Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Course Description
This course highlights the basic knowledge and skills necessary for individuals who wish to obtain state or national certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT). The course adheres to the 2009 National EMS Education Standards, which are based on the National EMS Core Content and the National EMS Scope of Practice that define the minimal entry-level educational competencies for each level of EMS training. They have replaced the DOT National Standards curricula used in the past.
Courses include an in-class option as well as a self-paced online option.
Review the job function analysis for an EMT.
Course Overview
The course consists of 176 hours of classroom time that includes hands-on skills training sessions. The student is also required to complete two 12-hour shifts in the prehospital setting where they will ride-along with an ambulance crew. Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs cognitive exam which is a computer adaptive test (CAT).
The online course is a self-directed, interactive, distance-learning course that is approved for NREMT and Washington certification. The course curriculum covers all EMT knowledge and skill requirements for the EMT National Education Standards. This course is 100 clock hours and allows for 245 hours of student preparation time. The suggested start date to start your online portion of this class is 13 weeks prior to the in-person skills. There are 13 weeks of assigned weekly homework.
Course Registration
Look for course dates, register or pay for courses online. Once registered, the application will be emailed to you. Potential students must both register for the course and submit a completed application to be accepted into the course.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the essential elements for the safe and efficient response to the scene of a medical emergency
- Perform a thorough patient assessment for signs and symptoms of illnesses and injuries
- Provide prompt and efficient basic emergency care to the sick and injured
- Safely handle and prepare the patient for transportation
- Describe the essential elements of safe and orderly transportation of the patient to the hospital and the transfer of patient care to the appropriate hospital staff
Required Hours
- Classroom hours: 176 (Includes didactic, practical skills and examinations)
- Internship (Field): 24 (12 hours for online course)
Total required hours = 200
Eligibility Requirements
Participants must:
- Be 17 years of age on the first day of class (Washington state licensure requires candidate to be 18 years of age at time of application) and 18 years of age to attend field internship
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (a variance may be requested if still in high school)
- Be physically capable of performing the essential duties of an EMT
- Hold a current CPR course completion card at the American Heart Association "Healthcare Provider” level or the American Red Cross "CPR for the Professional Rescuer” level (we will give you this certificate during our in person program and it is included in the price of the course, online students are expected to obtain this card outside of their course)
Application Process
Register and make at least the minimum payment online. When you register an application will be sent to your email and must be completed and returned. Both steps must be complete to be considered enrolled in the program.
After acceptance into the program, students will need to submit complete immunization records including but not limited to:
- Covid-19
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Rubeola
- Varicella (if not available, a letter stating when you had the actual illness)
- TB test results (results must be within the past six months)
- Hepatitis B series, if not completed, documentation of starting the series
- Tetanus
If copies of records are not available, titers may be used to show immunization status.
Course Tuition
- View tuition and fee information
- All tuition must be paid by the first day of class unless arrangements are made
- Book and lab fees must be paid by the first day of class and are non-refundable
Required Textbook
Jones and Bartlett Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, Navigate 2 Preferred (in person course) or Navigate 2 Premier (online course) along with online access, ebook and fisdap access. It is recommended to purchase through Health Training to ensure the correct package is used.
Required Materials
Reliable internet access is required when attending this course as there is an online component as well as other online resources.
Testing and Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, students will take the practical skills examination that is recognized by the Washington State Department of Health, EMS Education and Training Section. Students will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the practical exam and will then be allowed to take the National Registry of EMTs cognitive computer adaptive test (CAT).
To register with the National Registry of EMTs visit nremt.org.
View the Washington State Department of Health's EMT Certification Requirements.
Important Dates
All applications are due one week prior to the course start date.
Health Training offers a winter, spring, summer and fall course.
Online skills dates are typically offered four times a year (suggested start date for online course is 13 weeks prior to first day of skills testing).