The Right Way to Choose the Right EMT Training Program for You
If you’ve decided to pursue your passion to help people by becoming an emergency first responder, then you should also consider how you can choose the right EMT training program.
There are several variables to this, such as where you live, how much time you can dedicate towards your studies, even how soon you want to enroll and complete the course as soon as possible. All things considered; it can get pretty overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, take a look at the guidelines below that can streamline the process of choosing the right EMT training program for you.
1. Do Your Research
It’s important to begin your search by familiarizing yourself with all your state-recognized EMT training institutions. You want to receive training from legitimate and authorized course providers. Getting a full list will allow you to choose the best one that suits your needs.
Once you have compiled a list, be sure to contact them and gather basic program information such as the number of classes offered and cost of the course, program duration, and even geographic considerations. If possible, ask for referrals from other students who have completed the program from each institution or program to get a better idea of the quality of training they deliver.
Additionally, be sure that you meet the qualifications required to join an EMT training course. To be certified, you have to first meet the minimum age requirements and must have a clean driving and criminal record. Double-check with your to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications before continuing to pursue your EMT training.
2. Assess School Reputation
Schools will always claim to have a good reputation. Therefore, it’s up to the students to objectively learn more about whether the education institution lives up to its claims. EMT training institutions with a solid reputation will have an excellent faculty, comprehensive curriculums, and great training facilities and infrastructure. To carefully assess the school’s reputation be sure to:
- Check out the school website to learn more about their program.
- Ensure that the school’s program is based on the National EMS Education Standards.
- Inquire about how the school’s program prepares students for state certification exams and the National Registry EMT exam.
- Ask about what support services are available for students.
- Check the percentage of students who successfully pass state certification and NREMT.
- Review instructor credentials—aspiring EMTs will benefit most from teachers who are trained medical staff themselves—fellow EMTs or physicians, for example, who can provide great instruction to complement theoretical lessons.
A school’s reputation also means they will likely have great relationships and partnerships with other reputable healthcare institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes. This could help make it easier for you to network for future employment options.
3. Review the Training Curriculum
The duration of the training program is another important factor that an aspiring EMT should consider. While some training programs last just a few weeks, others can last a few months. However, the length of the program is not necessarily a direct reflection of the effectiveness of the curriculum. Your choice will be dependent on your personal goals. Try to get a feel of what you want to achieve within a specific period and see what kind of training and skills you will receive.
Check what kind of practical training a course offers and remember that one of the best ways to learn is through hands-on, practical experience. So, be sure to choose a program that offers immersive practice through simulated, real-life scenarios. Effective training courses should offer a good mix of comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience.
Bear in mind as well that a lot of EMT programs only train a few teams per year, which means only a certain number of students are accepted into the program. Finding out more about a school’s acceptance rate, ranking methodologies, and the number of students per training course is a great way to understand whether a school or program is the right fit for you.
Beginning your EMT training is the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in emergency medical services. Choosing the right school means you’ll gain critical fundamental skills in emergency care, develop critical thinking skills, and get hands-on clinical experience to make life-changing decisions quickly in high-pressure situations.
If you’re considering EMT training options, visit our website today to check out if our EMT program is right for you.
