How to become an EMT in 3 EASY steps

Starting a career in EMS can be tricky. It tends to be a lot easier if you know someone that has already gone through the hoops!

Let me be the one to help you.

In this blog post I will help you navigate through starting your career in EMS in 3 EASY steps.

Now lets get started..

1. Prerequisites:

   • Must be at least 18 years old by the time of exam. (Final exam in your EMT course)

   • Depending on which state you live in, there will be a physical exam when you are ready to apply with an agency. Nothing too vigorous, but make sure you are ready.

     (This isn’t a required pre requisite but I add it in here because it is important.)

     * You should be in pretty good physical shape when entering EMS, there is A LOT of lifting 150 lbs+ *

   • Must have high school diploma or GED.

   • Must be BLS certified: this is your CPR/AED training that is approved by the American Heart Association.

2. Education

   • Find your self a good accredited EMT course. They typically have courses that run from 5 weeks to about 15 weeks. Some agencies also range from morning, night, or weekend courses depending on if its full time/part time.

   • The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs offers a list of accredited programs for EMTs and paramedics, by state.

   • Consider taking an intro anatomy & physiology course (especially if you’re interested in advancing to paramedic.

     * This is also not a requirement but I HIGHLY recommend it *

   • Once you have passed your EMT course, you will also take your skills test on the same day of exam.

     * This includes but is not limited to:

     Patient Assessment/Management – Trauma

     Patient Assessment/Management – Medical

     BVM Ventilation of an Apneic Adult Patient

     Oxygen Administration by Non-Rebreather Mask

     Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient)

     Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient)

     Bleeding Control/Shock Management

     Cardiac Arrest Management/AED

     Joint Immobilization

     Long Bone Immobilization

1. NREMT

   • If you follow me on social media, then you know I’m all about study materials for the NREMT. This is the test you need to pass in order to work as an EMT.

   • The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies EMTs and paramedics at the national level. All levels of NREMT certification require completing a certified education program and passing the national exam.

   • Once you pass this exam, you can start applying to EMS agencies.

Those are the 3 EASY steps to becoming an EMT!

I hope this helps your journey into the EMS world! It’s a very exciting & rewarding job & I know that you’ll do great.

As always,

xoxo ambie