Find out about getting your EMT training online, including certification and continuing education requirements.
EMTs are medical professionals who work out in the field, providing emergency prehospital care to those with traumatic injuries or acute illnesses.
If you're hoping to pursue this intense but rewarding medical career, you may be wondering if there are online training options. Can you complete an EMT certification program online? What other steps should you take on your path to becoming an EMT?
Read on as we answer these questions and more.
Can I Complete EMT Training and Certification Online?
Working as an emergency medical technician, or EMT, requires a highly-specialized training program with emphasis in on-the-job training. As such, you cannot complete all components of the training online.
To be eligible for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams, you will have to complete a certain number of hours of field training in an ambulance or in a hospital or lab setting.
While it is possible to receive portions of your EMT training in an online format, you must complete the lab portions of your program in person.
You will also need to complete a psychomotor exam to receive your national certification, and this requires in-person, hands-on activity.
Finally, the written portion of your certification exam must be completed at a set time and location once you have passed the psychomotor portion of the test.
So, you will not be able to receive EMT certification online, and you will not be able to complete all of your training online.
That said, there are some hybrid EMT programs that offer significant portions of their coursework online.
<h2 id="section---WhatOnlineEMTCoursesAreAvailable">What Online EMT Courses Are Available?</h2><p>If you are just starting out in your EMT training, you can complete much of your classroom study <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Emergency_Medical_Technician_Courses_and_Schools_FAQs.html">online</a> and often on your own time through the programs listed below.
</p><h3 id="section---1.IndianaUniversityOfPennsylvania">1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania</h3><p>Indiana University of Pennsylvania is located in Indiana, PA. It offers a hybrid EMT program for students over 18 years of age.
</p><p>Students attend live classes online through Zoom, which allows them to study from home on an instructor-led schedule. Tests are also completed online.
</p><p>Students must participate in six all-day, mandatory lab sessions on location at the school. These sessions are held on weekends throughout the semester.
</p><h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfCaliforniaLosAngeles">2. University of California, Los Angeles</h3><p>The University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a 10-week EMT training program available primarily online.
</p><p>Students in this course participate in online lectures and complete self-paced assignments online. This offers a great amount of flexibility
</p><p>Lab portions of the class must be completed in-person, but even this provides the maximum amount of flexibility, as students can choose whether to complete lab portions on Saturdays, Sundays, or Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
</p><h3 id="section---3.NationalEMSInstitute">3. National EMS Institute</h3><p>The National EMS Institute is a premier training facility in Carver, MA. It offers an intensive six-week hybrid EMT training program.
</p><p>Students enrolled in this program complete all coursework online on their own schedule. However, there are tight deadlines that require you to maintain a high level of self-discipline.
</p><p>Five full days of lab training are required on-site once all online coursework is completed. Travel accommodations and meal vouchers are available through the institute for out-of-state students.
</p><h2 id="section---OtherOnlineCoursesForEMTs">Other Online Courses for EMTs</h2><p>EMTs who are looking to maintain <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Required_for_Earning_an_Emergency_Medical_Technician_Certificate.html">certification</a> through continuing education credits have many options available for taking courses online.
</p><p>For example, the Red Cross offers both blended and online courses that can apply toward EMT recertification.
</p><p>You may also find Massive Open Online Courses that you can apply toward your recertification—just make sure they are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).
</p><h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAnEMT">How Can I Become an EMT?</h2><p>Let's take a closer look at the step-by-step process for becoming an EMT.
</p><h3 id="section---Step1CompleteATrainingProgram">Step 1: Complete a Training Program</h3><p>All EMTs must complete a specialized training program to prepare them for this intense line of work.
</p><p>Consider one of the hybrid training programs outlined above or find a local in-person program that will fit your schedule and transportation abilities.
</p><p>Make sure the program states that it will prepare you to take the NREMT practical, or psychomotor exam, as well as the written exam.
</p><p>Most training programs are completed within four to five months; some, however, are offered at an accelerated rate, allowing you to become certified and licensed sooner.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2ObtainNationalAndStateCertifications">Step 2: Obtain National and State Certifications</h3><p>Once you have finished your training program, you will complete the NREMT practical and written examinations. You must pass the practical exam before completing the written exam.
</p><p>Once you have passed both portions of the test, you will be a nationally certified EMT. From there, you will need to obtain a license to work as an EMT in your state.
</p><p>Specific licensing requirements vary by state, and some states may require you to pass additional tests. You will also need to provide proof of certification through the NREMT.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3CompleteContinuingEducation">Step 3: Complete Continuing Education</h3><p>To maintain state and national certifications, you will need to undergo 72 total hours of continuing education every two years.
</p><p>You can obtain these continuing education credits a few at a time and may complete as many as you want online.
</p><p>Again, exact requirements may vary from state to state, and state requirements may be different from national requirements. Make sure you are adhering to both national requirements and those specific to your state.
</p><h2 id="section---CompleteEMTCoursesOnline">Complete EMT Courses Online</h2><p>Though you will not be able to complete your EMT education completely online, you may be able to take many of your classes in this format. You will also be able to satisfy continuing education requirements online if desired.</p>
