Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are some of the first people you’ll see reporting to a site after a medical emergency call. These professionals help patients get the care they need before heading to a hospital for further treatment. People of all ages go into the EMT field for a fulfilling career, but there is a specific certification process you must follow in order to work in the industry.
Wondering how to become an EMT in the state of Texas? Texas EMS School is here to help. Review the information below to transition into the healthcare industry with fewer hurdles along the way.
What Does an EMT Do?
Before you consider the EMT career path, it’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with this position. EMTs provide basic medical assistance after a car accident, home injury, or similar type of emergency. The main goal of an EMT is to make sure a patient is stable while ambulance drivers move from point A to point B. Typical duties of an emergency medical technician include:
- Performing CPR.
- Managing patient bleeding.
- Monitoring respiratory complications.
An EMT might work for an emergency care center or fire department depending on where they apply.
EMT Requirements for Certification in Texas
No medical background or work experience is required to enroll in an EMT-Basic program. However, there are some criteria students must meet for certification. If you want to work as an EMT in Texas, you must:
- Be 18 years of age: Organizations like Texas EMS School require you to be a minimum of 18 years old to start an EMT-B program.
- Be a high school graduate: Students must prove they hold a high school diploma or GED to become an EMT student.
- Attend a state-recognized school: A paramedic program must be acknowledged by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Pass the NREMT EMT Cognitive Exam: The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) requires students to present their cognitive knowledge to program instructors.
- Obtain an EMT state license: Passing the NREMT EMT Cognitive Exam makes you eligible for licensure in Texas.
What's the Quickest Way to Become an EMT in Texas?
Becoming an EMT in Texas is achievable through flexible online programs. Texas EMS School lets you complete the majority of your coursework online via a user-friendly platform. It takes most people about 15-18 weeks to submit all coursework before proceeding with field experiences and a short internship.
Texas EMS School operates through a competency-based structure. The better you perform on course assignments and practice tests, the less homework you’ll be assigned. Work your way toward EMT-B certification through our program that includes 168 hours of instruction time. Other portions of your training involve a 48-hour ambulance field experience and a 24-hour internship in a hospital setting. Take NREMT exams with the confidence you need to kickstart your career.
Apply to Texas EMS School's EMT-B Program
Texas EMS School wants to help you on your journey within the EMS field. We offer a variety of programs that appeal to students with different levels of healthcare experience. Whether you want to get certified at the EMT-B level or work your way to a paramedic status, we have education programs for you.
Have questions? You can contact us for more information about EMT certification requirements. We also encourage students to apply to our EMT-B course online!
