When you kick off your career in emergency medical services (EMS) with the help of a seasoned professional, you put yourself on the fast track to success. Florida’s certification process for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is not much different from that of most states.
The Florida Department of Health manages the application and licensing process for EMTs. You must pass the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination and have your CPR certification to become an EMT in Florida.
Unlike other online study tools or EMT training programs, The Paramedic Coach tailors your EMT test prep for Florida’s requirements to help you pass your exams and feel confident on the job.
EMT Certification Recommendations in Florida
If you love helping people and making life-changing impacts on your community, you have the heart of an EMT. However, not all EMT programs can accommodate your learning style or work at the pace you need to grasp the information fully. So, how can you get certified as an EMT–and fast?
Start by finding an accredited EMT program. Before enrolling in any training programs, check the Florida Department of Health’s website to ensure its office accepts certificates from that training program. If you spend time and money on a training program not recognized by the Florida Department of Health, you may need to retake the course through an approved program.
Next, find a guide or study program to help you get the most out of your accredited EMT course. The Paramedic Coach offers a wide range of student resources, including hundreds of paramedic course videos, practice tests, audio files, and drug cards to help you really understand these complicated concepts. With The Paramedic Coach, you can study on your own time, at your own pace.
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EMT and Above Certification Requirements for Florida
Did you know that passing your state-approved EMT course is only the first step in becoming an EMT? Becoming an EMT in Florida requires hard work, dedication, and completing this checklist:
Take an Accredited EMT Course
Make sure the Florida Department of Health recognizes any EMT certification course you take in Florida as an accredited or approved program. You can check this by searching the name of your training program on its website.
Most certification courses are one semester long, which is fifteen weeks. There are accelerated programs, which can be helpful if you already took a certification course in another state or have taken an EMT training course several times and struggle to pass.
Prep for Your Paramedic Exams
You can feel more prepared and confident on exam day by gaining lifetime access to The Paramedic Coach’s resources for EMS professionals. Our study materials are designed to make everything easier to understand the information, no matter your learning style.
Pass the Written and Skills Exams
In Florida, you must pass the NREMT written/knowledge exam and the state skills/psychomotor exam. The knowledge exam is an adaptive exam that ranges between seventy and 120 questions, depending on how well you answer previous questions. You have two hours to complete it, and if you don’t pass, you can retake it fifteen days later.
The skills exam is administered by your state. This paramedic certification test is hands-on, testing how well you can navigate an ambulance and support other EMS professionals on-site. Think of this as your ‘real world’ test where you can really exercise your knowledge and skills.
Apply for Your License
Once you’ve passed both exams, it’s time to get your emergency medical technician license. Create an account on the Florida Department of Health’s website. Next, submit a copy of your NREMT certificate, EMT course completion documents, and CPR certification. You may be asked to complete a background check. Once all of that is cleared, you can expect to receive your Florida license within ten to fifteen days.
Renew Your License
Keep in mind that your EMT certification expires every two years. Don’t worry–you don’t have to start from square one each time. Instead, you just need to complete a thirty-hour renewal course to ensure your paramedic skills and knowledge are up-to-date.
What Training and Certifications Do You Need in Florida?
If you want to practice as an EMT in Florida, you need these certifications:
CPR Certification
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill for any first responder. Most EMT certification courses will include CPR certification, but if yours does not, make sure you sign up for a CPR course for medical service providers. You can find a course through the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.
EMT Certification
You must have your EMT license in order to work as an EMT in Florida. If you have a license from another state, contact the Florida Department of Health to learn how you can get a license to practice in Florida.
Paramedic Certification
If you have a paramedic license in Florida, you can perform all of the same duties as an EMT. Sometimes, this is required when your responder unit is understaffed or if other EMTs are responding to patients at the moment. Florida paramedics also need to hold advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support in order to practice. You can gain those certifications as part of your education and EMT training course.
Average Salary for an EMT in Florida
The average salary for an EMT in Florida is around $52,000, but this can depend on your location, hours worked, and previous experience. If you’re working in a highly-populated area, you may make more money based on a higher cost of living and larger need for EMTs. In more rural areas, you might make less.
Pass the EMT Exams With The Video Vault Education Programs
The best way to prepare for the NREMT in Florida is to study with a guide written by professionals who know how to keep it simple. Textbooks can leave you feeling lost, and some instructors are uninspired. With our Video Vault, you have unlimited access to more than 480 videos, practice tests, knowledge checks, and our exclusive Paramedic Coach community!
Instead of scratching your head or waiting around for your study group, you can work with real paramedics, EMTs, and more! The Video Vault is more than just videos–it’s an all-in-one tool that helps you move up in your career and change lives. Don’t wait, sign up for access to our Video Vault today for this limited-time deal!
Check more about where to get emt certification in Florida.