To become an EMT, meet educational prerequisites, enroll in an EMT program, and apply for a license. EMT licensing occurs at three levels and varies by state or province. EMT certification is separate and may be required in addition to licensing. Training can last from six months to two years, and practice exams are available. Paramedics work for various employers and are respected with room for advancement.
The first step to obtaining an EMT license is to meet prerequisite educational requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent must be completed before emergency medical technician courses can be taken. Once these and any age requirements are met, the student may enroll in an EMT program and subsequently apply for an EMT license. Age requirements to become an EMT are usually 18 years or older.
Before applying for an EMT license, there are some aspects of this career that should be considered. Paramedics lift and transport patients of all different sizes, so they need to be physically able to bend, lift and move people, while working under stressful conditions at the same time. They also need good vision to drive an ambulance, regardless of the weather or road conditions.
EMT licensing generally occurs at three different levels: basic, intermediate, and paramedic. Requirements for each of these levels may vary by state, province or territory, depending on the country in which the license is being obtained. In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements. Requirements in Canada vary by province, and this must be considered when obtaining an EMT license.
Licensing should not be confused with EMT certification, which is a separate process performed through a national registry. Some states require certification with the national registry in addition to state licensing. To find out the requirements for a specific state, province or country, it is best to contact the government health department or the department of emergency medical services.
EMT licensing programs can be found at many community or two-year colleges, some universities and professional schools. The duration of training depends on the license obtained. Certification or licensing to become a paramedic will require more training than is needed to become an emergency medical technician, and job requirements vary as well. In most cases, EMTs complete training in the most basic level of emergency services, receive their license and, if desired, continue their education to receive the next level of licensing as an EMT. EMT training can last from six months to two years, depending on the license obtained.
There are many practice exams that can be taken to prepare for the written exam that leads to an EMT license. In addition to the written exam, there is a practical exam that must be successfully passed in order to be licensed. An EMT license normally requires renewal every two years. This helps ensure that all paramedics are aware of and use new and improved techniques to save lives.
Paramedics work for a variety of employers, including hospitals, private companies, firefighters, and even helicopter rescue teams. Paramedics are often the first responders to emergency situations, and what they see and experience can be very traumatizing and dangerous. That said, this healthcare profession can be an exciting one, with plenty of room for advancement. Paramedics are generally well respected and their services are almost always in demand.
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