how do i get started as an EMT?

Question

is there a course i need to take? any special requirments needed to become one?

Answer 1

the only requirements i had to have before i started mine, was a high school diploma (or ged) cpr certification by the aha, during class i had to get shots and physicals and some other things... you have to be in good physical condition.. you have to be able to lift 200 lbs with a partner.. they dont tell you this, but you are required to have a good stomach... lol you dont want to be throwing up on your pts.. go to a search site and type in "emt classes (state)" in tennessee, we do not have the emt-b, they do not recognize that, ours is the emt-iv, which basically lets us give more drugs and run iv fluids.... there are a few other states this way too... search for colleges in your state and see if they offer classes.. good luck

Answer 2

There's a basic training course that's about six months long depending on how you do it. Most community colleges will offer it. You need to get some certifications, too (CPR etc.). Once you have that just apply at various places that need EMTs. It can be kind of pain to get a job at first because they usually have many applications. You'll also start low in the ranks working really strange hours (usually through the night and into the next morning) and you'll do the worst jobs. For example, my friend had to drive the drunk van for 6 months before they let him do real calls. He just picked up homeless guys or whoever was drunk, in public and someone had called an ambulance. Don't let that discourage you though. He's been doing it for five years now (he was just recently upgraded to paramedic) and thinks it's the greatest job in the world.

Answer 3

Yes, you'd need to go to EMT school. Some colleges offer the program, some Community Colleges do too. There are private schools in parts of the country that teach it also, but they are more expensive and not necessarily better, but they are usually faster courses, because unlike colleges they don't require you to take classes for a degree.
If you live in an area where there are Volunteer Fire companies, then sometimes they will sponsor you and pay for you to get your EMT certification. In most states, you'd also be required to pass a test and you can also get nationally certified if you wanted to.
More education would be needed to be a Paramedic and if you want to join the Fire Service, then you'd probably have to go to Fire School, either on your own or through a Fire Department.

Answer 4

There are multiple levels of EMT, the EMT-basic is the lowest. It usually requires a training program of about 110 hours and a state (or national registry) exam that is graded very hard. You don't want an EMT taking care of you who didn't get 100% on his exam, do you? ☺

There are also EMT-I and EMT-Paramedic levels which require additional training but which will get you much better job assignments and better pay. Many paramedic students work as an EMT-B or EMT-I while they get their paramedic certification. The process can take about 2 years.

This is a rewarding but very demanding profession. The pay generally isn't so hot and the hours are often extreme. The rewards can be worth it though.

Answer 5

U can take a college course (non-credit) and receive a certificate. Here in NY there are free EMT training programs at a center called EOC associated with the state university. Maybe there are some like that in the area you are in. If you decide to go for just the certificate your starting salary will be around 23,000 to 25,000 a year

Answer 6

First you need to obtain your CPR and AED certification. This class can be done in as little as a week at any local community college. Then you nedd to take the EMT-B, I or P. class. To take the I(Intermediate) or P(Paramedic) you must first complete the B(Basic) course. Most Community Colleges also offer these courses. The Basic class is approx. 6 months and the other classes can take up to 2 years depending on your class load. You can get more information at...........

www.NREMT.org

Answer 7

The basic course is about 120 hours depending on the state you live in. You can contact your state bureau of EMS for classes in your area. No special requirements. It's an awesome class.

Answer 8

It depends on what state you live in. In most states, you can just call or visit your local rescue squad and ask about it.

In NJ, if you are a member of a volunteer organization, the course and any continuing education are state funded, so its free to you. If you don't want to join a squad, you can also check with the local fire training academy. The course here is about $500. I'm not sure about any other states.

You can check this out too.

http://www.nremt.org/EMTServices/emt_cand_state_offices.asp

Answer 9

first you need to get certified in cpr, the certified in basic first aid! There is courses for certification for paramedics!