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John Rose of Oak Bluffs: The Requirements of an EMT
You do not need a college degree to work as an EMT, explains John Rose of Oak Bluffs. However, you will need to have your high school diploma or GED. Your state also grants the proper qualifications and licensures.
Here are the steps to becoming an EMT.
Step 1: Getting your high school diploma or GED.
Unlike other professions in the healthcare industry, you don't need to go to college and get a degree to work as an EMT. As long as you are at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in an EMT program and earn the required certifications.
Step 2: Earning a CPR certification.
After getting your high school diploma or GED, go for the required CPR certification. Organizations such as the American Red Cross offer in-person as well as online CPR training courses for the CPR certification requirement.
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This step also involves maintaining CPR certification. John Rose mentions that most certifications need to be renewed at least every two years.
Step 3: Enrolling in an EMT program.
You can find an accredited, state-approved EMT program offered at local community colleges as well as fire stations, emergency training facilities, and technical schools. Red Cross also offers them. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs website also has listings there per area.
There are in-person and hybrid options. A hybrid option includes online and in-person training and may be more flexible if you have other full-time commitments such as work or school.
Coursework for an EMT program includes various topics that range from human anatomy to bleeding management, from reading vital signs to obstetrics. A majority of the programs take one to two years to complete, which is roughly 120 to 150 credit hours.
That said, the EMT basic course can take as little as three to six weeks and can prepare you for the licensure exam. The time it takes to pass an EMT program also depends on the coursework and career goals of an EMT. You can take additional coursework so you can have more options within the profession.
Step 4: Earning the EMT license.
After finishing an accredited EMT program, you'll become qualified to take the licensure examination. It is the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) cognitive exam. The test involves both a cognition exam and a psychomotor exam, adds John Rose.
Once you've passed both exams, you will get your license to work as an EMT in your state.
Step 5: Applying for EMT jobs.
After meeting the requirements to work as an EMT in your state, you can apply for EMT jobs in your area. Your resume should include details regarding your EMT program certification, as well as any additional training and certifications you have. Highlight skills that would make you a great EMT and have good references who can speak to these skills. There are many opportunities to work as an EMT where you live.
Consider where you'd like to work, says John Rose. Also, think about a specific population you'd like to work with if you have any. These can be older people, minorities, schoolchildren, or even athletes.
John Rose, a native of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, excelled as a multi-sport athlete in high school, notably leading the golf team as captain. He now serves as the Chief of the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, with certifications including Fire Prevention Officer and Fire Officer 1. Read similar blogs on this blogsite.
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