How to Become an EMT Driver

Becoming an EMT driver means training to become and EMT and rotating driving duties and patient care with others on your team. It can be a rewarding career path. You will be able to help others in some of life's most critical situations, such as car accidents, heart attacks, child birth and many other emergencies. EMTs also provide safe transportation to those in need of such a service, for instance traveling between hospitals or from a hospital to a nursing home. If you are able to manage this highly stressful and satisfying career, becoming an EMT driver may be for you.

Instructions

1. Qualify for and obtain a commercial driver's license. Each state offers commercial driver's licenses which will be required to drive an ambulance. The state requirements differ, but typical minimum requirements include being least 18 years old, passing a medical examination and passing written and driving tests.

2. Complete the EMT formal training. EMT training is offered in three levels (EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Advanced. The EMT-Basic course focuses on emergency skills and is usually combined with on hands training in an emergency room or ambulance. The EMT-Intermediate course will vary to some degree by state, but usually requires 30 to 350 hours of further training and experience. The EMT-Advanced course usually covers more anatomy and physiology, will take one to two years to complete, and will typically earn you an associate's degree.

3. Take and pass license exam(s). All of the 50 states require licensing exams for all EMT levels of training. Although most states either require or recognize the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifications, some states will require state based exams.

4. Maintain your license. EMT's will typically have to recertify each two years. Although this varies by state, the process usually includes working as an EMT and completing continuing education requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• EMT training requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, you need to have good eyesight, be emotionally stable, be able to lift heavy objects and be physically coordinated.

• Check with your state of residence, since some state requirements differ slightly.

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics - Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians