If you’re considering becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT), you’ll want to know the requirements and steps you’ll take to get there. Those include the qualifications of an EMT, the training required, the exams you’ll need to pass, and how to acquire licensure.

This simple, straightforward guide will outline those steps so you know exactly what to expect.

The Requirements To Become An EMT

An EMT is a well-trained first responder who assists patients in critically ill or injured conditions. To know how to respond when faced with a wide variety of needs, an EMT is required to take a training program and pass 2 exams before they can become certified to work.

There are various requirements before an individual is ready to take that training program, however, so we’ll discuss each step to make sure you know what comes next.

1. Make Sure You Qualify

First off, you’ll want to make sure you qualify to work as an EMT. This is a list of the general qualifications you’ll want to make sure you can check off before moving forward.

• Be 18 years or older

• In most cases, you must be a U.S. citizen

• You need to be in good health

• You must speak english fluently

If you can cross off each of those in the affirmative, you’re good to move on.

2. Get Your High School Diploma or GED

In contrast to being a paramedic, an EMT only needs to have a high school diploma or GED. It is not required to have an associates or bachelors degree. Once you do have that diploma, you’re one step closer to being ready to apply for an EMT training program.

3. Get Your CPR Certification

Next, you’ll want to take an accredited CPR class. These only take about 2-3 hours and can be completed in one evening if you take it in person, or at your own pace if you prefer an online course. Both local healthcare facilities and organizations like the Red Cross offer this class.

4. Get A Physical Exam

Most EMT programs want to know you are physically fit enough to meet the demands of this job. This can be as simple as getting a physical exam by your primary care provider. You may also need proof that you are up to date on all your immunizations and have health insurance.

These are the immunizations you will want to make sure you have.

5. Maintain a Valid Driver’s License

Even though a valid driver’s license isn’t always required to take an EMT program, most EMT employers expect you to have one. After you’ve completed all the steps to become a licensed EMT, you can take an additional one or two day class to learn how to drive an ambulance.

6. Submit for a Background Check

While some EMT training programs may not expect a background check before admitting you, you can expect to complete one when applying for state and national licensure. Having a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you for being an EMT so you’ll want to look into this more.

You may not qualify for certification if you have committed any felonies or misdemeanors involving:

• Sexual assault or abuse

• Dangerous weapons

• Theft

• Physical assault

• Abuse of children, elderly, or the infirm

7. Take an EMT Training Program

You are finally ready to take an EMT training program. It takes 150 hours, ranging from 6 months to two years, to complete the in-class instruction and the field exposure. You can take this accredited program at a local community college, vocational school, or through an emergency care facility.

Some topics you will learn include:

• Medical emergencies

• Trauma care

• Patient assessment

• First aid treatments

8. Pass the NREMT Exams

Upon completing your training program, you will need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam (NREMT). This has two parts: a cognitive assessment of your knowledge and a practical assessment of your skills.

9. Get Your State License

Hooray! You’ve taken your training courses and passed your exams. All that’s left is applying for state licensure. For many states, your NREMT certification is enough to prove your competency. For select states, however, you must provide additional proof before acquiring your license.

You will want to contact your state EMS office to learn what unique licensing steps they have.

Cost For EMT Training

The cost you will have to pay in order to become an EMT depends on your state and specific training program. These charts will give you an estimate of what the different prices might look like.

Recertification

You will be expected to renew your EMT certification every 2 years.

Conclusion

This detailed outline has walked you step-by-step through the requirements to become an EMT. If you still have questions, you can check out the EMT training requirements by state.

References

“EMT Training Requirements.” EMT Training Station, 7 Apr. 2016, emttrainingstation.com/emt-training-requirements/#:~:text=EMT%20Training%20General%20Requirements.%201%20EMT%20candidate%20must. Accessed 19 Jan. 2023.

“How to Become an Emergency Medical Technician: EMT Certification & More.” FireScience.org, FireScience.org, 26 Aug. 2019, www.firescience.org/how-to-become-an-emt/.

“How to Become an EMT – Certification and Training Requirements.” Fire Science Degree Schools, 27 Nov. 2018, www.firesciencedegreeschools.com/how-to-become-an-emt-certification-and-training-requirements/#:~:text=To%20obtain%20an%20EMT%20certification%2C%20aspirants%20must%20fulfill. Accessed 19 Jan. 2023.

“Want to Become an EMT? Here’s What You Need to Do.” Trade-Schools.net, 8 Apr. 2020, www.trade-schools.net/articles/become-an-emt.