What is the Time Frame of Becoming an EMT-B?
Becoming an EMT-Basic is not a quick or easy prospect, despite the "Basic" in the name. EMTs are licensed professionals trusted with the lives of others. The length of training varies depending on your personal situation, the state you're living in and how much time you have available to devote to your training.
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Prerequsites
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Studying for an EMT course is rigorous. Most states have basic requirements to be eligible to take the EMT-Basic exam or get the required certification. Depending on your state and program, these may include:
Being 18 years of age
Holding a high school diploma or GED certificate
No addictions to drug or alcohol
Being able to read, understand and communicate in English
Successfully passing a criminal history check and/or drug screen
A valid in-state driver's license
Proof of vaccinations or TB tests
Successfully passing physical agility requirements
Check with your state's Department of Health for a full list of requirements. Training courses may have their own, separate requirements.
Pre-Certifications
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A CPR dummy. Get used to seeing these. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum recommends CPR certification as a prerequisite before training begins, and most courses require CPR certification to apply or begin training, though some build it into the program. Some also require training or knowledge in basic first aid to be admitted to the program. Your local Red Cross can provide training or point you in the direction of people who can. While not a requirement, you may want to check out an EMT Basic textbook at a library or bookstore to get an idea of what you'll be learning in the course. In addition to giving you a head start, it will help you figure out whether this is the right career for you.
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Training and Schooling
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Back to school for your training Individual states set their own specific requirements for the EMT-Basic certification, but all of them must meet the requirements of the EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum set out by the safety administration. Community colleges are a good avenue to investigate for EMT-Basic training, as some not only provide the training, they allow you to turn the courses into college credit, a certificate, or an associate's degree. Some private companies also offer training courses, though be sure to check whether their certification is accepted by your state.
The EMT-B program varies in length and intensity, from a 10 credit certificate to a combination AAS/Certificate program clocking in at 146 credits. A regular EMT certificate program could run 4 months or could be built into an associate's degree requiring 1.5-2 years of study. It's important to set aside time in your life to complete your course, as attendance requirements can be quite strict, up to and including 100 percent attendance.
The license exams may be built into the course or may be separately administered by the state.
Certification Exams
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Passing the written test. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Getting your EMT-B license will require examinations. Though these very by state, most states and programs require that you pass a written and a practical examination covering all the topics you've learned over your training. Some states also work with a national-level test, which covers cognitive skills as well as practical emergency-care skills. Some schools and states may require field work or on the job training with medical staff to successfully pass the course.
Recertification Requirements and Further Training
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A certificate of achievement. Your certification will be a bit nicer, but everyone likes to feel appreciated. Just because you graduated and got your certification doesn't mean your time in the classroom and lab is over. Once the course is completed, your state may impose a continuing education requirement to maintain your certification. Moving up in the EMT world to paramedic or the next "tier" may require more courses and training. And some states require refresher courses from time to time to keep your certification current.
EMT-Basic is the gateway to a career in health services. While it's not easy by any means, most practitioners will tell you it's an incredibly rewarding career, but it takes a lot of training and time to become a professional. Most would tell you it's worth it.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit paramedic 1 image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com Paramedic ambulance image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com cpr head to head image by paul mitchell from Fotolia.com old school image by morsted from Fotolia.com taking test image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com Blank award certificate form image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
