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.
What You Need to Know
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.
<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 Medical Technician 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>