Online EMT Training
Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, respond to emergency situations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At an emergency scene, they assess a victim's condition, provide emergency care and transport the victim to a medical facility. Students who are interested in become EMTs can conveniently complete training courses online to gain the technical skills they need.
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Programs
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EMT online training programs provide the classroom portion of emergency response training, according to Education-Portal.com. Through these online programs, students can earn certification at the basic, intermediate or paramedic levels. Basic level instruction prepares EMTs to care for patients at the scene of an accident and manage respiratory, trauma and cardiac situations. Intermediate-level EMTs acquire more training, while paramedics can provide more advanced care. Students typically must complete the clinical practice portion of their training at a local medical facility or community college. When looking for an online program, students should select a program that meets the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) standards. The Medical College of Georgia EMS Academy and the University of Utah College of Health are examples of schools that offer some online training through hybrid programs, according to DegreeDirectory.org.
Benefits
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An online EMT program is especially suitable for individuals who struggle to balance traditional college class requirements with their own personal and professional commitments. Students in an online program can work at their own pace, using video clips, podcasts and graphics that teach critical emergency life-saving skills.
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Licensing
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EMT education prepares students to pass a written and practical examination administered by a state licensing agency or the NREMT. All 50 states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed, and most states require certification by the NREMT at some or all levels. Some states choose to offer their own certification exam or provide an option between the state and NREMT exam. When EMTs have obtained their license, they must renew it about every 2 years by completing continuing education courses.
Courses
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Classes in an online EMT training program cover topics such as taking vital signs, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, lifting and moving patients, setting fractures, addressing airway obstructions, stopping bleeding, dealing with emergency childbirth and handling emergencies with infants and children. In addition, students learn how to work with medical equipment such as stretchers, oxygen systems, suction devices, splints and backboards. Paramedic-level students additionally learn how to record and interpret electrocardiograms, perform endotracheal intubations and administer oral and intravenous medications. They also study anatomy and physiology.
Outlook
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Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to increase 9 percent from 2008 to 2018. Median hourly wages of EMTs and paramedics in May 2008 were $14.10. EMTs can work in hospital emergency room settings, ski patrol, firefighting and ambulance settings.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ambulance image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
