Emt how long does it take to get certified

These scholarships help provide funding for hopeful EMTs who wish to serve our community. EMT certification lasts for two years. If certification lapses with two years of expiration, applicants must complete an EMT refresher course before reapplying for certification. If a certification has lapsed for more than two years, the applicant must provide proof of completion of an EMT training course, complete a refresher course, and retake both the cognitive and psychomotor examinations.

It is extremely important to maintain EMT certification once it has been awarded. EMTs and paramedics wear a standard uniform that includes a shirt, pants, and boots, or high-top shoes. The color combination and type of clothing vary by department but typically fall into a utility-style uniform. An EMT or paramedic uniform may appear tactical in nature. This is because EMS professionals require comfortable and flexible clothing with plenty of utility options such as loops and pockets for carrying shears and other tools for quick access in emergency situations.

The uniforms may also be made out of fabrics that are water and pathogen-resistant. Additionally, they may be constructed in a way that they stand up to the extended shifts and wear and tear that comes with being a first responder.

There are many options on the market. However, finding the best EMT pants, for example, can be challenging if you know what to look for. If you want to better understand what to look for in an EMS uniform, start with this comprehensive guide on EMT pants. We help visitors learn more about what careers are available and where to find online programs or schools close to them. Skip to content. Keeping reading to find out how long it takes, how much they make, and how you can get started.

In This Article. Find a Program. To help students deepen their understanding of emergency medical care, associate degree programs commonly offer the following courses:. Some students use this degree as a springboard to go even further in their education, enrolling in physician assistant programs or medical school.

Students can expect to gain a number of valuable skills throughout their degree, including:. Students who aspire to supervisory roles in an emergency care setting learn how to manage the work of paramedics as they navigate their way through chaotic situations. Students build on existing knowledge of emergency care, gaining a deeper understanding of how to effectively work in an emergency environment through planning and executing patient care strategies.

Taking a managerial role in the field includes completing administrative tasks. Students learn various managerial functions, including budgeting, staffing, completing employee evaluations, and organizational planning. Online paramedic schools are a convenient option for students who want to receive EMT training that can easily fit into their schedules.

These programs allow students to combine online classes with in-person training, providing both theoretical and hands-on education. This is an attractive choice for many, but to get the most out of your education, you must find a school matched to your unique needs. Some characteristics to look for when choosing a school include:. Earning a degree, completing required training, and taking the certification exam requires about years. Most candidates need six months to two years to complete the training courses and pass the NREMT exam.

EMTs and paramedics can explore careers as police officers and firefighters. Hospitals also hire EMTs as emergency-room technicians. EMTs and paramedics have one of the highest rates of on-the-job injury and illness of all occupations, according to the BLS. Following proper safety procedures can reduce this risk.

This is a fast-paced career that demands workers have strong critical thinking skills to make snap decisions about how to treat patients. EMTs and paramedics must be excellent communicators: good listening helps them understand what each patient needs, while strong verbal skills allow them to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Like other medical providers, paramedics and EMTs must show compassion when working with people in physical and emotional distress. Physical strength, stamina, and coordination are imperative for moving patients quickly and treating them with precision. In addition to receiving a state license and NREMT certification , EMTs and paramedics who want to drive emergency vehicles must take a separate training course.

Though this is not an exhaustive list, the following certifications are available to EMTs and paramedics:. Paramedics and EMTs need several tools and technologies in order to treat patients. In addition, some of the tools of this trade include airway suction units, portable oxygen equipment, cardboard splints, oxygen masks, laryngoscopes, and intravenous IV pressure infusers.

EMTs and paramedics can often work in other first-response environments, such as police and fire departments. EMTs and paramedics can also pursue healthcare positions, including roles as nurses, dental hygienists, and emergency management directors. Each position requires additional training and education. Salary potential and job outlook vary by occupation. EMTs and paramedics dedicate their careers to helping individuals in distress. The table below highlights careers that involve working to keep communities safe.

This nonprofit organization oversees and administers the EMT and paramedic exams. This organization provides continuing education, advocacy, and online resources. This organization works with states to improve emergency medical systems.

Because of the hands-on nature of the job, EMT courses are not usually offered online. The EMT program at National is built around comprehensive lesson plans that focus on helping students achieve their personal goals, allowing them to apply what is learned in class to the career areas that interest them most.

His own career trajectory from being a high school graduate taking night school classes to later serving as a firefighter, an EMT, and a paramedic allows him to share many valuable insights gained on-the-job.

His alternating team of more than 42 adjunct instructors statewide have all exceeded the minimum teaching standards, having served as EMTs for at least two years before teaching others. Once a National University EMT student is finished and registered, they have access to a short, hour EMT pre-employment workshop, as well as phone recommendations when ambulance companies come calling for new recruits.

With all the types of terrain found in California — desert, ocean, forests, highly-populated cities, rural farming counties — Rogers says you are likely to run into a National University EMT program alum working almost anywhere. Class sizes vary, but most are capped at around 20 students to ensure a personalized learning experience. At Texas EMS School our average completion time for the online portion of the EMT course is approximately 18 weeks, but many finish sooner, and some finish later.

Every student is required to complete all course activity prior to the end of the 26 th week. There are highly intensive face-to-face courses in Texas that promote the ability to have you complete the course in only two weeks. For some students this could be an excellent choice, but students should be very aware of their own learning style to ensure the extremely quick pace is suitable for them.

Traditional semester-based programs are customarily face-to-face, however the COVID Pandemic of caused a number of programs to quickly put together online courses to mimic the face-to-face curriculum.

These are most frequently offered by community colleges, and are an excellent choice for any student who feels they learn better through face-to-face lecture in a classroom.