If you hope to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) in California, you can take two training programs: standard and accelerated. In California, standard EMT training programs range between twelve and eighteen weeks, and accelerated programs typically take about eight weeks to complete.
No matter which type of program you sign up for, it’s important you find the right test prep for the California EMT exam. The Video Vault from The Paramedic Coach is an all-in-one lifetime access study guide that will help fill in the gaps from your class, simplify everything covered in your program, and help you enter a career in emergency medical services (EMS) with confidence.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your EMT program timeline, including what you can expect to learn.
Accelerated Versus Standard Courses
Standard courses and accelerated courses cover the same amount of material over different amounts of time. In California, a typical EMT course takes between twelve and eighteen weeks. This option is great for learners who recently graduated from high school or who have more time to dive into the course material.
How old do you have to be to be an EMT in California? You need to be at least eighteen years old by the time you apply for your EMT certification. This is why many recent high school graduates enroll in EMT programs. The Video Vault is a great example of this. For only $147, you get lifetime access to videos, NREMT practice questions, worksheets, drug cards, and audio files that turn your standard course into digestible lessons that are easier to understand and retain.
When taking a standard course, many EMT students purchase a study guide or tool to help them revisit topics or materials they missed in class or didn’t understand the first time. Those who struggled to pass the standard course the first time might take an accelerated course because they’ll know most of the material and just need another chance to pass the program.
If you choose an accelerated program, try to minimize distractions and really focus on your coursework. While a shorter program sounds great, you will need to spend a lot of your free time studying to truly understand the material.
What Do You Learn in an EMT Course?
EMTs are not the only professionals who work in EMS. Wondering what the difference is between an EMT and a paramedic in California? EMTs rank above emergency medical responders, which is the lowest level of EMS personnel. Paramedics are at the top of the chain of command and undergo more training to perform specialized interventions and procedures.
So, what can you expect to learn in your EMT course?
Patient Assessment
When you arrive at the scene of an emergency, your first job is to fully understand the situation. In your program, you will learn how to perform primary assessments for medical and trauma patients, which can mean asking certain questions and checking their vitals.
The Video Vault can complement your patient assessment training with informative videos mimicking real situations. This way, you can better pinpoint what’s wrong and provide the correct interventions.
Airway Management
Your course will teach you how to insert basic airway devices, which can include learning how to ventilate patients using a bag-valve device. The Video Vault also tackles airway management, diving deeper into the concept so that you have a more well-rounded grasp of how to perform the necessary steps and use the right equipment.
Trauma Care
No matter which course you take, you will learn how to stabilize a patient’s spine or immobilize a bone fracture after an extreme accident or injury. Trauma care is a key part of being an EMT, and doing this successfully requires a deep understanding of human physiology.
Our Video Vault can give you a breakdown of the human body in a way that’s easy to understand. No more just memorizing names; instead, you understand how things are connected and what you must do to make sure that your future patients are taken care of.
Medical Emergencies
EMTs respond to medical emergencies daily. You will learn how to treat respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies–such as a heart attack or allergic reaction–as well as bleeding injuries and shock. In the field, you’ll encounter a wide variety of scenarios. Knowing how to respond to each one is the core of being an EMT.
Our Video Vault covers all medical emergencies, giving you a look into each circumstance and guiding you through the best course of action.
Other Skills
Other skills you will learn in your course include learning how to use an oxygen tank, AED device, and suctioning system, as well as how to perform CPR and give approved medications to patients. The Video Vault augments your skills in these areas with insightful guides and a supportive group that can help you hone your knowledge and technical know-how with experience-based teachings.
Kickstart Your Career With The Paramedic Coach
Whether your program is eight weeks or eighteen, you don’t want to have to retake the course or the NREMT exam. With our Video Vault, you have access to more than 2,000 NREMT practice questions, 480 in-depth videos, and our exclusive student group. With The Paramedic Coach, you can get started on your career and make an impact more quickly than ever!
