Certified EMT’s will always find work – in the healthcare industry, there is no job that is in higher demand than that of an EMT. Emergencies happen every day, and EMT’s are usually the first ones on the scene. If you have been considering getting your EMT certification, you should. Some make as much as $20 dollars per hour, and many get full benefits on a part time job.
EMT Certification Requirements & Eligibility
Most of the time, EMT’s will need to have some college education, or at least high school education in order to do their job. You will need to be at least 18 years of age in many states in order to become a certified EMT. Since many EMTs get their certification through volunteer work, there aren’t many real set requirements that need to be had. However, to be eligible for work as an EMT, you should be physically capable of lifting heavy objects.
EMT Certification Cost
A lot of volunteer fire departments and police departments allow people to get EMT certification free of charge as long as they volunteer for several months after they get their certification. EMT certification that is specialized, on the other hand, can actually be quite costly. It’s not uncommon to spend $500 or more on certain EMT specialization certificates. You can get basic EMT certification for $950 if you do not choose to go the volunteer route. Because of the high costs, many people choose to go through the volunteer route.
EMT-B Certification
Getting your EMT-B certification is usually the best way to start out your new career as an EMT. EMT-B certification is the most basic form of certification that you can get as an EMT. The procedures that you learn as an EMT-B certified employee are almost all non-invasive, since there is a high amount of risk with all invasive procedures. It’s an entry level certification that everyone needs to get if they want to pursue a career as an EMT. It’s the lowest of four nationally recognized certification levels for EMT’s.
EMT Certification Online, Training, Courses & Preparation
Many hospitals, police stations, and fire stations help contribute to EMT certification classes. Hospitals are usually the ones that hold the training courses that you need in order to become certified. Training standards can vary greatly from state to state. Therefore, you have to check with your local state hospitals in order to figure out what you should look for in your EMT certification.
However, all states have to have requirements that comply with the standards set forth by NHTSA educational guidelines. The easiest certification to get is from the NREMT organization, which offers NHTSA-compliant exams which are used in 46 different states. You will need a minimum of 110 hours of classroom training to get the most basic certification as an EMT. Some levels can take over 400 hours to complete.
EMT’s are expected to increase in job demand throughout the next decade, and pay is expected to increase along with the demand. Being an EMT gives you a lot of options, as well as a lot of useful life skills that will come in handy no matter what your career choice may be. EMT’s have a good career outlook, and can work in a very wide variety of environments. If you have been thinking about a great side job as a college student, being an EMT is a great idea. Start your EMT certification training as soon as you can.