EMT Courses Blog with topical information on EMT Certification and Training
Your National EMS Certification is one of the most important EMS certification you can obtain. Holding your EMS certification demonstrates that you meet the national standards of the EMS profession. To ensure that all EMTs are up-to-date on technical innovations in patient care and emergency medical services, certification must be renewed every two years.
EMTs are constantly learning, both on and off the field, in part because there will always be a situation or patient that presents issues you have never seen before, and in part because medicine and technology is continuously improving.
To apply for recertification you must meet the following requirements:
Part I The first part of meeting CE requirements is to complete an approved EMT Refresher. There are two options here. One option is to take a traditional refresher course (an approved DOT National Standard EMT-Basic/EMT Refresher). The second option it to complete continuing education “topical hours”. (Beware that some states only accept the traditional refresher course and not topical hours, so refer check your state requirements.) The “topical hours” must meet the following requirements:
| Topic | Hours Required |
| Preparatory | 1 hour |
| Airway | 2 hours |
| OB, Infants, Children | 2 hours |
| Patient Assessment | 3 hours |
| Medical/Behavior | 4 hours |
| Trauma | 4 hours |
| Elective | 8 hours |
| Total | 24 hours |
Part II The second part of meeting CE requirements is to complete 48 hours of additional EMS Related Continuing Education. You can apply the following towards your Additional Continuing Education hours:
Re-certification is an important part of being at EMT
Obviously the above add up to more than 48 hours. Feel free to pick and choose the areas that most interest you, and put your CE hours into them. In doing so, you will enjoy your Continuing Education, and you will be honing your EMS specialty – making you a highly desirable employee.
6. Obtain verification of skills from your Training Program Director or Physician Medical Director.
7. Obtain CPR certification current through at least March 31st.
And there you have it! Follow steps 1 through 6 and you will be fully prepared to successfully pass recertification.
About Unitek EducationUnitek Education is the premier EMT training provider in the United States. Our mission is simple: training the next wave of EMT professionals. We offer a variety of training options to fit your needs. Unitek Education’s instructors are experienced leaders in their fields, and our ultra-real-world training scenarios are ideal for both new and seasoned students, with training the covers all major aspects of emergency medical services.Unitek Education
4670 Automall Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
(888)790-1458
For many prospective EMTs, accelerated EMT training is a preferred alternative to traditional EMT training. Their reasons are many: better instruction, faster time from start to finish, great class location, improved employability, the list goes on. So what exactly is accelerated EMT training?
Better instruction – Accelerated EMT training is fast, leaving no time to be switching instructors or having multiple people teaching multiple subjects. This constant change of instructors in traditional EMT classes makes it hard for students to stay on track. At Unitek Education, one lead instructor facilitates the entire program, melding the curriculum into a seamless process that gives Unitek Education’s students a more consistent education.
Faster – I think the name says it all already. Accelerated EMT training. Students get in and get out in 14 days. In just two weeks, students prepared for the NREMT and ready take on the career of a lifetime! Other EMT classes are dragged out over months, sometimes even semesters. Who has the time (or patience) for that?!
Class location – Unitek Education is located in the heart of the Bay Area, in California. It is the only EMT Training program in the nation that offers accelerated EMT training. Many of our students come from out of state for our courses. Because we are in such a great location, many stay here for an extended vacation. EMT Certification and California vacation, all in one? That’s what I call a win-win.
Improved employability – Unitek Education’s goal is to make each graduate marketable by offering multiple certifications. Most other courses offer a course completion certificate and a meager offer to help you pass the NREMT. Unitek Education has a reputation of graduates that are fully prepared for a new EMT job, in part because of our learn-by-doing training and real-life simulations. Also, Unitek Education has an NREMT* guarantee. If a student does not pass, Unitek Education will pay for your retest, or allow them to retake course for free. Try finding another EMT course with that guarantee. There aren’t any.
About Unitek Education
Unitek Education is the premier EMT training provider in the United States. Our mission is simple: training the next wave of EMT professionals. We offer a variety of training options to fit your needs. Unitek Education’s instructors are experienced leaders in their fields, and our ultra-real-world training scenarios are ideal for both new and seasoned students, with training the covers all major aspects of emergency medical services.
Unitek Education
4670 Automall Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
(888)790-1458
So you have made the decision to become an EMT, and are now looking for the best EMT Training course in the Bay Area. The key to getting the best EMT training is choosing one that fits your schedule and your objectives. So the first challenge in becoming an EMT? Finding the right EMT training course for you. (Once you’re in class, you can tackle all those other EMT-related challenges). There are certain class criteria and certain personality traits, that, when aligned, create the best possible outcome for future EMTs. When choosing an EMT course, be sure to consider the following: course prerequisites, the length of the course, the caliber of the instructors, the level of real-world hands-on training versus time spent in the classroom, the graduation rate, and the careers that alumni of the course go into.
EMTs prepare for a day of training
Pre-requisites All EMT Training pre-requisites require that candidates have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Course length How soon will start your EMT career? A few years? Six months? Two weeks? Course lengths vary, and your desired time frame depends on personal circumstances and current work situations, so choose what works best for you. Accelerated courses or bootcamps may be more intense, but they are more engaging and exciting, so keep that in mind. If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to stay motivated through a long, drawn-out course, and easy to forget why you started it in the first place.
Caliber of instructors Your instructors will be transferring their knowledge to you. You want to learn from the best, so you can be the best. Choose a course where the instructors are experienced and eager to share their knowledge.
Hands-on training Do you want to sit through EMT training in a classroom, falling asleep at a desk while trying to listen to a lecture? Or do you want EMT training that happens in real ambulances with state-of-the-art equipment, in the real world, with real life simulations, leaving you no option but to be prepared for the real deal once you start your career?
Graduation rate You want a course that prepares you to be a successful and effective Emergency Medical Technician. When comparing courses, ask the following: Did previous students get though the course successfully? How many passed the NREMT? And most importantly, did the course prepare those students to be the best in their field? Whether you’re looking at an EMT Refresher course or EMT Boot Camp – all EMT training should prepare students to pass all required tests and excel in the work force.
Alumni jobs So you went through that grueling EMT training – the blood, sweat, and tears have dried. All that work shouldn’t be for naught. What are you going to do after you pass those EMT exams? Going back to your desk job certainly isn’t what you were gunning for. A good indicator of opportunities for new graduates is the jobs that graduates of the course now have. Choose a course that not only prepares students for an exciting career, but assists them in procuring one in the first place. Career help is vital, and should be a major focus of any EMT Training.
Next Steps Once you have done due diligence on the programs you are interested in, a clear winner should emerge – one that fits your schedule, your learning style, and your career aspirations. Call our EMT admissions team and our admissions advisors will introduce you to our program, help you enroll, and work out all the other details of your training. Call 888-790-1458 to register for EMT training now!
About Unitek Education
Unitek Education is the premier EMT training provider in the United States. Our mission is simple: training the next wave of EMT professionals. We offer a variety of training options to fit your needs. Unitek Education’s instructors are experienced leaders in their fields, and our ultra-real-world training scenarios are ideal for both new and seasoned students, with training the covers all major aspects of emergency medical services.
Unitek Education
4670 Automall Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
(888)790-1458
A mock patient is lifted by a Unitek Education EMT Student and a military EMS responder.
On February 10th, Unitek Education hosted Operation Rolling Chaos, one of the largest emergency disaster drills ever conducted in the Bay Area. This multiagency collaboration involved Unitek Education’s EMT boot camp students, military EMS, local fire, local police, and other agencies. In all, there were over 15 agencies working together to prepare and participate in this mass casualty incident. This event was held on the Unitek Education Campus in Fremont, California and lasted from 8am to a 2pm, with over 500 total participants and visitors.
This 6-hour disaster preparation drill involved varied military branches working with Unitek Education’s EMT boot camp students. Operation Rolling Chaos used 12 cars, 8 ambulances, 4 helicopters, and 2 buses to simulate the breaking of the Anderson Dam in Morgan Hill, which would unleash massive amounts of water onto neighboring freeways. Dozens of flipped cars and over 200 mock patients were strewn across the simulation disaster zone. A combination of medical instructors, military personnel, and nursing students were in charge of assessing each injured patient’s status and escorting them through the differing treatment zones. Patients were transported from the disaster zone to the casualty collection point, then onto an ambulance, and finally delivered into the simulation hospital.
Among the many highlights, the most awe inspiring may have been the four helicopters that touched down on the Unitek Education campus throughout the day. The Sonoma County Sheriff helicopter pilots displayed skill and expertise with an exciting rescue drill, where a mid-air lift was simulated. Two notable attendees were U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, and Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison. Their attendance was an honor, and their support of Operation Rolling Chaos was testament to the size and scope of this disaster training simulation. This will hopefully be the first of many similar training exercises to be held at the Unitek Education campus.
FREMONT, CA- Unitek Education along with several tactical teams, local law enforcement, firefighting agencies and military personal will be collaborating for a mass casualty emergency simulation to educate and prepare for the next Bay Area major disaster. In total, this nonprofit event is a product of 15 agencies and is expected to educate 400+ attendees. The event, titled Operation Rolling Chaos, is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 10th in Fremont, CA.
“The goal of this event is to educate our community, the agencies involved and mainly our students,” said Eric O’Neal, Unitek Education’s lead EMT instructor. Eric added, “We are giving these tactical teams who may not have the opportunity to work together, the chance to learn from each other so that when a real emergency like Loma Preita or Hurricane Sandy happens, we are all better prepared.”
Operation Rolling Chaos is open to our local community to attend. Unitek Education is encouraging anyone who is interested in disaster preparedness to attend this event. Attendees of this event will leave with a new understanding of how tactical teams operate during a mass casualty incident. “No one wants a disaster to happen, but the fact is they do,” O’Neal said. “If our emergency response teams, volunteers, and community at large should take away one thing, it would be that we were proactively preparing. People may say that there is no way to be 100% prepared, but it won’t stop us from trying.”
This large training scenario will be centered on the breaking of the Anderson Dam near Morgan Hill. In 2009, Santa Clara Valley Water District concluded from a study that the dam may break if a 6.6 magnitude or 7.2 magnitude earthquakes were to hit within a mile. It has been projected that once the dam breaks, a 35-foot wall of water will engulf downtown Morgan Hill and its surrounding areas. EMT’s will be the first to arrive, but once realizing the scope of the disaster will call in back up from military agencies. To mimic this large scale disaster Operation Rolling Chaos commissioned the use of 12 cars, 1 bus, 8 ambulances, and the landing of 3 helicopters.
About Unitek Education
Unitek Education is a privately held company dedicated to producing the next wave of emergency medical technicians by enforcing real-life and hands-on training. Over 8,000 EMTs have graduated from Unitek Education EMT 14-day boot camp.
Contact:
Operation Rolling Chaos Team
510-896-7561
Operation@unitekeducation.com
An emergency medical technician (EMT) is often the first to respond in an emergency situation. Their role in emergency medical response is a critical one and therefore they are always in high demand. For a person willing and able to obtain the right training and EMT certification, a career as an emergency medical technician can be a rewarding and fulfilling one.
Before enrolling in EMT classes, a person should first assess his or her abilities and disposition. A s
uccessful emergency medical technician will be expected to manage very high-stress situations on a regular basis. He or she will also need to be able to make crucial decisions at the spur of the moment, and work every shift at a high level of intensity. For some, a work environment like this is thrilling and energizing, while for others it might prove to be a little too intense. Passing an EMT course will not prove to be a fruitful endeavor if the candidate does not have the appropriate disposition to handle a work environment of that sort.
If a person determines that a career as an emergency medical technician will fit their aptitudes and lifestyle, it is time to research EMT certification requirements for their state. Each state has its own specific guidelines as to how many classroom training hours an EMT course is required to provide. While enrolled in EMT classes, students will also be required to complete a certain number of hands-on hours in the field, spending time in an ambulance and in various hospital settings. The scope and length of the EMT certification course will be dictated by the level of certification the candidate is pursuing.
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has defined four levels of EMTs, starting with the entry level EMT-B (Basic), EMT-I/85 (lower level intermediate), EMT-I/99 (higher level intermediate), and EMT-P (Paramedic). An EMT course will mandate progressively longer and more rigorous training for the prospective emergency medical technician depending on the level of certification he or she is pursuing. To obtain Paramedic classification, the candidate will generally be required to obtain, at minimum, an Associate’s degree to prove their competency as a medical care provider.
Once a person has identified the EMT certification requirements of his or her state and established the level of EMT that they would like to attain, it is time to enroll in EMT classes. There are generally quite a few different types of programs to choose from, ranging from those that are entirely based on in-person training, to those that are wholly internet based. If a person is tempted by the ease of an entirely online option, they would do well to thoroughly research the certification requirements of their particular state, as it is quite uncommon for a valid EMT certification to be issued based on all virtual training.
If someone is seeking a stable career in an exciting environment with the opportunity to truly help people, obtaining an EMT certification might be the perfect choice. With distinct opportunities for advancement, and nationwide career availability, EMT classes which lead to a career as an Emergency Medical Technician should be strongly considered.
Currently, job openings for EMTs and Paramedics are posted on Craigslist in several national areas; this is an addition to numerous other job boards serving throughout the United States. These posts have one thing in common: They are seeking qualified EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement and hazardous materials handlers to help in dealing with the major crisis that the Gulf oil spill has become. Several Unitek Education students who have trained through our accelerated EMT 14-Day Boot Camp have been sent to the Gulf as well.
It has been about two months since the oil rig known as the Deepwater Horizon burst into a fiery explosion, killing eleven workers and severally injuring numerous others. Since that time, more than 30 million gallons of crude oil have been released into the surrounding Gulf waters. The oil has travelled hundreds of miles, reaching land on numerous coastal areas which are known to be popular tourist attractions throughout the United States.
Due to a lack of viable safety gear usage, such as masks and other personal protective equipment, there have been record numbers of flu-like symptoms prompting visits to emergency rooms. This has created almost limitless work opportunities for the myriad EMTs and paramedics on location in the Gulf. They are continuously treating workers who have become ill from both the initial spill and the clean-up efforts. Many are becoming ill from the use of chemicals used, namely dispersants.
Literally hundreds of contractors hired by BP have been spraying chemical dispersants and then retrieving debris that is soaked in oil and these same chemical dispersants. This is in addition to attempts in preventing the oil from working its way into the streams, marshes, and beaches that are so vital to the health of local eco-systems.
One city alone, Freshwater City, has more than 90 medics who were deployed to the Gulf oil spill in order to assist with the essential task of keeping the cleanup crews healthy – this entails keeping them properly hydrated, rested, and ensuring proper nutrition. The medics are also to respond to and treat any injuries that might result from the grueling and often hazardous clean-up efforts.
EMTs and Paramedics are not only working in the land based affected areas. There are many working on the ships at sea that are part of the water-based clean-up efforts, while others are currently waiting to be transported to Gulf areas where the main work crews are staging. The remainder of which are lodged on what are essentially “floating hotels”; these are being used by the oil containment crews who are actively attempting to prevent the flow of oil from reaching the Gulf coastal areas.
The working conditions that EMTs and paramedics are facing are strenuous; but the valuable experience that they can take away from working in the spill area will enhance life-long professional skills. Working and dealing with patients from any hazmat spill is building a skill set that will serve well in a continued career as an EMT or Paramedic.
In addition to the valuable experience, the pay is quite rewarding. Companies who service the federal government are currently hiring paramedic and EMT workers at competitive rates. The average wage being offered currently for an EMT-Paramedic to the Gulf coast area for treating patients is approximately $400.00 per day.
There is of course some risk involved as there will be with any job of this type, but given the use of correct safety gear, the risk of toxic levels of exposure to the workers is minimal, while the rate of compensation is remarkable.
More skilled Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are needed to assist with medical emergencies involving wildfire personnel, expressed experienced wildland firefighter Rob Palmer. His concerns over the disproportionate lack of qualified emergency service professionals, like Richmond EMTs, assigned to wildland firefighting teams were expressed in a July 23 article published by Scripps Howard News Service. The story profiled plans to improve the rescue efforts of firefighters who become injured or endangered while battling California wildland blazes.
Sadly, Palmer knows firsthand the devastating risks faced by wildland firefighters. His younger brother Andrew was killed on July 25, 2008, while battling a wildfire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. Andrew was a rookie firefighter from Washington state when he was dispatched to California to assist with the blaze in the state’s largest national forest.
Just 18-years-old, Andrew died due to severe blood loss after debris from a collapsing pine tree hit and severely injured his leg. Much of the blood loss occurred during the 3 hours and 20 minutes it took to remove and transport Andrew from the accident scene to the airport in nearby Redding, California. Rob Palmer believes valuable time was lost during the prolonged rescue effort, due in part to a lack of qualified emergency services personnel immediately available to respond to his brother’s emergency.
Since the tragedy, Palmer has retired from firefighting in order to campaign for improvements to the emergency response plans for treating and rescuing wildland firefighters. His research and proposed changes are outlined in his 8-page proposal for national wildland fire reform titled “The Palmer Perspective.”
One of his key suggestions is to increase the number of skilled emergency service professionals assigned to assist with wildfire emergencies. According to Palmer, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group requires only one emergency service professional for every 499 wildland fire personnel. He identifies this figure as “the lowest medical ratio in the industry.” By comparison says Palmer in his interview with Scripps Howard News Service, there are two to four EMTs for every 22 high school football players. Palmer recommends having at least one EMT for every 10 wildland firefighting team members.
As the summer months heat up and the fire dangers increase throughout California, highly-trained wildland firefighters will prepare for the precarious job of combating dangerous and often widespread wildfires. Skilled emergency services professionals such as Sacramento EMTs are needed to help assist wildland firefighters during medical emergencies.
If you’ve thought of pursuing an exciting and rewarding role in the healthcare field, consider an in-demand job as an Emergency Medical Technician. Whether you’re looking to work as a San Jose EMT or a paramedic in Fremont, Unitek Education offers extensive emergency service training that can help jumpstart your career today!
For additional information on Rob and Andy Palmer and issues on emergency services for wildland firefighters, please visit:
http://wildfiretoday.com/documents/Palmer_perspective.pdf
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you signed for one of the emergency medical technician courses that would train you as an EMT or paramedic. You may have heard people talk about some of the challenges and requirements of these jobs, but now it’s time for you to learn what these careers demand on a daily basis.
You may not be aware of the long hours that are involved for workers in the emergency medical service field. Forget those 8 hour days because once they have successfully passed the required emergency medial technician classes, EMTs are on duty for 24 hours at a time. While this might sound impossible it really is a little less strenuous than it sounds because for each 24 hour shift you work you are given a 24 hour period off beginning at the conclusion of your shift.
Most people who work as an EMT will only work 2-3 days in any given week. You will also be given a 5 day “vacation” period every 6-8 weeks so that you can rest and relax without rushing back to work. Almost all EMT workers will also be given an official 7-8 day vacation two times a year.
When you are on duty there are usually times when there are no calls and then you can relax for a few minutes. Some workers might grab a quick catnap while others will study, cook or read. How you spend your available free time is up to you but remember there is no guarantee that you will even get any downtime in the course of your regular shift.
The work of an EMT or paramedic requires that you be able to handle a lot of physical activity. Most programs featuring emergency medical technician courses begin to get you prepared for the fast pace and tough tasks that you will encounter. You will have to be on the go during most of your shift, and the majority of these workers routinely pull shifts that are generally 24 hour long. Lifting, squatting, climbing and bending are all part of the job and you must be prepared to meet these physical challenges on a daily basis.
There are specific uniforms for EMT and paramedics and these will be different depending on what company or government service they are working with. Some workers wear navy or black work slacks. These pants might be teemed with a work shirt or a polo shirt. The shirts worn by most EMT workers will be white, grey, black or blue. They will usually wear black work boots and these individuals will also have specific insignias and name tags to wear at all times. You only receive these patches and other forms of ID after you have successfully passed all the requirements specified by the emergency medical technician courses.
You will not work alone and you are generally going to be partnered with one person as you are dispatched out to answer calls. One EMT will handle the driving and the other will provide 1on1 care for the patient. In some cases there could be 3 EMS workers sent out to answer a call if the dispatcher feels that more assistance is going to be needed.
Once you are part of a team you will discover that there is a lot of work that needs to be done each and every day. In addition to answering calls and caring for patients you will have assignments to do around the station where you work. You might be asked to help clean the equipment and the interior of the station, or you might be responsible for leading a review class that covers some of the materials presented in your original emergency medical technician courses. Practicing your techniques, learning new skills and reaching out to others in the community are all part of the job for any EMT worker.
Emergency medical technician courses are now catching the eye of thousands of individuals. Deciding to sign up for training to become an EMT or paramedic is only the first step in a process that can help you land the job that you really want. You need to find out as much information about the work that these emergency care providers do before you can determine if emergency medical technician classes will be the right choice for your future.
There really is no need for you to stay in a job that is going absolutely nowhere. Why would you even want to stick around when the pay is minimum wage and there aren’t even any benefits or advancement opportunities that might help you out in the coming years? Unfortunately many people just lose sight of their goals and forget about their dreams in order to try and keep money coming into the household. With the right emergency medical technician courses you will be able to rediscover those dreams you once had.
Some people might think that they have no way out of this employment vacuum, but the reality of the situation is that there is something that they can do to move out of a thankless, low paying job. Going back to EMT school is a good way to break free of a job that is keeping you a prisoner. When you enroll in one of the programs that will lead to certification as a paramedic or an EMT you can say goodbye to that job you hate and hello to a wonderful, new opportunity.
Let’s look at what is required to complete emergency medical technician courses or paramedic training courses. There are programs available in your own community as well as some that are established in many surrounding areas. You can even sign up for emergency medical technician classes online that you can arrange to fit into your current schedule.
By enrolling online in emergency medical technician courses online you are giving yourself the opportunity to move forward with your life and career. These online classes can be scheduled around your present employment so that you can continue working at your regular job and still go to school at the hours that are convenient to you. This lets you earn money to pay the bills while studying for a real job that will provide you with benefits, opportunities and a lot more money.
Adult students who have been away from the educational environment for a long time can even take review courses. These will help you brush up on basic skills in English, math and science so you will be prepared for the more demanding EMT courses that you will soon be attending.
The range of pay for EMTs and paramedics is $11-$24 per hour, although the specific amount will vary depending on your exact position, experience, training and the area of the country in which you live. You might be interested to know that the top earners who have completed emergency medical technician courses currently make more than $24 per hour. There are even unions for some EMTs that make sure the workers are paid a very competitive wage, earn regular salary increases and have vacation and retirement benefits. At last count almost 1/3 of all emergency service workers were described as belonging to some type of union.
Funny rap celebrating EMT week in 2008! Watch!
Change your life! Get accelerated EMT Training!
An EMT certification is available for each of the four progressive levels of EMT training. These are EMT 1 (Basic), EMT 2 and 3 (Intermediate) and EMT 4 (Paramedic).
Training EMT starts with the basic level, and entry of each of the following levels requires the completion of the previous one(s). The EMT certification program for the first level falls into three categories of training. The first category focuses on training for basic life support, such as performing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), Managing airways, treating for poisoning and shock, controlling accessible bleeding, etc. The second category focuses on familiarizing students with conditions that are not threatening to the patient’s life, such as splinting, bandaging, delivering babies, or caring for the newborn. The third category of training includes the non-medical requirements that an emergency medical technician is expected to meet, such as proper extrication equipment and techniques, coping with medico legal problems, written and verbal communication skills, etc. Remember that training for EMT is not limited to the examples given above, as the EMT classes available can cover a lot more information, especially for the upper levels of EMT training.
The requirements for the EMT certification training program include possessing a high school diploma or GDE, being at least 
seventeen, and being fluent in English, written, spoken and read. Requirements may vary from one state to the next, and students may be required to be certified in CPR at certain medical institutions or associations at the time they start the EMT class.
NO one can be an active emergency medical technician before he or she has earned a certification. An EMT certification will be granted upon completion of a training program and a number of training hours on-site and successful passing of two exams, one written, and the other one practical.
The most important information that a future emergency medical technician receives is in the basic level, as this is the foundation for all the skills and knowledge that he or she will have and will learn how to put into practice. Your choice of EMT school should be a very informed one, because the training you receive is vitally important to getting an EMT certification and becoming an active emergency medical technician.
An eligible EMT school should be first of all state approved. If this college is not accredited, all your money was foolishly spent. Secondly, a good EMT school should provide you with various training materials, as required by the complexity of your future profession. Training should include classroom information, emergency room or ambulance training, textbooks, etc.
Once you have completed the training program provided by the EMT school of your choice, you will receive the documents that allow you to take the licensure examination. Assuming that you have learned most of what was presented to you both in class and on site, you will pass the state board exam and receive a license, meaning you can now start applying for EMT positions.
Holding an EMT certification comes with a series of employments opportunities, including working with hospital clinics and emergency departments, ambulance services, police and fire departments, or private industry.
No one ever really forgets their childhood dreams, do they? You may have dreamed of a career as a young child in a field in which you could be a hero. Becoming a fire fighter, a nurse, a doctor, or an astronaut are all common dreams for children. As you got older, you may have put some of those dreams aside, yet in the back of your mind, still thought about serving in a career where you are helping people and performing ‘heroic’ deeds. If that is the case, you may enroll in EMT online courses to start an EMT career in this exciting, heroic, and ever growing field. The knowledge and emergency medical training skills that you will gain can be your stepping stone to a wonderful new life.
Training and Working Conditions
If you think that EMT courses might be for you, then you might want to interview some EMT workers to see what their jobs are like on a daily basis. There are EMT workers that can be found in fire stations, hospitals, and ambulances. Interviewing each type of emergency worker can help you define which EMT career path you might want to pursue. You might also interview paramedics, which is the top level of EMT workers, as well as nurses and doctors that might have started in the medical field as an EMT.
EMT courses will train you to remain calm in intense situations when everyone around you is scared, angry, or unresponsive. This is when your emergency medical training skills are being fully tested. There will be times that you will have to face drug overdoses, psychosis, and violent friends and family members when going on a call, all of which have to be handled in a professional manner in order to keep yourself and others safe. In addition, they will teach you what to do to help people who are in all sorts or conditions, such as wounded by a gunshot, having a heart attack, and more.
You will also learn to use the different tools of the trade that you will need to have a successful EMT career. You will progressively learn more as you take more courses and advance your emergency medical training skills.
The basic level teaches you to use the basic tools such as stretchers, back boards, and stethoscopes. As you train for the intermediate level, you will learn to use a defibrillator and other vital tools of the trade. Paramedics take the most advanced training, allowing them to use some medications, start IV’s for fluids, and more. For many new emergency medical techs becoming a paramedic would be a highlight in their EMT career.
Among the emergency medical training skills you will be taught are lessons showing you how to bind up wounds, do CPR, and obtain information from the patient (when feasible) and family members. Recording this information and also what you do for the patient on the ride to the hospital is also critical for the doctors and nurses who will be treating him from that point on.
The working conditions involved in an EMT career are very strenuous in most cases, requiring a lot of physical labor and movement. You will have to bend down and kneel with the patients. You will have to lift them in order to get them onto the stretcher in most cases. You will also be out in extreme weather conditions when most people are indoors. Yet, even with all of these hardships that go with the job an EMT career is extremely satisfying and vastly rewarding. As an EMT, you will be saving lives each day, which makes the hardships seem small.
There are lots of jobs and careers that beckon to people every day and one of the most interesting fields involves EMT paramedic training. While some people might think that all EMT classifications are basically the same, nothing could be further from the truth.
A paramedic has many more responsibilities and more extensive training than a basic level EMT and as a result the job opportunities are more exciting and challenging. With EMT paramedic training you can prepare yourself for a job with a helicopter medical flight team or you can work with a fire department. You might even discover that there are more job openings at hospitals that welcome a person with the advanced training and skills of an EMT paramedic.
EMT paramedic training is an intense program that requires people to have strong leadership, math, science, and problem solving skills. If these areas have always been your strengths, than you might be a prime candidate to complete an EMT paramedic training program. The jobs are highly rewarding and there are many chances for personal and professional advancement. The fact that the demand for these types of workers remains high is another major attraction for people who are considering stepping into this field.
However, if you have never done any work as a first responder to emergencies, such as with the fire department or in an emergency room, then you will probably want to put in some time getting some real hands on experience before taking the next step needed to get your paramedic certification. This will help you find out what the job really involves and there is no better way to discover this than by riding aboard an ambulance and responding to a variety of 911 calls.
Working on an ambulance gives you experiences that you could not duplicate by any EMT college classroom assignment. You will learn how challenging emergency health care actually is and you will also be called upon to deliver your best in a variety of situations and settings.
Your emotions will run the gamut from humor to depression and sadness as you make the ambulance runs with more experienced EMTs. Learning to control your own responses and deliver the best medical treatment comes with this type of experience, and it is not something that can be taught in any classroom setting offering EMT paramedic training.
Many people who choose EMT paramedic training have already had some type of experience with emergency services. A number of these individuals have already gained a wealth of experience through several years aboard an ambulance. This gives them an advantage when it comes to class work, practical tests and other assignments. It is indeed a case where “Been there; Done that” is extremely beneficial.
As soon as you meet the qualifications for EMT paramedic training you can start the associate’s degree program that will give you the training you need. Additional real world experience will still make the transition easier, especially since the EMT paramedic is the one in charge of the ambulance team.
The growing number of online EMT schools has managed to popularize the idea of attending EMT college. Although these jobs are some of the most needed in the country, there are a lot of misconceptions about what EMT life is all about. A majority of individuals don’t even realize that these types of jobs can be a launching pad for advancement in the health care industry.
Let’s start with the basics about EMT schools and the courses that are involved. You can find some good EMT curriculums in your local community. Many of these courses are offered at a community college, but online EMT college is narrowing the gap and rapidly gaining on the more traditional brick and mortar educational settings.
You will need to have a GED or HS diploma in order to enroll in any EMT course but many times you will find that there are counselors who can show you how to complete your GED quickly so that you can complete your EMT enrollment process. You do need to understand basic math principles but there are courses available that can help you strengthen your knowledge and skills prior to working on your first courses.
If you are concerned about the scheduling of classes and assignments then perhaps the online EMT schools should be the route you choose. These offer the most flexibility regarding schedules and they can even be set up so that they do not interfere with your present employment. It might take you a little more time to complete the course work, but it will be a lot less stressful and you will not have to worry about quitting your job in order to take the EMT courses that are required.
Don’t worry if you do not have any prior experience because most students who are enrolling in online EMT schools have little (if any) previous training in first aid or CPR. The instructors understand that each student comes from a different situation and they will work with you to make sure that you are able to comprehend the material that is being provided. Online EMT schools do not press you to complete the program in a certain amount of time which gives you the opportunity to work at your own speed and concentrate on learning and retaining the concepts and principles about emergency medical care.
You will learn the basics of first aid in the field and successfully passing a basic CPR course is also included in any program offered by EMT schools in all states. Practical class work is another part of an EMT curriculum. Unlike tests that involve just rote memorization of material in books, practical work gives you the opportunity to show that you have learned the techniques and can demonstrate them to instructors on demand.
Most students enjoy the chance to practice their skills and the critiques are helpful because they will show you what you need to work on as well as let you know which techniques you have successfully mastered. Hands on experience under the supervision of qualified teachers is invaluable because it gives you a chance to perfect your first aid and CPR techniques before you are required to use them in real life.
No matter which of the many EMT schools you choose practical work is a necessary part of your class program. At EMT college individuals are given a curriculum that is well balanced and thorough in scope. This ensures that the students are prepared for the real world and the rigors of a job as a fully certified EMT.
Going through an EMT online training program can be a valuable asset to you as you position yourself to start a brand new future. An EMT career is an outstanding way to test your abilities and personal character and at the same time you will be providing lifesaving help to others in your community.
It is easier than you might think to get a jumpstart in this new and exciting career field. Many of these EMT online training programs utilize the best in today’s technology to make the courses interesting so that you can more easily retain the information that you are learning. You do want to check into each EMT online training program that you are considering so that you can make sure that the school is accredited for the training that you need.
EMT online training programs will often use a combination of video clips and video taped lectures that you can watch on your own time to gain the information that you need. Some classes will even have a live, online lecture so that students from around the country can tune in and listen during a special class time prescribed by the instructor.
In other cases, the instructors that teach certain EMT courses may give students an online chat session, so that they can ask any questions that they might have during a particular time of day on certain days. However, not all instructors will do this, and most will only give you an email address to use in asking questions. But either way you know that you will have the opportunity to interact with the teachers who are providing the assignments at any of the EMT schools online.
When you utilize the EMT online training, you will learn about serving behind the scenes in emergency situations. Since you never know what the situation will be in the field, you have to be trained in a wide variety of different situations in order to ensure that you can deal with whatever you are thrown. You will have to learn to treat wounds and fractures that the patient might have. You will have to learn ways to stop bleeding and also how to deal with blood and other bodily fluids in a safe manner.
You will also have to learn how to use the various types of equipment needed to transport and help patients in these emergency situations. In order to learn this part of the training, you will usually have to sign up for some ground courses in addition to the EMT online training courses that you take.
These additional courses will teach you how to use the oxygen systems on ambulances, how to use backboards to immobilize patients, and how to use the stretchers that are used to transport the patients.
You will also have to learn how to document the information that you gain from the patient and the family members or friends at the scene as well as the procedures that you do with the patient on the way to the hospital. You will have to learn how to use the radios that are in the ambulances so that you can talk with the hospital staff and any other emergency personnel who may happen to be present at the scene. As you can see, although much of the medical terminology and other health care can be learned from the EMT online training, you will also have to learn through hands on experience in campus courses.
Sirens are wailing at full strength and while most people are scared and confused this is the time when those with emergency medical technician training are most needed. A tornado rips through a large populated area, wrecking buildings and tossing cars as if they were toys. People are screaming and crying, searching through the rubble for their family members. An elderly man has a leg that has been injured by a falling beam from his home, and is now writhing in agony and pleading for help.
Can you answer the call when help is really needed? If you have had EMT paramedic training then the answer is a resounding “Yes!” This is the reason that you have devoted hours of practice to earning your certification as a skilled and qualified first responder.
Now you are riding in the ambulance with your partner, racing to answer the needs of people in your community. Your adrenaline might be racing but you will be well prepared to face the scene of any emergency or disaster because your EMT paramedic training has given you the skills and knowledge you need to provide the finest in first aid and emergency assistance.
The courses may be rigorous and challenging in an online EMT paramedic training course but they are just what you need when you are facing unpredictable and extremely critical situations. When you sign up for the first classes in an EMT program you probably have little idea about what to expect, but within a matter of weeks you are gaining confidence along with knowledge of proper emergency medical techniques.
You know just what to do and you are able to perform the necessary tasks with skill and precision. Multi-tasking is something that comes in handy and as you gain more experience; it becomes easier for you to juggle the care of your patient along with the constant paperwork and documentation that are also required.
EMT paramedic training makes sure that you are prepared to give quality care in any situation. These classes are available in your community but many people are discovering that the EMT college courses that are offered online provides them with flexible scheduling that can be arranged around the other needs in their daily lives.
The EMT paramedic training that you receive will target the essentials that you need to learn in order to function as a leader and as a member of an EMT team. An EMT paramedic has more responsibility and they are also allowed to perform more medical tasks in the field. Applying splints, using a defibrillator, giving a patient life saving, intravenous medications, assisting in the birth of a baby and helping a trauma victim breathe are just a few of the emergency care techniques that you will learn.
Many people have thought about working in the medical field but they have often reluctantly put the dream aside because they were not sure where they could begin the process. With EMT paramedic training you will have a way to jumpstart a career that places you right in the middle of the action. You can sign up for these classes and in less than 2 years it just might be you riding in the ambulance “jumpseat” as you monitor yet another patient that is being transported to the hospital.
EMT college there are courses and programs that will even teach you how to safely move patients from a stretcher to a bed so that you do not injure yourself or the patient when doing so.
Your emergency medical training will teach you how to multitask with ease and you will be ready to roll on an ambulance call once you have mastered the coursework and passed all of the tests. If you are ready to challenge yourself to do your best and be the best then there is an EMT program online that is ready for you.
It seems as though everything is being placed on the fast track and this includes many educational programs as well. Today people can sign up for an EMT boot camp where they will receive accelerated EMT training in as little as 2 weeks or as long as one semester. While this fast track certification program may not be right for everyone it could certainly be the answer to your own career goals.
If you choose the longer route instead of an intense EMT boot camp you can expect to devote about 16 hours a week to your class time and training. With the accelerated EMT training you will receive in an EMT boot camp you will be required to commit 10-12 hours a day to the program for a total of 14 days.
Some people decide to try the accelerated EMT training camp during the summer months when they have more available time. You might even be able to schedule your courses during the time you would normally be planning your annual vacation.
Students are still going to receive the same type of instruction and they will be covering the same material that is presented in the regular emergency medical technician programs, but at an EMT boot camp there is very little downtime. The intensity of these accelerated programs can be daunting but if you are willing to exert the effort you will discover that it is certainly within your ability to complete the course.
There have been crash courses for a number of years and now they are available in almost any subject. This type of fast paced training is ideal for many students because it keeps their minds engaged throughout the entire program. When you are going to class or practicing your skills for up to 12 hours at a time you are certainly not going to be bored.
You will have to be the one to decide if EMT boot camp is the right path to choose. If you do not like a fast paced class then this will most likely not be the best match. A longer program can provide you with the less stressful and less hectic pace. If you have the determination required to fully commit to accelerated EMT training then this type of environment could be a great choice.
The classes required to earn your EMT certification are not extremely difficult for most students to complete. Many former students state that their biggest hurdle was getting comfortable with all of the new terminology that they had to learn. There is also the need to be comfortable in front of others because you will be called upon to perform demonstrations of your newly acquired skills.
If you decide to choose an online EMT program you will have a flexible schedule and the freedom to study at a pace that is right for you. This will allow you the time to concentrate on material that may be a little tougher to understand and if you are having an easy time with your studies you can pick up the speed and move through your class assignments at a little faster pace.
EMT boot camp will be the perfect educational route for many students but it is not the only avenue available. You should do a little research and talk with your family before you make a decision about the program that will work best for you.
You are going to learn how to isolate broken bones, and how to use a backboard and neck brace for patients who might have a spinal or neck injury. At an EMT college there are courses and programs that will even teach you how to safely move patients from a stretcher to a bed so that you do not injure yourself or the patient when doing so.
Your emergency medical training will teach you how to multitask with ease and you will be ready to roll on an ambulance call once you have mastered the coursework and passed all of the tests. If you are ready to challenge yourself to do your best and be the best then there is an EMT program online that is ready for you.
Emergency Medical Training/EMT college
Do you want to go back to school, but are not sure about what courses you want to take? Then why not consider signing up for emergency medical training and launch a career as an EMT?
The health industry is continuing to boom even in the face of economic decline in many other industries. For this reason EMT College is becoming a popular choice for a large number of individuals.
Emergency work is a stable and growing field for people to consider especially if they have been laid off from a job and want to expand their opportunities. Becoming an EMT is also a great choice for people who are just beginning to look for a job that offers them growth, good pay and the chance to quickly advance to higher paying positions.
There are administrative jobs available in the medical billing field, giving desk work to people who have those strengths. The schooling required for such positions is usually not too time intensive, at least to start out, allowing people to rapidly move into the field and then get additional training later as they wish to do so.
There are also technical jobs in the health industry, such as radiology. Radiology takes more training than basic administrative positions, but it is still not as intensive as nursing or especially becoming a medical doctor. In addition, people have the choice of working in general practice, state hospitals, or private hospitals. They can work at a private practice, and can work with children or the elderly if they so desire.
When searching for a job at a hospital or nursing home that involves a ‘hands on’ type of medical position, people will find they are moved to the top of the list if they have completed basic emergency medical training. This type of specialized training allows these individuals to be prepared to deal with highly stressful emergency situations where a calm head and specific skills are needed in order to provide proper care for seriously ill patients or those people with traumatic injuries.
At the basic level, emergency medical training will teach students how to assess patients in the field. You will learn how to do head to toe assessments and prioritize treatment options in as little as a minute. This might seem impossible to someone who has never ridden on an ambulance or taken an EMT course, but speed is of the essence when an accident or illness occurs and as a first responder you are trained to act quickly and confidently.
You will learn how to check a patient’s pulse, respirations, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. As an EMT you are also going to learn how to calm and soothe the patient and how to reassure their family members at the same time.
You are going to learn how to isolate broken bones, and how to use a backboard and neck brace for patients who might have a spinal or neck injury. At an EMT college there are courses and programs that will even teach you how to safely move patients from a stretcher to a bed so that you do not injure yourself or the patient when doing so.
Your emergency medical training will teach you how to multitask with ease and you will be ready to roll on an ambulance call once you have mastered the coursework and passed all of the tests. If you are ready to challenge yourself to do your best and be the best then there is an EMT program online that is ready for you.
Training to Become an EMT?
Getting EMT training and becoming a licensed EMT is an exciting process for anyone. These steps are the perfect way for you to get started in one of the most fulfilling of all service oriented jobs as you launch an EMT career. When you sign up for Emergency medical technician training courses online it allows you to gain different levels of certification as you progress in your education and the career of your choice.
Many people assume that an emergency medical technician training course makes you a full-fledged paramedic, but that is certainly not the case. Your first EMT training courses are just the beginning of a new and challenging world. In order for you to become a paramedic, you have to complete an additional two levels of certification, plus put in a great many hours out in the field before you can become a full fledged paramedic.
Levels of Training
The first level of emergency medical technician training that you will need to go through is the basic level coursework. You will not be able to start this level unless you have your high school diploma or the equivalent to it, such as the GED. During this level of emergency medical technician training, you will learn the basics of emergency response procedures and how to handle many of the most common issues that you will face in the field. You will study things like cardiac problems, respiratory issues, and how to deal with multiple types of trauma. These courses will prepare you to move into the medical field with the confidence and skills necessary to do the work that needs to be done.
In order to pass basic training, you have to take a written test at the end of the course work and training. You will also have to do a practical exam to show that you know how to handle basic emergency issues in the field. These tests are given through the state boards or through the national organization for emergency medical technicians called NREMT.
The next level of emergency medical technician training is the intermediate level. This level takes more time to complete because you are learning more in-depth material that pertains to the field. This level of study usually takes up to three hundred course hours in order to prepare you for working in the field. You will learn more advanced skills such as how to administer certain medications and how to use devices such as defibrillator machines. You will usually learn to administer IV fluids as well during this level, although the requirements can vary depending on the state.
The level of paramedic is the final level of emergency medical technician training that is involved in an EMT career. This training is usually done through a junior college or at a four year school as a part of an associate of science degree. The training for paramedic requires that anatomy and physiology classes be taken as well as other higher level science courses in order to fully train the EMT on the workings of the human body. The paramedic will also learn more of the medical terminology in the pursuit of the degree so that they can clearly express what they are seeing in various emergency situations to the nurses and doctors at the hospitals when they arrive.
