Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are responsible for responding to medical crises and administering medical care both on-site and as they transport patients to the hospital.
EMTs start with the EMT-Basic credential and work their way up. To earn the EMT-Basic certification, you'll need to complete a training program.
Keep reading to discover top EMT-Basic training programs and the requirements needed to complete them.
Top EMT-Basic Training Programs and Requirements
EMT-Basic training programs are typically offered by community, technical, and career colleges, but are sometimes offered by larger universities as well.
We've listed our top picks for EMT-Basic training programs below and outlined their requirements.
All programs listed are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
1. Broward College
Broward College is a public college based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It offers an emergency medical technician applied technical diploma.
This is a one-semester program that provides basic training in life support skills for entry-level EMS employment.
The program includes courses that cover basic EMT training as well as a skills laboratory, clinical experience in a hospital setting, and clinical experience in a prehospital or field setting.
Upon completion of this diploma, students will be eligible to take the Florida State EMT Examination and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT Examination.
Interested students can put the credits they earned in the diploma program toward Broward College's Associate of Science degree in emergency medical services.
2. Foothill College
Foothill College is a public community college in Los Altos Hills, CA. It offers a non-credit certificate of completion in emergency medical technology.
This program prepares students to respond and provide life-saving care to emergent and non-emergent incidents that involve victims of illness or injury.
This is a demanding, two-quarter course that includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical training in pre-hospital and hospital settings and incorporates realistic scenario-based training.
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the National Registry EMT written exam for national certification.
3. Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College is a public technical college in Appleton, WI. It's a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and offers an emergency medical technician technical diploma.
Students in this program learn how to evaluate the nature and extent of various illnesses and injuries and administer prescribed medical treatment at the site and during transport.
The program requires 180 hours of classroom instruction and about 90 hours of work outside of the classroom.
Students who complete the program will qualify for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic certification examinations and will be eligible for Wisconsin licensure.
4. Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College is a public community college in Watertown, SD. It offers an emergency medical technician certification through its Med/Fire Rescue program.
This program trains emergency personnel to be emotionally steady, focused, compassionate, and physically strong when faced with fast-paced, intense situations.
Students can complete the program in as little as one semester. Most of the coursework is online, but students will visit campus for testing, skills practice, and hands-on learning.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to sit for the National Registry exam or pursue professional licensure in South Dakota.
5. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a public academic health science center in San Antonio, Texas.
It offers an EMT-Basic certification that includes classroom instruction covering Basic Life Support knowledge and skills, including clinical and field internships.
The program is offered during the summer semester. Students meet for lectures and skills practice from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., three days per week. 45 hours of clinical rotations are also required.
Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the National Registry of EMT certification examination.
FAQs About EMT-Basic Training Programs and Requirements
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about EMT-Basic training programs and requirements.
What's the Difference Between an EMT-Basic and a Paramedic?
An EMT-Basic is an entry-level role in emergency medical service.
EMTs with the basic credential can go on to obtain their EMT-Intermediate or paramedic
credential and perform more advanced medical procedures.
How Long Are EMT-Basic Training Programs?
EMT-Basic programs can vary in length, but most take one to two semesters to complete.
Can I Complete an EMT-Basic Training Program Online?
EMT-Basic training programs typically require both lab work and field experience, and as a result, cannot be earned fully online.
Depending on the program, you may be able to take a portion of your coursework online, however.
Become an EMT-Basic
Students can train to become EMT-Basics through many excellent colleges and universities across the country. Check out the programs above to get started today!
