Get an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are first responders to accidents and medical emergencies. You often see them in ambulances and emergency medical vehicles. They perform essential medical procedures to save a patient's life and are responsible for stabilizing a patient during transport to the hospital. EMT training requires basic knowledge of the human body and its systems, and knowledge of perform emergency medical treatment, including patient evaluation, first aid and vital tests. An EMT must possess the ability to work in a team, think clearly and make decisions quickly. If you have a passion for helping others, especially in emergencies, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment under stress in a team, this career may be right for you.
Instructions
1. Find an EMT certification course that is right for you. These classes usually are offered at local community colleges and educational institutions. Courses may be listed under Emergency Medical Technician, Allied Health Service, Health Science or Fire Technology programs. There will be classes of different levels, but to get your EMT certificate, you must complete the basic Emergency Medical Technician course. Courses are offered at different times and days, so find the right one for you.
2. Make sure you fulfill program prerequisites. Many programs require you to have previously completed classes or certificates such as CPR for the Professional Rescuer (available through the American Red Cross), and/or Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (available through the American Heart Association). Check with your school for its requirements.
3. Complete the Emergency Medical Technician course. Study hard, and take every opportunity to learn and do your best.
4. Apply for and take the certification test. Completing the EMT certification course does not certify you as an EMT--you must apply to take an EMT certification test. All EMTs must certify through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The school where you took your course most likely will have application packets for the test. To obtain your EMT certificate, you must pass both written and practical certification exams within 24 months after completing your EMT course.
5. Check with your particular state for additional certification requirements. Some states accept the NREMT test to satisfy both national and state EMT certification requirements. Other states require additional certification testing.
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