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EMT Certification

An emergency medical technician (EMT) certification can help you enjoy a fulfilling healthcare career. EMTs, also known as ambulance technicians, are responsible for responding to emergency calls, stabilizing patients, and transporting patients to the hospital for the care they need. Search for great EMT test study tips here.

The United States certifies EMTs according to their level of training. Certification is overseen by each state, although all requirements must be in line with the curriculum guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In many states, the exams used for EMT certification are created by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

The possible levels of EMT certification, listed in order of their difficulty, are as follows:

• EMT-B (Basic) - This certification indicates entry level training. An EMT with this certification is able to perform non-invasive procedures such as splinting, bleeding control, or supplemental oxygen administration.
  
• EMT-I/85 (Intermediate) - This certification indicates an EMT can perform procedures such as IV therapy or the use of multi-lumen airway devices.
  
• EMT-I/99 (Intermediate) - A slightly more advanced intermediate level certification, the EMT-I/99 credential indicates an EMT is able to handle pharmaceutical interventions and cardiac monitoring.
• EMT-P (Paramedic) - This certification indicates that an EMT is the most advanced type of pre-hospital medical provider. Some of the procedures that a paramedic can perform include fluid resuscitation and obtaining IV access.

In some states, EMTs can earn Critical Care Paramedic or Advanced Paramedic certifications to indicate an even higher level of training. Specialty certifications, such as Flight Paramedic or Wilderness EMT, may often be earned to supplement one of the standard EMT certifications.

Last Updated: 03/25/2013