5 answers
Dani
Student
Gresham, Oregon
2
Questions
Asked
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I am wanting to become an EMT
Hello, I am finally starting to become serious about wanting to start my career and I am just wanting/needing help on where to start and how to go about it. I've been looking into schools, but I also want to go to my local fire station to talk to someone there, and to also put a face to a name. I want to start school at the end of this year or beginning of next year (2025).
I know you start by going to school and getting your EMT and becoming certified, but I like to know all the information I can get and being able to talk to someone already in the career seems helpful to me.
All of this to say what should I do and where do I start, and are there any tips for me.
Thank you!!
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5 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
104
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Dani,
Sounds like you're already on the right track! Asking at a local fire station or calling a local department's training officer is a great way to get insight into the local options.
I help teach EMT classes at my local community college, which is a very popular choice for getting EMT because it typically does not require that you be affiliated with an agency already, and it has the added bonus of earning you credits towards a degree at the same time. At my college you will be half done with your associates degree just by completing EMT Basic and Fire I Academy. Depending on the size of the college, there may be a variety of schedules offered. For example, my college offers a morning class (8-12) Tu Th, an afternoon class, 1-5 Tu Th, and a night class 6-10 Tu Th. The summer semester is usually 2-3 weeks shorter, so a summer EMT class is often accelerated. That's what I did, so we had class from 6-10 M-Th. My college even offers a dual enrollment EMT class where high school seniors can get high school credit and college credit simultaneously. This program is more like 1.5 hours a day, 2-3 days a week, for a whole school year instead of one semester. Long story short, lots of potential options.
That being said, we're very fortunate in my area to have an amazing college with an entire campus dedicated to public safety. Your local college may not have as good of a reputation, which is why I say it would be beneficial to talk to local EMTs/Firefighters. As Phillips said, some places will hire you into a volunteer position and, in exchange for your time, pay for your training. There are even a few fire departments near me that are starting to hire people without certifications at all. If you're hired without your EMT, it just adds 6-8 weeks onto your orientation/academy. It's cool you're getting paid to get it, but it's also a full day class...everyday....for just a few weeks. That will be very challenging for most people.
One final option I'll mention is distance learning. I know a small handful of folks who completed all their EMT training online, then flew out to Oregon or Texas for about 2-weeks to perform all the skills. It worked out okay for them, but I definitely would not recommend it for the average person.
As far as the class itself, I will echo Phillips again by saying most people find EMT class very academically challenging. I have always been a good student/test taker and I only maintained about an 88 or 89 in my class. In the program I teach, students can fail a test one time. You fail the same test twice or any two tests, your out of the program. I studied 4-5 hours a day, 4-5 days a week, in addition to my 4 hour a day class. Most people find the anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical emergency chapters to be most challenging.
If you want to do some studying to prep, maybe seek out a class on these topics (i.e. skillshare, teachable, masterclass, etc.). If you don't find something or money is an issue, there is plenty of quality content on YouTube. I highly recommend the YouTube Channel "Khan Academy of Medicine". Specifically, go into their playlists and watch the video series on: HIV/AIDs, Hypertension, Heart Failure, Diabetes, Reproductive System, Coronary Artery Disease, Blood, Asthma, Shock, Meet the Heart, Meet the Lungs, etc. Many of these video series build to the level of nursing and doctoral students, but the first few videos in each series cover the fundamentals you need at the EMT level.
https://www.youtube.com/@khanacademymedicine/playlists
I know that's a lot of information to take in, but hopefully it helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Sounds like you're already on the right track! Asking at a local fire station or calling a local department's training officer is a great way to get insight into the local options.
I help teach EMT classes at my local community college, which is a very popular choice for getting EMT because it typically does not require that you be affiliated with an agency already, and it has the added bonus of earning you credits towards a degree at the same time. At my college you will be half done with your associates degree just by completing EMT Basic and Fire I Academy. Depending on the size of the college, there may be a variety of schedules offered. For example, my college offers a morning class (8-12) Tu Th, an afternoon class, 1-5 Tu Th, and a night class 6-10 Tu Th. The summer semester is usually 2-3 weeks shorter, so a summer EMT class is often accelerated. That's what I did, so we had class from 6-10 M-Th. My college even offers a dual enrollment EMT class where high school seniors can get high school credit and college credit simultaneously. This program is more like 1.5 hours a day, 2-3 days a week, for a whole school year instead of one semester. Long story short, lots of potential options.
That being said, we're very fortunate in my area to have an amazing college with an entire campus dedicated to public safety. Your local college may not have as good of a reputation, which is why I say it would be beneficial to talk to local EMTs/Firefighters. As Phillips said, some places will hire you into a volunteer position and, in exchange for your time, pay for your training. There are even a few fire departments near me that are starting to hire people without certifications at all. If you're hired without your EMT, it just adds 6-8 weeks onto your orientation/academy. It's cool you're getting paid to get it, but it's also a full day class...everyday....for just a few weeks. That will be very challenging for most people.
One final option I'll mention is distance learning. I know a small handful of folks who completed all their EMT training online, then flew out to Oregon or Texas for about 2-weeks to perform all the skills. It worked out okay for them, but I definitely would not recommend it for the average person.
As far as the class itself, I will echo Phillips again by saying most people find EMT class very academically challenging. I have always been a good student/test taker and I only maintained about an 88 or 89 in my class. In the program I teach, students can fail a test one time. You fail the same test twice or any two tests, your out of the program. I studied 4-5 hours a day, 4-5 days a week, in addition to my 4 hour a day class. Most people find the anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical emergency chapters to be most challenging.
If you want to do some studying to prep, maybe seek out a class on these topics (i.e. skillshare, teachable, masterclass, etc.). If you don't find something or money is an issue, there is plenty of quality content on YouTube. I highly recommend the YouTube Channel "Khan Academy of Medicine". Specifically, go into their playlists and watch the video series on: HIV/AIDs, Hypertension, Heart Failure, Diabetes, Reproductive System, Coronary Artery Disease, Blood, Asthma, Shock, Meet the Heart, Meet the Lungs, etc. Many of these video series build to the level of nursing and doctoral students, but the first few videos in each series cover the fundamentals you need at the EMT level.
https://www.youtube.com/@khanacademymedicine/playlists
I know that's a lot of information to take in, but hopefully it helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.
Your advice was so helpful!
Dani
Jazmin Vosley
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
3
Answers
Vallejo, California
Updated
Jazmin’s Answer
Hello, what a great career path. I have good information being a EMT emergency medical technician does not require the same schooling as paramedic. They are similar, yet different. In fact there are free EMT apprenticeship programs where you can train and work, therefore get into the field at an accelerated pace. Also look into America academy for EMT. Once program is complete & you have done years of experience you can then further your education into paramedic. I would also recommend going to job shadow/ volunteer so beforehand you make a definitive decision on this career path. Because there are also apprenticeship programs for electricians, carpenters, construction, & entry level firefighters to name a few. Best of luck on hopefully becoming a first responder.
Phillips Truong
Paramedic
1
Answer
Humble, Texas
Updated
Phillips’s Answer
I would start by researching the EMT schools around your area. Some programs are linked to community colleges or are individual institutions. EMT is usually one semester (approx 4 months), but some are shorter. I would also ask around to find out which school has a good program. EMT school is not easy if you don't have any background in the medical field. It is a whole new language and sets the base for becoming a great Paramedic (if you decide to go that route). Some Fire Departments accept volunteer Firefighters and may even pay for your EMT school. Another option is to do ride outs with the medics to get a feel for the job.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
It seems like you're on the right track! In some areas, like Florida, you can receive EMT training while attending firefighting school, and it won't cost you a dime. In other places, you might find these courses offered at vocational or community colleges. Most of the time, emergency medical services are tied to the fire department, even if you're volunteering. Another great option is to reach out to the Red Cross and take a first aid class to get a head start. Keep going, you're doing great!
Anna Bernal
Recruiter
60
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hey Dani,
Sounds like you are on the right path already!
I would search EMT programs near you that you can work towards and apply for. I know a few community colleges offer EMT programs that can take up to 12 weeks depending on the program. Looking at positions once you complete your EMT program to help you gain experience within the field. If you do find a community college, see if your school offers groups for those interested in this field or professors you may meet and gain networking connections to get in field experience.
Best of luck.
Sounds like you are on the right path already!
I would search EMT programs near you that you can work towards and apply for. I know a few community colleges offer EMT programs that can take up to 12 weeks depending on the program. Looking at positions once you complete your EMT program to help you gain experience within the field. If you do find a community college, see if your school offers groups for those interested in this field or professors you may meet and gain networking connections to get in field experience.
Best of luck.