Essential Information
EMTs can train through certificate programs for basic and intermediate certifications, then earn paramedic certification through associate degree programs. Due to the hands-on training required, none of these programs can be completed entirely online. They are all available in a hybrid format, with distance-learning courses complementing in-person components. These components include lab classes and in-person skill practice. Few programs in the health field are fully online, however there are some, such as home health aide programs.
Applying to online EMT programs requires CPR certification. Basic certificate programs teach students general emergency procedures, while more advanced knowledge and skills are included in the intermediate certificate program. In an associate's degree program, students learn more advanced emergency skills such as how to stitch wounds or administer intravenous medications. Ambulance driving may be included in these programs or may be a separate course.
Potential students should look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). EMTs and paramedics are certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Certification requirements include graduation from a certified program and passing an exam. All states require that EMTs and paramedics be licensed.
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Certificate
This program allows students to work toward EMT-Basic certification from their state of residence as well as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Lessons cover pre-hospital emergency medical training and techniques. Students familiarize with basic emergency medical techniques, including windpipe obstructions, diabetes management, cardiovascular trauma and shock emergencies. To be eligible for enrollment, applicants must have an up-to-date CPR certificate from an accredited institution.
Program Information and Requirements
This program can be completed in one semester. It consists of 2-4 courses that can be taken completely online, as well as one laboratory course that must be completed on campus. In addition, students are required to complete a set amount of hours applying their EMS skills to real-world practice at a local healthcare emergency department.
Enrollees must have a computer with a high-speed connection to the Internet. Course material is typically accessed through a system such as Blackboard, which hosts assignments, streaming video and downloadable PowerPoint presentations.
Course Topics
Students in this program can log in to their accounts online to access course material. In addition to coursework and emergency room training, students must log hours practicing introductory EMT techniques on an ambulance to achieve their certificate of completion. Rather than being broken down into several topics, EMT-Basic certificate programs typically comprise one single comprehensive class about general emergency care.
Basic Emergency Care
This course introduces students to the fundamental responses that emergency care technicians exhibit in emergency situations. Students view demonstrations on how to assess various injuries, including burns, abrasions, blunt trauma, fractures, dislocations, drowning and unconsciousness.
Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate Certificate
This certificate program is available online to those who have completed an EMT-Basic program and want to continue their studies and potentially advance their certification. Students acquire advanced EMS training in pharmacology, defibrillation, airway obstruction, medicine administration, trauma management and patient assessment.
Program Information and Requirements
The time needed to complete an EMT-Intermediate program varies by institution, and can range from 7-14 semester hours. Programs are always offered in a hybrid format; students may take the academic courses online, but real-world application of EMT skills must be completed in emergency rooms, laboratory classes and on an ambulance. Students access course materials through online teaching programs like Blackboard and WebCT.
Participants of this program need to have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. It is recommended that the student have a printer to create hard copies of course material from which to study. The computer should also have audio and video capabilities to stream lectures and presentations.
Course Topics
Applicants to this program must be proficient in math, writing and English according to state standards, and must also hold a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll. Prospective students must also have completed an EMT-Basic certificate program and hold a current CPR certificate. This program is not divided into EMS subfields, instead covering intermediate-level practices through one ongoing, graduating lesson.
Advanced EMT Practice
Students devote the first portion of the semester to the study of human anatomy and physiology. They then study emergency-related concepts, such as pharmacology, cardiac emergencies, pediatrics, behavioral emergencies and trauma management.
Associate of Applied Science in EMT-Paramedic
This degree program is available to those who want to achieve the highest education level of pre-hospital EMS care. Although individuals can enroll in an EMT-Paramedic program that leads to a certificate and not an associate's degree, many institutions offer the latter to ensure that graduates have the highest skill level attainable for a paramedic, and can advance to management positions. Graduates of this degree program are equipped with the necessary medical and psychological skills to effectively assess and treat emergency medical patients.
Program Information and Requirements
The range of time needed to complete an AAS in EMT-Paramedic program is between 66-80 semester-hours, and can be completed in three years. It is always offered in a hybrid format. Students can take academic courses online, but must complete laboratory courses on campus as well as field practice at local emergency rooms and ambulatory agencies.
Degree candidates can access the course material through programs such as Blackboard and WebStudy, or by downloading PowerPoint presentations and recorded lectures and videos directly from a school's website. Students must have access to a computer with audio and video capabilities, a printer and high-speed access to the Internet.
Course Topics
Applicants must hold at least an EMT-Basic certificate, as well as have cleared background checks, physical examinations, immunizations and drug screens. In addition to core medical courses, students must complete general education requirements in mathematics, psychology and English.
Introduction to Paramedic Care
Students learn the fundamental concepts of paramedic care, including the functions, responsibilities and ethical principles to which paramedics. Concepts central to this course include pathophysiology, first response techniques and patient assessment.
Emergency Cardiology
This course prepares students to assess and perform life-saving techniques for individuals experiencing cardiac trauma. These techniques include electrocardiograph imaging, defibrillation, administering medication and overall patient assessment. This course is often offered in conjunction with the American Heart Association's Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Course.
Issues in Pediatrics and Women's Health
A course in pediatrics and women's health prepares students for the potential issues that arise with these particular patients. Lessons emphasize emergency childbirth delivery and pediatric emergency care practices.
Career Information
This certificate is often attained by working professionals who want to supplement their training in their occupations in fields such as law enforcement, outdoor recreation, public health, education and security. Because it is the lowest level of EMS training, many certificate-holders work as on-call volunteers at local hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Those who complete this program are eligible for employment as emergency room technicians or EMT-Is working under the supervision of a paramedic on an ambulance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs earned an average of $40,370 per year as of May 2020 (www.bls.gov).
Licensed paramedics are employed by other ambulatory health care services, local government, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physicians' offices. According to the BLS, top-paying industries for this profession include State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) and Management of Companies and Enterprises. The pay scale ranges from $48,280 - $58,730 for these industries. The employment rate for paramedics and EMTs is expected to rise by 6% between 2019 and 2029, as reported by the BLS.
No fully online EMT programs exist; the hands-on nature of the profession requires significant in-person training, but some coursework can be completed online. Courses involve the study of human anatomy and life-saving techniques.
