Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can be an incredibly rewarding career. Many EMT programs can take months to complete, but accelerated EMT programs can be as short as fifteen days. However, this may not include the prerequisites, CPR and Basic Life Support certification, or the time it takes to complete and pass the exams.
If you’re trying to get your EMT certification as quickly as possible, you need to devote all of your focus on your course and the exams. In this post, we’ll dive into what you need to do to get certified and what the best test prep for the EMT exams is–so you can get certified ASAP!
What Is Required to Become an EMT?
Whether you’re preparing to become an EMT or are wondering what the name for an Advanced EMT is (it’s ‘AEMT’) and how you can become one, the process is fairly similar. However, we’re only going to explore the requirements for EMT certification. So, what do you need to do?
Complete Education Requirements
In most states, an EMT needs to complete a high school diploma or GED. This often means the youngest age requirement to be an EMT is eighteen years old, depending on the state. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) previously had a strict minimum age requirement of eighteen years old, but eliminated a required minimum age in 2019.
Become CPR and BLS Certified
Before applying for your EMT certification, you need to have a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Some EMT certification courses offer these certifications within their program, but that may mean you have a longer program. If you are opting for a two-week certification program, you may want to earn these certifications in advance.
Complete EMT Training Program
Most EMT training programs or certification courses take twelve to sixteen weeks to complete. Some EMT programs earned through an associate degree can be completed in four semesters or two years. These programs offer a more in-depth understanding of the skills and knowledge required to become an EMT.
Accelerated courses can be completed in as little as two weeks, but this doesn’t mean they’re easier. These courses cover everything the twelve to sixteen week courses do, but on a faster timeline.
Pass the Exams
After you pass your accredited EMT training course, you need to complete two exams: the knowledge (cognitive) exam and the skills (psychomotor) exams. Both exams test your on-the-job knowledge and ability to perform as an EMT.
The questions put you in scenarios that will closely resemble the types of patients and situations you will see on the job. You must take your state’s required psychomotor exam and the NREMT’s knowledge exams and pass each of them before you can earn your certification.
Prepare for an Accelerated Program With The Paramedic Coach
If you want to jumpstart your career as an EMT as quickly as possible, you need every tool and resource available to ensure you pass your course and the two exams. Without the proper time and preparation, you may not pass your exams or certification course.
That’s why we’ve created our Video Vault‒an all-in-one study guide that breaks down these complicated topics, medical terms, and equipment rundowns in a way that’s easy to understand. Say ‘goodbye’ to scratching your head while reading your textbook‒you’ll receive simplified explanations that provide on-the-job examples to prepare you for the exams and your career.
The Video Vault contains more than 480 videos, so no topic goes uncovered. We use compelling visuals, knowledge checks, quizzes, and medication cards to give you the most immersive experience possible. This resource also grants you lifetime access to our Paramedic Coach community, where you can connect with other students and professionals who work in the field every day.
EMTs work one of the most rewarding careers out there with plenty of room to grow professionally. Don’t wait–sign up for The Paramedic Coach’s Video Vault today!
