Online Emergency Medical Technician Courses and Schools

Learn about the lifesaving skills taught at emergency medical technician schools and through online courses. Explore admission, certification and clinical training requirements.

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>You can find online EMT training for beginners or intermediate workers in the field, as well as for paramedics or instructors looking for additional training. Some programs require hands-on training in addition to online classes that cover the medical care you would provide as an EMT. You may want to seek out a program administered by certified EMTs or EMT-paramedics, for the extra benefit of their experience. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Online</b> </td><td> Online and hybrid programs are available</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Patient assessment, airway management, injury care, intravenous fluid delivery, defibrillation, leadership techniques, oxygen administration, patient stabilization and geriatric care</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Schools</b> </td><td> You may want to find courses taught by certified EMTs or EMT-Paramedics</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhereCanIFindOnlineEMTPrograms">Where Can I Find Online EMT Programs?</h3> <p>Online emergency medical technician (EMT) programs are designed for individuals interested in becoming a basic- or intermediate-level EMT, as well as EMTs, EMT-Paramedics looking to polish their skills, or EMT instructors seeking professional development. Due to the hands-on training aspect of EMT training, most programs offer a hybrid of online and in-person studies. Some schools that offer online/hybrid studies for aspiring or current EMTs include: </p> <ul><li>Century College </li><li>Northwest Iowa Community College </li><li>Iowa Western Community College </li><li>Midlands Technical College </li><li>Craven Community College </li><li>College of the Desert </li><li>The College of Davidson and Davie Counties </li><li>UCLA Center for Prehospital Care </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInOnlineEmergencyMedicalTechnicianCourses">What Will I Learn in Online Emergency <a href="https://learn.org/articles/EMT_-_Emergency_Medical_Technician_Career_Summary_Job_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">Medical Technician</a> Courses?</h3> <p>In EMT-Basic courses, you could learn how to provide emergency medical care for the sick, hurt or elderly. Courses cover such topics as: </p> <ul><li>Patient assessment </li><li>Airway management </li><li>Injury care </li><li>Patient transportation </li></ul><p>EMT-Intermediate courses build upon basic EMT skills and introduce new concepts, like intravenous fluid delivery and defibrillation. These courses prepare you for state licensure as an EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate. </p> <p>EMT instructor courses are tailored to the needs of teachers in the field. You might examine leadership techniques or creative approaches to classroom-based teaching. In EMT or EMT-Paramedic refresher courses, you'll hone previously learned skills, including oxygen administration, patient stabilization and geriatric care. </p> <p>Basic, intermediate and paramedic online courses often require extensive clinical training hours. These must be completed on-campus or at a healthcare facility near your school. Some schools may allow you to gain hands-on experience at a facility in your area. </p> <h3 id="section---HowWillIAccessCourseMaterials">How Will I Access Course Materials?</h3> <p>Your instructors may use PowerPoint presentations, streaming audio and video, discussion boards and other learning aids. You'll most likely need a user ID and password to access content and course materials. Quizzes and tests are often available online. Depending on the course, you may not need a high-speed Internet connection; however, you'll still need a personal computer. You'll usually need to purchase textbooks and other learning aids, such as a stethoscope or pen light. Some courses may expect you to purchase a uniform. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAdmissionsRequirementsWillINeedToFollow">What Admissions Requirements Will I Need to Follow?</h3> <p>You'll usually be asked to provide proof of current CPR certification. Other requirements may include the ability to read and write in English, previous online learning experience and submission of a criminal background check. For some EMT programs, you must be at least 16 years old in order to enroll. You'll need to be a licensed EMT for Paramedic refresher and EMT-Intermediate courses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatFactorsShouldIConsiderWhenChoosingASchool">What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a School?</h3> <p>Consider what you'll be qualified to do upon graduation; does the course or program prepare you for basic, intermediate or paramedic EMT work? Look for courses that are taught by certified EMTs or EMT-Paramedics with experience in the field. You might want to consider enrolling in an online EMT school or medical center near your home - many courses require in-person attendance for hands-on topics.</p>