. EMTs respond to both medical and trauma-related emergencies on a daily basis. They provide Basic Life Support skills to help treat sick and injured patients.

What are the cons of being an EMT?

Cons of Being an EMTThe Work Can Be Stressful. We won't sugarcoat it. ... It's Physically Demanding. It's common for EMTs to spend much of their shift on their feet. ... It's Emotionally Taxing. EMTs see people at the worst moments of their lives. ... Non-Urgent Calls. ... It Can Involve a Lot of Paperwork. ... It's Not Always Exciting.

Is being an EMT stressful?

Choosing a career such as being an Emergency Medical Technician can be extremely stressful; in fact it may also be one of the most stressful jobs ever. But, every job has stresses of its own kind and therefore if you give your mind and heart to it, you can become a successful EMT and eventually advance your career.

How long is EMT school?

one to three yearsBecoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic typically takes one to three years, depending on your career goals and educational path. EMT training focuses on life support techniques for first-response situations, including CPR, tourniquet application, and wound treatment.

Can an EMT basic intubate?

EMT basics are not allowed to use advanced airways or intubate patients. These tools are reserved for more advanced EMTs and Paramedics (in most areas).

How much do paramedics make?

The national average annual wage of paramedics is $38,830, according to the BLS, over $10,000 less than average annual salary for all occupations, $51,960.

Is EMT a good career choice?

Becoming an EMT or paramedic is a great career choice. Demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals is multiplying. The pay is relatively high for the amount of education required, and you get the satisfaction of helping others daily.

Why do paramedics quit?

The most important reasons for leaving the profession were choosing to pursue further education and moving to a new location. A desire for better pay and benefits was a significantly more important reason for EMT-Paramedics' exit decisions than for EMT-Basics.

How do you know if EMT is right for you?

10 Signs an EMT Career is Right for YouExcellent Bedside Manner. ... Good Communication Skills. ... Psychological Stability. ... Exceptional Social Skills. ... Compassion / Empathy. ... Diplomacy. ... Good Physical Condition. ... Dependability.More items...•

What is the EMT B?

Basic EMT: Also called EMT-B, this is an entry-level position where you learn basic life-saving skills and health care knowledge needed to provide pre-hospital care. At this level you are typically paired with a higher-level provider in ambulances, on fire trucks, or in the emergency department.

How old do you have to be to become an EMT?

You must be 18 years of age or older. You should have completed a state-approved EMT training program. You must possess a valid CPR certificate. You may be required to pass the NREMT examination. US citizen is usually required. Candidate must be in good health. Must be fluent in English. No criminal record.

What is CPR certification?

CPR certification and NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) certifications such as Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) will give you the skills and confidence you need to move forward in the field.

What is an EMS license?

EMS is a professional level career that requires you to become licensed as a medical professional. Licensing will vary depending on what state you are in. Here is the general EMT timeline from start to finish:

How many hours of training is required for EMS?

This training can require a minimum of 700 hours of classroom training, as well as a significant amount of field experience, but these medics can work in any setting, including airborne (helicopter) and wilderness EMS.

Is EMT a rewarding career?

A Rewarding Career. Working as an EMT is an extremely rewarding career. EMTs have incredibly personal interactions with patients and their families. Moreover, they have the phenomenal ability to make a positive impact in their community and to truly serve those in need.

What is an EMT course?

EMT courses help student learn how to treat and transport the sick and injured. They teach Basic Life Support (BLS) skills and prepare candidates to give pre-hospital care in the field. Emergency Medical Technicians will be called on to transport patients with both severe emergencies and non-life threatening issues.

Who maintains responsibility for the development of EMT training course objectives?

Course Objectives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains responsibility for the development of EMT training course objectives, but it’s each states responsibility to create EMT courses for their local areas.

Do EMT courses require materials?

EMT Course Materials. EMT courses have required materials for candidates who get accepted into their programs . Many EMT course websites indicate the cost of these items ahead of time, but here is a list so you can request prices if they aren’t provided.

What is an EMT technician?

An emergency medical technician is the first answer to medical emergencies such as car accidents, heart attacks , hiking accidents, etc. EMT’s help patients to be transported to the hospital where they report to the doctor. They must enroll in a basic training program in order to obtain an EMT certificate. Wondering what you might learn at the courses? Since they are entry-level employees, they are not trained to offer extensive medical care to anyone. Here are some common topics explored in EMT training: Pharmacology, EMS system communication, trauma care, disease transmission, bandaging, hemorrhage control, emergency childbirth, patient assessment, managing medical emergencies, fracture, and spinal stabilization, utilizing basic life support equipment, etc. These programs are offered at many colleges, universities, and hospitals, and they take up to 180 hours to be completed.

What are the job opportunities for EMTs?

Job opportunities for EMTs have been increasing significantly and employment for these positions will grow faster until 2022. Job opportunities are predicted to be good, especially in big cities, such as New York City and with private ambulance services. Most people wonder if education is required. Both a high school diploma CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate is required for entry into educational programs in EMT.

Final Verdict

If being a certified EMT is part of your career path, there are many online programs to help you get started. If you are new to the field, taking a course like NMETC or Allied Med Training will best prepare you to take the NREMT exam and get certified in a short amount of time.

Guide for Choosing the Best EMT Classes Online

If you’re trying to decide if you should take EMT classes online, it's important to be realistic about how you learn best. Some people thrive with online courses that allow them to work at their own pace, while others have a better time focusing in a classroom setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic EMT online classes range from $1,600 to $1,900. In addition, you usually have to pay for textbooks and online material, travel and accommodations for the skills lab portion, and application and exam fees. Advanced EMT courses can cost upwards of $4,500, while refresher courses are much less expensive at around $200.

Methodology

We looked at 10 online EMT classes available in the U.S. and compared cost, duration, accreditation, online reviews, and courses offered. If you are looking to start a career as an EMT and have no prior certification or education, then you must take a basic EMT course and prepare for the NREMT exam.