EMT Training Online
EMT Training Online
EMT Training Online is now possible thanks to the latest technologies such as podcast video streaming, personal messenger, and video conferencing.
Online schools only replace the classroom portion of the course, field work will also have to be completed and exams passed in this sector as well has the written exam. The clinical/practical portion of the course is carried out at a local medical facility – hospital or a local community college.
The standard of training and the qualifications are the same as conventional classroom training.
Online courses vary in duration from 2 weeks to 6 months. This gives you the opportunity to choose a course that best fits into your lifestyle.
For many EMT online training is a very practical and cost effective way of gaining the necessary qualifications to become an EMT or to advance their EMT career prospects.
EMT Training Online Advantages
There are advantages to doing your EMT training online:
- Working at times that fit in with your present situation.
- The ability to continue in your present job while training for your EMT certification.
- Studying at a pace that suits you.
- The ability to focus on aspects that perhaps you are not too sure about.
- Study for certification in one state, while living in another. Useful if you are intending to relocate in the near future.
- Study for your re-certification from the comfort of your own home.
Online courses are available for all the EMT levels from basic to intermediate. It is also possible to study the Paramedics course on line.
It is important to check that the online school you choose is offering the course and training that is right for you. Some courses are only refresher courses for those who are already working as EMT’s, and some online schools require that students already hold a current EMT Basic certification and may also expect prospective students to pass a pre-entrance exam.
Check that the course or school you choose offers the ability to have ‘in the field’ training. This is essential, it’s fine reading about what to do, but putting it into practice is something totally different, and you will have to pass both the theory and practical sides of the exam.
Requirements for EMT certification vary from state to state and even regions within a state; therefore it is essential you check exactly what is required from the local Emergency Services Department for the area in which you want to work, prior to signing up with an online school. Some states offer their own certification exam or the option of either the state exam or the NREMT exam. Other states may insist that you have both the state and the NREMT exams. You need to be sure of exactly what is required from the authorities in the area in which you intend to work and check that the online school is able to provide the necessary courses to meet these requirements. All 50 states do insist that all EMT’s and Paramedics are licensed. To help you find exactly what your state requirements are each state has their own website, where you can check what is required for their EMT’s.
EMT Training Requirements
There are some universal requirements you must meet before you can train to become an EMT they include:
- In most states the minimum age for candidates is 18 although in some states such as Virginia the minimum age is 16. Check the minimum age in your own state.
- You need to be physically fit and able to lift and carry heavy loads.
- Have good or corrected eyesight.
- You should hold a valid driving license.
- GED or high school diploma.
It is essential that you check the courses or programs on offer meet the National Registry of Emergency Technicians or NREMT standards.
Once the ‘online ‘part of the course (the theory) is completed there will be a written exam which must be passed, this is set by the state where the EMT will be working or by the NREMT. There will also be a practical (hands on – in the field) exam to be completed and passed.
The NREMT examination must be taken at a local NREMT testing center. If you pass the test you will be registered at the center.
To get the most out of online courses your computer should be able to run plug-ins and other components of video in order to take advantage of the virtual online classroom. A high speed Internet connection is generally required, and the student should be comfortable with e-mailing, the use of discussion boards and personal messengers, in order to be able to communicate with the tutors and other class members.
EMT Training Coverage
EMT training typically covers such things as:
- Taking vital signs
- Lifting and moving patients
- Controlling blood loss
- Lifting and moving patients
- Emergency child birth
- The correct use of stretches and back boards
- Oxygen administration
- Suction devices
Many of the practical aspects of the course will be covered on video via the online school, giving you a slight advantage prior to starting the manual part of the course.
Most of the online part of the course will concentrate on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biology and necessary paperwork.
Courses will vary somewhat depending on which area of EMT work you intend to pursue, for example you may choose to work as an EMT within the Fire Service or the Red Cross, the hospital ER or as part of an ambulance crew. There are also opportunities for EMT’s to work as ski patrols, While you don’t have to make that choice immediately, you may find that additional skills are required, in which case you may need to follow a course designed for that specific area of EMT work.
EMT on line training may be the way forward for a lot of people as it is estimated that between 2008 and 2018 an extra 9% more EMT’s/Paramedics are going to be needed across the US to serve the ever growing needs of the population.