Earning Your Florida EMT License
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are important members of Florida’s health care service industry.
These emergency responders are often the first medical professionals to see and assess patients in on-scene medical incidents, and their presence is often responsible for positive outcomes in life-or-death situations. If being a part of a medical team, serving your community in a profound and significant way, and saving lives sounds like something you want to commit your life to, look no further than a career or volunteer service as a Florida EMT.
What Does an EMT Do?
An EMT works with a government agency, hospital, or private agency to respond, typically via ambulance, to scenes including car accidents, disasters, or unexpected medical episodes where a person or persons is in need of intervening medical care. They are trained to assess patients on the spot and, when needed, intervene with care such as resuscitation or obstetric assistance. They are generally responsible for safely and quickly transporting patients in need of more complex care to the hospital. EMTs work in shifts so that someone is available to respond to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
How Do You Become an EMT?
In Florida, a number of requirements must be met before you can pursue EMT training. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Obtain a valid driver’s license
- Be CPR and BLS certified by the AHA or Red Cross
- Complete an HIV/AIDS training course
- Pass a background check
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Demonstrate a standard level of English literacy
With these items completed, you are eligible to apply for EMT training.
At Health Career Institute, the EMT-B (EMT-Basic) training program is a series of entry-level courses that meet the educational standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guidance for National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards, and the Florida Department of Health Bureau of EMS. Through lectures, labs, and clinical field hours, students learn and practice EMT skills and scenarios. Upon completion, students are prepared for the licensing exam.
To become fully licensed, students must pass the NREMT to join the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. This two-part exam assesses what you have learned and your capability of working as an effective EMT. To learn more about the licensing exam, click here.
