Emergency Medical Technicians

High School

While still in high school, interested students should take courses in health and science (including anatomy and physiology), mathematics, driver education, and English. They also should consider becoming certified in CPR.

Postsecondary Training

To be admitted to a basic training program, applicants usually must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma and valid driver's license. Exact requirements vary slightly between states and training courses. Many EMTs first become interested in the field while in the U.S. Armed Forces, where they may have received training as medics.

The standard basic training program for EMTs was designed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is taught in hospitals, community colleges, and police, fire, and health departments across the country. It is approximately 150 hours in length and constitutes the minimum mandatory requirement to become an EMT. In this course, you are taught how to manage common emergencies such as bleeding, cardiac arrest, fractures, and airway obstruction. You also learn how to use equipment such as stretchers, backboards, fracture kits, and oxygen delivery systems.

Successful completion of the basic EMT course opens several opportunities for further training. Among these are a two-day course on removing trapped victims and a five-day course on driving emergency vehicles. Another, somewhat longer course, trains dispatchers. Completion of these recognized training courses may be required for EMTs to be eligible for certain jobs in some areas.

More than 661 colleges and universities offer certificate, diploma, and degree programs in emergency medical services. Visit https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program for a list of schools.

Other Education or Training

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians offers education in a variety of categories, including Advanced Medical Life Support, Emergency Pediatric Care, Geriatric Education, Psychological Trauma in EMS Patients, Community Paramedicine, Prehospital Trauma Life Support, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and All Hazards Disaster Response. Contact the association for more information.