In this article, we will be discussing the Top 10 Free Online Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses and online EMT courses in 2022. One of the fastest-growing industries today is health care. Indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nearly 2.4 million new healthcare jobs will be available by 2029. This figure is higher than any other occupational group in terms of new job creation. Many other healthcare positions, such as that of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), are rapidly becoming available as a result of the job boom. EMTs must be licensed in all states, but the specific requirements for licensure/certification differ by state.
If you want to work in the healthcare field but don’t want to devote the time (or money) to earning an advanced degree to become a doctor or a nurse, consider enrolling in an EMT training program. When a person is en route to a medical facility, an EMT responds to emergency 911 calls and performs necessary medical interventions. The EMT’s responsibilities include assessing the patient’s condition, managing the airway and circulation (including CPR if needed), and dealing with trauma emergencies. EMTs frequently serve as first responders, transporting patients to hospitals by ambulance or even helicopter.
They can also be on call for medical emergencies at sporting events or other community gatherings. People who are compassionate, have good interpersonal, listening, and problem-solving skills, and are physically fit should consider becoming EMTs because the job requires a lot of lifting, bending, and kneeling. To be a successful EMT, you must enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and be able to work under pressure. There are numerous training programs to choose from; here are some of our favorites.
Top 10 EMT Certification Programs in 2022
1. National Medical Education and Training Center (NMETC)
Brad and Kim Newbury founded the National Medical Education and Training Center (NMETC) EMT program in response to a request from a single mother in need of a flexible training program. The Massachusetts Department of Health and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs have both given the NMETC program their approval (CAAHEP). In addition to classroom training, NMETC offers an innovative curriculum that combines online and in-person courses to allow you to complete the core components of your EMT education. The program begins with either a virtual, online classroom experience or an in-person, campus classroom experience.
The practical training component of the program is where students put their skills to the test in simulated real-life situations (offered in a classroom setting). The training concludes with real-world application (under the supervision of experienced, licensed trainers). These hours are included in the EMT program and are required by each state, though the requirements may vary. The NMETC program requires 192 hours of training and takes approximately four to five months to complete. If you can’t make it to a live class, you can watch the recording and get full credit. You’ll be ready to attend six days of in-person classes in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, once you’ve completed the online portion of your training.
These lessons are designed to help you prepare for your state’s EMT certification exam. You can take the entire EMT training course on campus if you live in the West Bridgewater area. You must be at least 17 years old and have a valid driver’s license (or other legal photo ID, such as a passport) to apply for the NMETC. Tuition on campus is around $1,300, while tuition online is around $1,800. This does not include a $50 application fee and the cost of books and materials, travel costs, and exam fees.
2. Allied Medical Training
Allied Medical Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) and provides virtual online continuing education. It was founded by Dr. Sean Ewen, who began his medical career as an EMT. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), which provides national certification for EMTs, accepts the CAPCE accreditation. NREMT also satisfies the requirements for licensure in most states. In addition, Allied Medical Training has been approved by the Minnesota POST Board for continuing education. In recent years, the student pass rate has been around 93 percent, which is significantly higher than the national average. Both self-paced and in-person programs are available.
Three months of part-time online classes are required for the self-paced option. Some students had finished the online EMT course in as little as four weeks (when they participated in the self-paced track of the program). Once you’ve registered, you have up to six months to complete the online portion of the course. If you decide to continue with the program after the online training, you can register for the hands-on portion of the course, which consists of seven consecutive days of skills training in St. Paul, Minnesota. This hands-on training is required for licensure in most states. NREMT has approved Allied Medical Training’s curriculum, including a portion of the required certification test known as the “Psychomotor Skills Exam.”
Allied Medical Training also offers a weekly in-person class in St. Paul for those who prefer more structure. Part I (the online EMT course) of the self-paced program costs around $695, and Part II costs around $1,250. (the hands-on training). If you choose the in-person option, a $250 deposit is required upon registration, and the remaining tuition of $1,600 is due on the first day of class.
3. Coursera (U of Colorado)
If you want to learn more about an EMT course without making a big financial commitment, if you’re already enrolled in one and need some extra help studying for the certification exam, or if you’re planning to recertify as an EMT by taking the cognitive exam, Coursera could be a good fit. The Denver Health Paramedic Division’s faculty teaches this 26-week EMT course. The lecture portion of the EMT curriculum is covered in this course, which takes about three hours per week on average. This includes crucial insights as well as other EMT skills. Obtaining an EMT license also necessitates a hands-on component of education, which Coursera does not provide. It’s important to note that you won’t be legally able to work as an EMT once you’ve completed the 26-week course.
The National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) offers certification that allows you to practice as an EMT legally; it requires additional hands-on skills coursework and an EMT certification exam. The EMT Coursera Specialization series is designed to assist you in mastering the skills required for EMT training. You can either enroll in the EMT Specialization as a whole (and take all of the classes) or pick and choose which individual classes best suit your needs. The program is set up as a subscription, which means that once you enroll, you can take as many courses as you want or pause and cancel your subscription at any time. The monthly subscription will set you back $49 per month.
4. UC Davis Fire Department
The Emergency Medical Technician Program at UC Davis was designed for those interested in emergency medical care (such as EMTs) or students pursuing a higher medical degree. The Yolo County Emergency Medical Services Agency has accredited the 11-week online and in-person program with the state of California. Topics such as bleeding control, airway management, triage, and emergency transportation are covered in engaging lectures and skills practice sessions at UC Davis. The curriculum includes assessment skills, treatment techniques, and a foundation in neurological (brain and spinal column), respiratory (breathing), and cardiac (heart) emergencies.
Administrative aspects of emergency medical care, such as workforce safety, the EMS (Emergency Medical System), and ethical and legal issues, will also be discussed. The classroom lessons will then be put to the test in the hands-on portion of the training, as students participate in hospital emergency clinical experience and are required to sign up to ride along in an ambulance and fire engine with licensed EMTs and paramedics to gain real-world clinical experience. There is a requirement to pass the program with an 80 percent or higher pass rate. Students who meet this requirement will be eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam and become Nationally Registered EMTs. UC Davis students will pay around $1,755, while non-UC Davis students will pay around $1,950.
5. Creighton University
In Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton University is a top-ranked college with higher-than-average NREMT certification test pass rates than the national average (an 89 percent first-pass rate and a 100 percent pass rate after three attempts). According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the national average first-time pass rate for EMT students is 64 percent, and the cumulative third attempt pass rate is 75 percent, according to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Creighton University offers a 16-week course that meets twice a week for four hours in the classroom.
Hands-on training also includes clinical experience in an ambulance and a hospital to help you practice the skills you’ll need to provide emergency medical care. Experts created courses in both emergency medicine and education, which may explain why the student pass rate is so high. The online EMT course at Creighton emphasizes patient assessment and reinforces the fundamentals of emergency care procedures. Creighton’s EMT program is very affordable, with tuition costing around $795. The deposit due upon admission decision, textbook costs, and certification exam fees are not included in this price.
6. EMT & Fire Training Inc
EMT and Fire Training Inc. offers a variety of continuing education and refresher courses, including the Traditional EMT Refresher Course, which is available in 20-hour and 24-hour formats. The refresher classes cover the requirements of the NREMT-approved National Continued Competency Program model, which is CAPCE accredited. Students can take this course to keep their certification and get three more chances to take the NREMT exam, or they can use it to re-enter the workforce. Each class takes place in an online virtual classroom with powerpoint-style lectures. An assessment exam will follow each class.
Good computer skills, a browser that supports flash-based modules, a high-speed internet connection (for viewing videos and virtual class attendance), and a headset with a microphone are all required for the course (suggested but not required). The 24-hour Traditional EMT Refresher Course costs approximately $240, while the 20-hour Traditional EMT Refresher Course costs roughly $165.
7. American Red Cross
As part of your licensing/certification process as an EMT student, you will be required to obtain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification for Healthcare Providers. Most schools require the BLS-CPR certification card on the first day of EMT class. With BLS Courses for Healthcare Providers, the American Red Cross provides affordable continuing education for EMTs. The Red Cross offers training to keep EMTs up to date on basic life support skills like CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) classes. You’ll need to renew your BLS-CPR certification regularly once you’re licensed and working as an EMT. You can renew your certification by taking an abbreviated version of the instructor-led course and receiving it in an expedited format.
According to the Red Cross, EMTs who work together should take their BLS-CPR continuing education courses together so they can learn to work better as a team when dealing with scenarios in the field. The Red Cross EMT training is available across the United States and meets the criteria set forth by the country’s leading accrediting organizations (such as the AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC), as well as the majority of state accrediting requirements. The classes are taught by experts in their fields who are trained and certified instructors. The Red Cross offers part of the training online through the Simulation Learning program, so class schedules are flexible.
Year-round, in-person training is available at Red Cross locations across the country. The cost of training varies depending on which course you choose, where you live, and whether you complete your training in a classroom or through a combination of online and hands-on training. Adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED courses cost around $126 in many locations, while Basic Life Support-BLS Healthcare Provider classes cost around $92.
8. UCLA Emergency Medical Technician
UCLA offers the best hybrid program, which spans 10 weeks and includes in-person and online lectures, skills lab sessions, and hands-on training. UCLA Medical Center is home to some of the best medical programs in the country. Because it is also a teaching hospital, there are numerous job placement opportunities after graduation. The EMT course boasts a 96 percent pass rate for first-time students taking the NREMT certifying exam. The attendance policy is fairly strict because the course is only 10 weeks long, but you can make up online classes or watch the recordings at your leisure. Only two four-hour skills lab sessions or one ten-hour session can be missed. You will be unable to complete the program if you miss any more classes.
Although the skills lab classes are held in El Segundo, California, the online lectures can be viewed from the comfort of your own home. You must register ahead of time, and availability for the session you want to attend may be limited, so plan ahead. Although there are no prerequisites for the program, UCLA does offer an EMT prep course for those who want to learn more about anatomy and medical terminology before enrolling. Overall, the UCLA online EMT course is ideal for those who live in the Los Angeles area and prefer a structured program with instructor support over a self-paced online program.
The EMT course costs around $1,600, plus fees of about $60 (which includes a background check and immunization record check) and courseware of about $280. There is no financial aid available, but the service offers payment plans if you want to divide your tuition into three payments. Simply register online or over the phone and make your first payment to reserve your spot.
9. Prodigy
Prodigy was chosen as the best option for recertification because it is a high-quality online learning platform that allows you to complete all of the required courses for recertifying as an EMT for one low price. Its straightforward tracking system keeps track of all courses completed and ensures that you have everything you need to recertify when the time comes. Prodigy is an excellent online option if you’re looking for a quick way to get the credits you need to renew your NREMT certification. This self-paced model may make getting recertified a little easier if sitting through boring weekend seminars isn’t your thing.
Continuing education units (CEUs) are assigned to each class based on the number of hours it takes to complete the course. Prodigy offers a variety of live courses, which is important because self-paced classes can only be used for 14 hours. All of the courses have been approved by CAPCE, and you will receive a certificate of completion at the end of each one. The cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, and medical topics such as infectious disease, pain management, and endocrine emergencies are all covered in the courses. You can sign up for classes online, but make sure to double-check your schedule and schedule time for live classes.
According to the website, live courses are available all year, with increased offerings around recertification deadlines. Because you should not leave everything until the last minute, as you may not be able to complete all of the required courses on time. Prodigy costs around $225 and gives you access to all of the courses you’ll need to complete your recertification. You must renew every two years by taking the cognitive exam or completing 40 hours of continuing education, according to NREMT. 2 To meet national recertification requirements, you must take a certain number of courses in various subject areas, and each state has its own license renewal requirements.
Using a platform like Prodigy can help you keep track of what courses you take and ensure that you get all of the credits you need so you aren’t caught off guard when it comes time to renew your license. When it comes to getting all the CEUs you need to renew, Prodigy has an excellent reputation with both healthcare institutions and individuals.
10. Safety Unlimited 40 hour EMT refresher course
Safety Unlimited is a great online option if you want a simple program that gives you all the CEUs you need to renew your EMT certification. When it’s time to renew your EMT certification, it’s critical to find a refresher course that includes all of the CEUs you’ll need. Safety Unlimited is a simple and convenient way to meet the requirements for recertification and feel confident in your knowledge and ability to work as an EMT. The live and interactive virtual instructor-led training courses allow you to ask questions, get support, and learn the material with a group of other EMTs. Students can work at their own pace to complete the distributed courses, but they must be completed within 90 days to receive credit.
The application process is simple because you can enroll online and begin immediately. Anyone who is currently certified and working as an EMT can take the 40-hour refresher course for around $200. You can also take 10- or 20-hour courses, but these will only provide you with the requirements for either the national or state portions of recertification. Classes are available on your computer or mobile device and cover all EMT-related topics. Safety Unlimited is a reputable option recognized by NREMT, IACET, and California, although students can use credits to recertify in other states.
Is the Online EMT Course Necessary?
Although online and blended courses (which combine in-person and online lectures) are intended to be flexible, they are not the only ways to become an EMT. Some components of the online EMT course require in-person classroom instruction, while others require hands-on practice in real-world scenarios (such as hospital emergency rooms or ambulance ride-along). You can find out more about your state’s requirements by going to Google and typing in your state’s name, followed by “EMT licensure requirements.” Many organizations, such as community health care organizations, fire departments, adult education programs, and community colleges, offer in-person, classroom-based EMT courses and online training.
Training in your local community may provide more flexibility in scheduling while also being less expensive than many online EMT course. If you enroll in EMT training at a local or community college, you may be eligible for financial aid.
What Are the Requirements for an EMT License?
After completing your training, you must be licensed as an EMT (according to your state’s laws) before you can begin working. All states require licensing, and the majority of them follow the guidelines set forth by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This program necessitates:
- Completion of an online EMT course approved by the state that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for the EMT.
- CPR-BLS for Healthcare Providers certification or an equivalent credential is required.
- The National Registry cognitive (knowledge) exam was passed with flying colors.
- Completion of a psychomotor skills exam that the state has approved.
Conclusion
If becoming a certified EMT is something you want to do in the future, there are several online EMT course that can help you get started. If you’re new to the field, a course like NMETC or Allied Medical Training will best prepare you to pass the NREMT exam and become certified in a short period of time. These online EMT course enable you to study at your own pace from the comfort of your own home and learn everything you need to know to begin working as an EMT. Many cost-effective options are available to help you get everything you need to advance your skills and knowledge if you are already certified and want to get more CEUs or advanced certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of basic EMT training programs can be completed in under a year (depending on which state you live in and which type of program you sign up for). 2 Most EMT programs’ coursework will take between 120 and 150 hours to complete. A certain number of hours spent working in the field is also required (riding along in an ambulance and working in an emergency care facility). The specific requirements, once again, are determined by the state in which you reside.
A high school diploma is required for most online EMT courses, but a college diploma is not required.
EMT classes are offered by various institutions, including community colleges, universities, and emergency care facilities (such as the fire department).
The typical work environment of an EMT includes some risks, such as responding to car accidents on a busy highway or providing care to people in the aftermath of a natural disaster. High-stress situations can also put an EMT in perilous situations. An EMT, for example, may have to deal with someone who has a history of violence. EMTs may also come into contact with environmental or chemical toxins and various communicable diseases. EMT training includes a safety component that teaches you how to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself, your coworkers, and the people you’re caring for safe.
EMTs are paid differently depending on where they live and work. The national average pay for an EMT is around $15 to $17 per hour, but according to the US Department of Labor Statistics, the national average pay for an EMT in 2019 was $35,400.
Yes. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requires recertification every two years (NREMT). The NREMT requires EMTs to recertify by either passing a cognitive exam or completing 40 hours of continuing education. Your state license must be renewed as well. The renewal period ranges from two to four years, with different requirements depending on your state’s requirements.
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