Becoming an EMT: What You Need To Know

You’ve decided to become an EMT, an Emergency Medical Technician. But, what do you need in terms of experience and education to get started? We’ll take it from here.

As a leader in test preparation for over 50 years, Peterson’s comprehensive knowledge of health and medical careers will help you architect your own success. In this video, we’ll examine the five steps necessary to become an EMT, from important prerequisites to passing the EMT-Basic Certification Exam.

[WhoopDePoopDeScoop]

I just wanna get certified and learn so I can be that person who helps people in crises.

[patriciapat]

#1 Have passed a high school equivalency exam (0:53)
#2 Gain CPR certification (1:15)
#3 Find the right EMT program (1:37)
#4 Prepare for the cognitive exam (2:01)
#5 Register for and rock the cognitive exam (3:20)
+ You must be licensed or certified by the state in which you practice (3:49)

[jdhudvh]

I had a stroke. I could hear the medics talking to me, two men but i ciuldnt answer. They were the first persons to see me. In my head i wanted to say to answer but i couldnt. Know what i felt was safe. Whatever they did was for me. I dont know who they are to thank them. But THANK YOU. I died in hospital. Doctors brought me back to life. Thank you emt's

[LiztasticGames]

If your class doesn't include CPR certification, I suggest getting it with AHA, not American Red Cross. AHA teaches it better tbh

[scarletfever]

As someone who is determined to become a paramedic and is looking for an EMT program to get into so I can get certified as an EMT first this has been very helpful.

[joeys]

The REALITY of being an EMT:

My checks were $2, 500 after taxes ($3, 200) with 190hrs worked every two weeks for a total 360-380hrs.

Minimum wage

Wage went lower in salary the longer the shift I chose to pick up or take whereas an 8hr shift was a few dollars higher an hour (only 2 8hr shifts available in the company)

Cities/locations all have different types of calls aka more medical (SOB, CP, Dr appointment misses and want ER instead), or Trauma (Stabbings, Lacs, GSWs, Car accidents)

Know your location before starting and ask direct forward questions. Don’t be timid and think the EMT company is the only company to be accepted at. You’ll be accepted ANYWHERE so ask questions

[nextbestmedic]

Paramedic speaking here most programs offer CPR and its not a requirement to start the program you usually pay for it in the program cost. My suggestion is to look for a Community College that offers EMT so it counts for college credit incase you want to go for other degrees or like me getting my BS in EMS. Also if a program doesn't offer CPR do AHA its the only certification that's allowed for EMTs as it give you the basic provider license. Any questions please ask them in the comments

[alyssastern]

I paid nothing being in a volunteer squad from a wealthier area. Seriously nothing, not the clothes, book, jacket, class, cpr, test but the catch is you owe them 8 hours a week for a year (school absences are allowed as long as you create hours that equal the same even if it takes 2 years). They also pay for re-certification as long as you are a squad member. My local squad is an active teaching site in NJ for a 3 months hybrid (some online on own time, and some in person). However its too much I worked a full time job and did this and I barely slept and was nervous for class and when had time couldn't sleep. The instructor was intense too he would yell at us throw things and point out times we could get shot or hurt on the field as we were doing patient assessments. But all worth it!

[zuutlmna]

The wage compensation for this occupation is beyond shameful. They're out there in almost every kind of undesirable circumstance imaginable, some in working conditions/environments that may even have them in harm's way!

[emtstudentbec]

This is such a calming informational video :)
Thank you

[petersullivan]

This guy I work with, who was working in EMS for about 13 years, told me that the Basic EMTs are the grunts of EMS. Basically, most of them work for a private ambulance company, transporting patients from their homes to the hospital, nursing homes to the hospital, etc; Then, even if they are hired in with 911 providers, the basics are the ones driving the ambulance and then cleaning out the back afterwards. How true is this for a Basic level EMT? This is all if you are not a Firefighter.

[MCshlthead]

I'm 33, my personality type is far from ideal, I'm very busy raising a child, but for some reason I really want to do this or at least advance in the medical field in some way (I'm just a care worker at the moment) deep down I think I'm gonna fail and be disappointed in myself forever more, but another part of me keeps on learning abt the human body because it's damn interesting and I'd love to make it a career in some way.

[Urbeautiful]

Class of 2025 when I graduate I'm going to try my absolute best. I realize the pay but it's rewarding in a different way. Then once I gain some experience. Might as well try becoming a paramedic! I've always wanted to help people anyways. If I remember where it's a lil bit away I'll update this!

[FSGKII]

I want to be a EMT but I want to be financially compensated in a way I can live comfortably. working 12 plus hour and still not having enough to pay rent will be my biggest fear (I live in San Diego) That or not being able to use this job to get another one

[Lex-cvio]

10/26/21 im 18. i desperately want to become an EMT i dont care about the lack of money money or the hard times ill have. i know its what i want to do. in about 6-8 months i wanna come back to this comment so if you see this please reply. good luck future me

[zachwilliams]

I wish it was this easy to become an EMT as a student myself my class is only 3 months long and is very cheap if you wanna become an EMT try to avoid big colleges and find a local technical college or a local ems station that gives classes to become an EMT it is a much cheaper option I only paid 1, 600 dollars for my class

[Concerned_Robot]

Thank god this video didn’t have any obnoxious advertisements!

[jessicacoley]

Easier said than done LOL. But will be so worth it in the end.

[chefjake]

Thank you all so much I’m going to start looking for programs

[chrisgcg]

I just passed my nremt I have to wait for my certs in the mail, if your reading this now, the test is now 98$