Becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) is an admirable profession where you can make a significant difference in a person’s life during a time of distress. To secure EMT certification in Washington State, every candidate must meet certain prequalifications, complete an approved EMT course, pass the state and National Registry EMT (NREMT) exams, and apply to the Washington State Department of Health for a license.
After receiving an EMT license, you must find employment within twelve months or your license will expire. Here is a closer look at the steps to this exciting emergency medical services career journey:
Make Sure You Qualify
EMTs must be at least eighteen years old when they apply for a license or start a field internship. Any candidate must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and pass a criminal background check.
In addition, EMTs must be physically able to perform their duties. It’s important that EMTs be able to carry, lift, and extricate patients without putting themselves or others in danger. They must also hold a CPR certification from the American Heart Association, which may be acquired during the in-person segment of EMT training.
Washington State also requires that EMTs have certain immunizations. Waivers for some vaccinations may be accepted by some employers, but not all.
Enroll in a State-Endorsed Course
Before you hand over your hard-earned money, check that the EMT program you are considering is approved by the state. The last thing you want is to complete the training and still not meet the licensing requirements. If you have any doubts, check the Washington State Department of Health website for its list of approved schools that offer online versus in-person EMT classes in Washington.
A twelve-week course typically includes a minimum of 150 hours of class instruction, hands-on (in-person) skills training, and clinical rotations designed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to provide life-saving care to people who are sick or injured. Ambulance ride-alongs with trained crews are a common way to meet the pre-hospital clinical rotation requirements.
EMT programs are available to suit different lifestyles and learning preferences. They can be completed in-person or online and pursued full-time, part-time, or on an accelerated basis. A certificate of completion from the training program is needed for the licensing application.
Prepare and Take the Washington State and NREMT Exams
In addition to formal training, The Paramedic Coach offers a wide range of study tools and practical information about what EMTs do on the job and how to prepare for the NREMT exams. We’ve developed and curated resources including nearly 500 videos, 2,000 practice questions, worksheets, knowledge check quizzes, drug cards, audio files, and online study groups.
For a one-time fee, you can have lifetime access to these resources that can reduce your stress and smooth your way to an exciting career. Take, for example, our video about cracking the code to passing the NREMT, which discusses how to identify certain buzzwords in test questions, how to slow down and reread all questions before answering, and other strategies that will help you pass the exam.
To become an EMT in Washington State, students must also pass a practical skills examination acceptable to the Washington State Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Education, and Training Section. Once they successfully complete the practical exam, they can take the NREMT cognitive computer adaptive test. The questions on this test get progressively more difficult with each one you answer correctly until it determines that you have the required level of knowledge needed to become an EMT.
Apply for a License
EMT licenses are issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Students who pass the necessary exams need to submit documentation, including a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, a valid driver’s license, proof of immunizations, and a Washington State Patrol criminal history background check. Along with this information, application and license fees are also submitted.
Find a Job
Paid EMT positions can be found with private ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, rescue services, and other municipal organizations. The average EMT salary in Washington State is about $48,000, although it can vary from one location and employer to another.
Fulfilling Your Dreams
By following these steps and leveraging the resources from The Paramedic Coach, you can begin a rewarding career as an EMT professional in Washington State. Check out our wide array of helpful tools to get you one step closer to your dream job today!
