Georgia EMT Training

Clinical assignments give EMT trainees the chance to practice working in an ambulance.

The training required for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) varies in its scope and length depending on what certification the trainee in seeking. In the state of Georgia, three levels of certification are available: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic. Georgia EMT training programs must meet minimum standards for coursework and clinical experience to be accredited. After completing the training program, a Georgia EMT must take a nationally recognized exam to become officially licensed.

Requirements

All EMT trainees possess a high school diploma or GED. Most programs will also require a drug screen and criminal history check as well. In addition, a trainee must be 18 years old and have current CPR certification. To complete certification at the EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic level, students must already be certified as an EMT-Basic.

Programs

Most EMT training programs are offered through local community colleges or technical schools. Depending on the level of certification, the number of months required to complete the program will vary. All Georgia EMT training programs must be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), which only grants accreditation to schools who follow the National Standard Curriculum established by the U.S. Department of Public Transportation. Typically, either a certificate or associate degree is awarded upon completion of the program.

Coursework

Georgia has strict guidelines on the number of coursework hours required for EMT training. For EMT-Basic training, students must complete 124 hours. EMT-Intermediate/85 training requires 176 hours, while EMT-Paramedic training requires 504 hours. During their training, students learn how to assess patients and provide preliminary care for cardiac, respiratory and trauma emergencies.

Clinical Assignments

EMT trainees are required to complete clinical assignments in ambulances and hospitals to prepare for the job. The number of hours for Georgia EMT training varies depending on the level of certification. For EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic training, a minimum of eight, 24 and 320 hours of clinical experiences are required, respectively. Due to the level of responsibility they take on, paramedics are required to complete clinical rotations in different specialty areas, such as pediatrics and obstetrics.

Licensure

Georgia EMT training program graduates must sit for the NREMT exam before receiving their official license. There are distinct exams for each certification level, but all the exams include two major components: cognitive and psychomotor. The cognitive portion tests the trainees knowledge through a series of questions answered on a computer, while the psychomotor section requires students to demonstrate their skills in front of the exam proctor. After passing the exams, EMTs receive their license.

Renewal

Georgia EMTs must renew their certification every two years. To obtain recertification, EMTs are required to complete continuing education courses during each certification period. In the state of Georgia, 40 hours of approved continuing education courses are required for renewal.

References

• Georgia Department of Human Resources: Course Approval - Initial Education for Licensure
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
• U.S. Department of Transportation: EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum
• Georgia Department of Human Resources: EMT-Basic Skills Verification and Examination
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: Paramedic