Choosing a career in the emergency medical services can be both rewarding and very exciting. There is no other field that allows you to be right there in the middle of all the action. You’ll be helping others in a time of their greatest need. If you enjoy a challenge while at the same time helping people, then this is probably going to be one of the best things you’ve every chosen in life.
When you choose a course to train for emergency medical technician, there are a few things that you may need to keep in mind. Choosing the cheapest course available is probably not going to help you in the long run. Also, choosing a training program just because it is close to home is also not the best idea. You may discover that after having completed all the extensive courses and training programs, that you wasted your time and money. Not all emergency medical technician programs prepare you for the national examination that is required for all EMS professionals.
Fortunately choosing the right kind of emergency medical technician course is not difficult. If you know exactly what is required of the program, then choosing the one that is right for you is very easy.
Characteristics of a basic EMT course
1. Length of study: As you start looking at the various training options available, you’ll discover a nice variety of length of time for the training. The course can be completed in as little as three weeks or as long as nine months. Many programs encompass approximately 120 to 140 hours of class instruction. In addition, they also require about 120 to 140 hours of practical instruction as well. You may be able to get on an accelerated program if you feel that you are able to work at a faster pace. This is a good option for those who have previous emergency work or medical experience.
2. Content of the Course: A high quality emergency medical technician program will instruct you on how to treat, stabilize, assess and transport patients. You’ll be learning how to respond to a medical emergency and how to quickly deal with them so that the patient can get what he or she needs. The emergency medical technician training should also include certifications on various medical equipment and provide a hands-on learning element.
3. Practical Learning: Your emergency medical technician training should include some extensive class room time. It also will include hands-on learning. The hands-on learning will prepare you for any medical situation that you encounter throughout your career as an emergency medical technician. You’ll not only learn the theory behind this profession, but also how to implement and perform the skills you learn.
4. Certification: The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or NREMT is the national agency that certifies emergency medical technicians. In order to take the examination it administers, you have to have CPR certification. The basic EMT training courses will teach you CPR and help get you certified. You’ll also be getting certifications in advanced airway devices, glucometer, intravenous fluids, just to name a few.
5. NREMT certification: After you are done with your emergency medical technician training, your school should supply you with a certificate of completion. This is a document that will be required by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. If your training program does not provide a certificate, then the program is not state approved. You should avoid any programs or schools that do not provide you with a certificate after completion. Only state approved programs are worth the time, money and effort.
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