Becoming an EMT… What’s it about?

Ronald Reagan said, "Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look."

Because heroes can be found in the most ordinary of places – such as the ambulance that just drove by with wailing sirens. Who's the hero in there? The EMT.

Though saving lives ranks pretty high up there in "heroic acts", becoming an EMT ranks quite low in difficulty.

You don't even need a high school diploma. Or even a GED. If you're 18 and reading this blog, you're a candidate. In just 3 to 5 months, you can be an EMT eligible to receive an EMT salary.

Who's a good candidate to become an EMT?

You already work full time? You're a student? No worries – Emergency Care Program's EMT courses are offered with varying schedules to accommodate many lifestyles. You already have other career plans? EMT certification can be a big asset in many careers. For example, the FDNY hires many EMTs. Or if you always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but.... You don't have to give up on your dreams. Working as an Emergency Medical Technician will put you right in the thick of things, seeing and doing and being part of the action.

How does the course work?

Sitting through classes bores you to tears? Then this course is just the place for you. Though of course you'll need to listen to some lectures, a large part of the course is practical and hands-on. And the best part? A 12 hour rotation in a real-life hospital emergency room.

After passing the practical and written examinations, you'll take an NYS EMT-Basic Certification exam.

What will you learn?

Everything you need to know to take charge at the scene of a medical emergency. The next time something happens that throws everyone into chaos – you'll be the one taking charge.

You'll learn about:
• Patient assessment 
• Trauma care 
• Managing medical emergencies 
• Utilizing Basic Life Support equipment 
• CPR 
• Hemorrhage control 
• Fracture and spinal stabilization 
• Managing environmental emergencies 
• Emergency childbirth 
• Use of a semi-automatic defibrillator

How much does it cost?

For the competitive price of $1250, you get the full course, including all required equipment – blood pressure cuff, stethoscope and CPR mask. (Textbooks will be purchased separately.) We also offer payment plans to spread out the cost.

Why choose a career as an EMT?

It's not everyone who can say that they spend their days saving human lives. And even when you aren't saving a life, you'll still be touching countless lives in a positive way. A small boy broke his arm? You'll comfort him and tell him how it's not so scary. A lovely older woman is having a stroke? You'll be reassuring her and getting her to the hospital before the clot causes irreparable damage.

And, yes, when someone's heart has stopped, you can bring them back to life with CPR.

Saving lives and helping others while making money - who can say no to that?