Florida’s healthcare system is constantly growing and there are positions of all levels open for prospective applicants, both for degree and non-degree holders. One of the positions that is in high-demand in both rural and urban areas of the state is that of an Emergency Medical Technician(EMT).
EMTs are essential to any healthcare system, as they are the first responders who often administer life-saving pre-hospital treatments to patients. They are trained in patient assessment, CPR, administering oxygen, stabilising breathing, stopping bleeding, and various other skills that ensure that the patient will be given the best pre hospital care possible. It is a position that requires significant mental and physical fortitude as EMTs work in highly stressful situations, often under significant physical strain, but it’s also a very rewarding career as you are able to make a difference on a daily basis.
In this article we will explore the basic requirements for becoming an EMT in Florida,and steps that prospective EMT candidates need to take, so read on if this interests you.
Florida EMT Certification Requirements
Anyone interested in becoming an EMT in Florida will need to fulfil certain basic requirements even before being able to enrol into one of the state-approved EMT programs. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and hold a high-school diploma or GED. Physical requirements may vary slightly depending on the employer, but EMTs will, in general, have to be able to lift heavy objects, have great stamina and mobility, as well as good eye-sight and hearing.
Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from becoming an EMT in Florida, and people with minor offences and older convictions might still be considered, but certain offences related to violence, drugs, etc will almost certainly automatically disqualify a candidate although it’s all up to the Florida Department of Health.
Many EMT positions will require a valid driver’s licence, and some may even require a specific type of licence, like the Commercial Driver’s Licence(CDL) or similar.
Completing a state-approved EMT program
Florida, like other states, requires EMT candidates to complete an approved EMT training program which can take anywhere from eight to sixteen weeks. Standards for these programs are set by the Florida Department of Health and cover the essentials needed to work as an EMT. Candidates will learn basic life support(BLS), patient assessment, trauma care, emergency response and transportation protocols, and all other aspects of this crucial position. Candidates can usually complete the 200 plus hours training in two to four months if attending full time, although part time course options are available as well.
These training programs consist of both classroom lectures and learning, as well as practical, hands-on training in simulated scenarios.
It’s important to remember to check whether the training program is state-accredited and approved as many institutions offer similar courses of different quality and requirements. Ideally, students should enrol in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as this certification guarantees that the program meets the highest standards in health education. There are EMT certification recommendations in Florida available online, so we recommend everyone to check them before choosing their course.
Passing the National Registry EMT(NREMT) exam
After successfully completing a state-approved EMT training program, students will need to pass the NREMT exam. This test consists of a cognitive and a psychomotor part. The cognitive part will test the applicant’s knowledge on everything from cardiology and resuscitation to EMS operations, while the psychomotor part of the exam will evaluate the hands-on EMT skills in a simulated, practical setting. This part of the exam will include things like patient assessment, cardiac arrest management, and bone immobilisation.
Candidates who successfully complete their exams will receive their NREMT certification, which will be valid for 2 years. Those who, for any reason, haven’t passed the exam are allowed up to six attempts at the cognitive test, while the policies for the psychomotor part will depend on the program, but students will typically be allowed to retake the test.
Submit Your Application to the Florida Department of Health
Once the candidates have received their NREMT certification, they must apply for state licensure through the Florida Department of Health. The application can be made online, and after successfully passing the background and NREMT exam results check, the applicants will be allowed to work as an EMT anywhere in the state of Florida for two years.
Maintain Your Certification
EMTs in Florida are required to renew their certification every 2 years. This involves additional educational hours that ensure that EMTs have all the latest and up-to-date knowledge and techniques to be able to do their job at the highest standard.
Conclusion
Being an EMT is very rewarding and fulfilling, although it can be stressful and tiring. The amount of difference that EMTs make on a daily basis can hardly be compared to any other position, in healthcare or otherwise. If you are a mentally and physically fit individual who loves helping others and making a difference, becoming an EMT in Florida might be a perfect job for you!
