How Long Does It Take To Get Emt Certified

Last Updated on November 20, 2021 by

EMTs and paramedics both deal with healthcare emergencies. The basic difference between the two is their level of education and license to perform more complex procedures. Paramedics can insert IVs, administer drugs, and apply pacemakers. The EMT has a higher education level than an EMT-Basic, which gives you the preparation to move through the ranks and become a paramedic or nurse.

How Long Does It Take to Become an EMT?

It usually takes around 120 hours of training in order to become an EMT, and an AEMT requires this same training plus another 350 hours. EMRs require about half as much training as EMTs. Paramedics are the highest-trained category and commonly require between 8 months and 2 years of training.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are often the crucial difference between life and death in an emergency. These dedicated individuals are the first on the scene to provide life-saving medical treatment and stabilize the patient during transport to the hospital. They're generally called to respond via 911 and work hand-in-hand with firefighters and the police.

There are four types of EMTs, with each type requiring a different level of training. The more complex the medical care, the longer the training to become certified. The four types from the shortest length of EMT training to longest are:

• Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) – Administer life-saving techniques like CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while waiting for more qualified medical professionals to arrive.
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) – Offer onsite treatment and care during the ambulance ride to the hospital, like controlling bleeding, stabilizing breaks, and addressing shock.
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) – Can also administer fluids and some medications and use the medical equipment found in an ambulance.
• Paramedics – Provide advanced triage with sophisticated medical equipment and administer about 30 different types of drugs.

EMT Requirements

You'll need to be at least 18 years old to begin EMT training, and programs usually require a high school diploma or GED to enroll, along with CPR certification. Then, you'll get different degrees of EMT training based on the type of EMT you want to become. With each certification level comes the ability to provide more advanced medical care.

how long does it take to become an emt in texas

An EMT works in the streets and is second to a paramedic. The paramedic will pass the EMT level of training, but not the other way around. The main difference between an EMT and a paramedic consists of pretty obvious stuff: whereas an EMT can handle certain kinds of emergencies, such as bullet wounds, burns, or gunshot injuries, a paramedic can handle all sorts of emergency situations regardless of location or predicament. The job of an emergency medical technician (EMT) is to provide initial care to individuals who have been injured or are suddenly ill. As part of this, they can administer CPR and other lifesaving treatments, stabilize patients, and use various diagnostic tools to collect information about a patient's condition during treatment.

How Long is EMT School?

State-approved EMT programs can be provided by all kinds of educational providers from universities to community colleges to private training facilities. Some of the top schools in the country offer EMT training programs as well. Regardless of the type of program you choose, typical coursework can include study in the following subjects:

• Patient assessment
• Basic life support and CPR
• Pediatric care
• Anatomy
• Moving and transporting patients
• Assisting other medical professionals
• Psychiatric emergencies

Programs also require a certain number of internship or fieldwork hours. Once you complete your educational program, you'll need to get certified and licensed before you're ready for your new career.

States have their own standards for approving programs for each type of EMT, but in general, you can anticipate the length of time to complete a program as follows:

EMR	2-4 weeks/55-65 hours
EMT	3-11 weeks/120 hours
AEMT	The EMT program PLUS an additional 350 hours
Paramedic	Two years/1,200 to 1,800 hours

EMR programs often cost less than $1,000 and require around 60 hours of training. EMT programs often cost between $1,000 and $6,000 in total and usually take 120 hours to complete. Paramedic programs, which provide EMTs with a higher level of education, commonly cost between $1,000 and $15,000. These programs are offered by a variety of universities, such as the UCLA and Western Carolina University, and require between 1,200 and 1,800 hours of training.

Becoming EMT Certified

All EMTs are required to be certified. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians provides certification at the national level. Some states may only require certification at the state level, but the NREMT certification is the most common. To become EMT certified, you'll need to obtain the following:

• A current certification to perform CPR
• Completion of an educational course scaled to your type of EMT
• A passing grade on a computer-based cognitive test administered through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Responders
• A passing grade on a psychomotor exam that tests your hands-on ability to assess a patients' needs and deliver care.

The NREMT recommends that you apply for your cognitive exam about four weeks before you want to take it. Once you pass your cognitive exam, you'll take your psychomotor exam at your state EMS office or an approved school.

Applying for Licensure

Once your certification process is complete, you'll also need to apply for an EMT license in your state. The difference can be confusing. Certification attests that you have the necessary skills to provide medical care, while your state license grants you the permission to provide that care. Many states (like Florida) require nothing more than an application, proof of your NREMT certification and completed educational program, current CPR certification, and a criminal background check. Other states will mandate their own state exam.

How Much Money Can You Make as an EMT?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, EMTs and paramedics earned a median, annual wage of $35,400 in May 2019. However, due to the difference in certification levels, a paramedic can expect to make more than an EMT. Earners in the top 10% made more than $59,860, while those in the lowest wage category earned $23,490. Job demand is on the rise, with a 6% increase expected between 2019 and 2029, which may be due to a growing population and an increase specifically in the number of seniors.

How to Become a Paramedic/EMT

To become an EMT, candidates need a high school diploma or GED credential. EMTs must earn CPR certification before enrolling in a postsecondary emergency medical technology program. These programs last 1-2 years and do not confer degrees.

Paramedics must complete additional training, which may require an associate degree in emergency care training.

How to Become an EMT in Texas – The Requirements

The Texas Health and Human Service website has provided a lot of information about obtaining your EMT certification in Texas. However, we feel they have provided too much information, and we think this can confuse you. We have done our research and summarized the essential factors you need to know about becoming an EMT in Texas. Here's everything you need to know in terms of the requirements –

1) You MUST be 18-years old before you can become fully licensed. Many EMT training programs have made this point clear by stating the following –

"You can apply for the program at 17; however, you cannot test and hold an NREMT and Texas EMS certification until age 18."

2) Have a high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is a requirement for many training programs too. As you explore our list of EMT training programs in Texas, you will notice many do REQUIRE a high school diploma or GED before you can apply to their programs.

3) Successfully complete a DSHS approved EMS training course. The top approved training programs are available here – on our list.

4) Submit a completed EMS Personnel Certification application and the fee. The initial cost of the application is $64.

5) Pass the National Registry exam. More information can be found here.

6) Submit fingerprints for Texas/FBI criminal history check.

Understand The Texas State EMT Examination

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is the governing body of all EMT's within the United States. The examination MUST be taken within 2-years of successfully completing the approved EMT training course in Texas. Pearson VUE is where you will be taking the Cognitive portion of the exam. The Psychomotor Exam is administered by a State EMS Office or at the training institution (with approval and oversight provided by the State EMS Office). A few important things to keep in mind –

1) If it's been more than two years since the candidate completed the EMT training program and still holds a valid EMT license in their state, then the candidate MUST show documentation they have successfully completed a state-approved EMT refresher course. Or, they can show 24 hours of equivalent continuing education topic hours within the past two years.

2) If the candidate is not currently state-licensed as an EMT and it's been more than two years since they completed the approved EMT course, then they MUST complete the state-approved EMT course again before applying for National Certification.

Let's explore the structure of the Cognitive and Psychomotor Exam.

Cognitive Exam

EMT Cognitive exam is an adaptive computer test (CAT). The number of items students can expect is between 70 – 120. There will be 60 – 110 live items that will count towards the final score. 10 pilot questions will be on the exam that will NOT affect the final exam score. You have 2-hours to complete the exam. If you have FAILED the exam first time around, you can restest 15-days after the last examination.

Candidates have six opportunities to PASS the EMT cognitive portion of the examination. However, after three attempts, the candidates MUST complete remedial training through a state-approved instructor. Only after remedial training will the candidate receive three additionals attempts to PASS the EMT cognitive examination. Please note that if a candidate fails all six attempts at PASSING the EMT cognitive exam, they will have to retake the entire EMT course.

Here is the percentage breakdown of the Cognitive portion –

Psychomotor Exam

This portion of the examination is NOT administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. This portion of the exam will be conducted by the State EMS Office or at a training institution (with approval and oversight provided by the State EMS Office). During the Psychomotor Exam, you will be demonstrating vital elements like patient assessment/management of a trauma patient, patient assessment/management of a medical patient, cardiac arrest management/AED, BVM ventilation of an apneic patient, long bone fracture immobilization, joint dislocation immobilization, traction splinting, bleeding control/shock management, upper airway adjuncts and suction, mouth-to-mouth ventilation with supplemental oxygen, and supplemental oxygen administration to a breathing patient.

Please visit the following to learn more about the –  Cognitive and Psychomotor exam modules.

The Texas EMT Recertification Process

As an Emergency Medical Technician, you will be required to recertify every two years. You can do this in two ways, either taking the cognitive examination or by completing continuing education. The complete recertification process can be found here – Emergency Medical Technician Recertification Information

Additional Resources Regarding License (Late Renewal, Inactive, Lapsed)

Renewing Late – If you are renewing your EMT license late and the application was NOT submitted by March 31, then you MUST pay $50.00 and submit by April 30^th. All continuing education requirements MUST be met by March 31.

Active or Inactive – When you are renewing, you WILL need to declare if your current license status is active or inactive. An active status means the person is currently working. Declaring you are inactive means you are NOT providing patient care. You can change to active status at any time once you have gained "active" affiliation with an EMS service

Lapsed Certification Status (0 – 24 months) – Your license is considered lapsed if you DO NOT meet the recertification requirements by the expiry date. If your certification is in lapsed status for less than two years, or you are currently licensed as an EMT, you can regain National EMS Certification by completing the cognitive and psychomotor examinations. If you fall into any two categories mentioned, please follow this process –

Obtain authorization to test and demonstrate proof of education requirements. The following are considered acceptable in terms of proof – complete state-approved EMT refresher course or complete an approved continuing education equal to the EMT Refresher. If the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) was licensed in an NCCP state, completion of the National Component meets the requirement

Lapsed Certification Status (2+ years) – You can gain re-entry into the National Registry if you complete the following –

A state-approved refresher course

The national component of the NCCP program or a state-administered practical examination.

The Cognitive Examination

Hold current BLS CPR certification

The Best EMT Programs in Texas (Overall)

RANK	SCHOOL NAME	RATING	MORE INFO	LOCATION
1	Texas EMS Academy	5/5	Read More	Corpus Christi, TX
2	Fire In Texas	5/5	Read More	Sulphur Springs, TX
3	San Jacinto College	4.8/5	Read More	Houston, TX
4	SCHERTZ EMT Training Academy	4.8/5	Read More	Schertz, TX
5	EMTS911	4.8/5	Read More	Carrollton, TX
6	EMERG Medical Training	4.7/5	Read More	Dallas, TX
7	RC Health Services Austin	4.7/5	Read More	Austin, TX
8	Bell County EMS Training	4.6/5	Read More	Killeen, TX
9	RC Health Services San Antonio	4.6/5	Read More	San Antonio, TX
10	RC Health Services Houston	4.5/5	Read More	Houston, TX
11	RC Health Services Dallas	4.5/5	Read More	Dallas, TX
12	National EMS Academy San Antonio	4.5/5	Read More	San Antonio, TX
13	National EMS Academy Austin	4.5/5	Read More	Austin, TX
14	Texas EMS School	4.5/5	Read More	Abilene, TX
15	San Antonio College	4.4/5	Read More	San Antonio, TX
16	Austin Community College	4.4/5	Read More	Austin, TX
17	El Paso Community College	4.4/5	Read More	El Paso, TX
18	Houston Community College	4.4/5	Read More	Houston, TX
19	EMTS Academy	4.4/5	Read More	Round Rock, TX
	Lone Star College	4.2/5	Read More	Houston, TX

Other Top EMT Programs In Texas

The training programs listed in this section are located in other cities throughout the state of Texas. We only included those programs that offer approved EMT training in Texas and will make you eligible to sit for the EMT examination after successful completion of their program. These training programs offer both in-class and clinical rotations meeting the requirements of the Texas Health and Human Services Department.

Take your time to explore each school, and we recommend contacting them to find out more about their training program.  Here are the BEST programs we have found for future EMT's.

1) Texas EMS Academy

Current Rating: 5/5

If you're looking to obtain your Texas EMT license, then this program is PERFECT for you. The Texas EMS Academy offers a 14-day and 30-day EMT training program designed to give you the knowledge and skills to receive your Texas state EMT certification. This program will be taught by EMS professionals who will help you prepare for the real-life challenges you will face as an emergency medical technician.

The program has been structured in a way that includes emergency simulations and local ambulance clinical hours. Texas EMS Academy does offer a student loan program and low-monthly payment plans. If you have a military ID, you are also eligible for a discount.

Admission Requirements:

High School Diploma, GED or official transcript (must have graduation date)

Complete list of shot records: MMR, Influenza, Varicella, Negative TB Test (within last six months), Tetanus (within last ten years)

Ten drug screening (included in price)

A state-level background check (included in price)

Program Tuition and Cost:

14-Day Course
The total cost of the course is $2,850.00

30-Day Course
The total cost of the course is $2,850.00

What's Included

State-level background check
Ten drug screening
Liability insurance
T-shirt for classroom instruction
Collared shirt for clinical
Textbook
CPR card

Address:

5262 S. Staples St. Ste. 115
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
361-299-5200

2) Emergency Medical Training EMTS911

Current Rating: 4.8/5

The Emergency Medical Training 911 is located approx. 29-min from Dallas. This training program is designed to help you get your EMT certification in Texas, and you will be eligible to sit for the EMT Texas state examination after successful completion. It's been structured in a way to provide classroom lectures, online homework, and skill labs to care for medical and trauma-related emergencies. Students will spend sessions in EMTS911's 4 ALS training ambulances, which will include obstacle course driving.

In total, each student will spend 58 hours of online lectures, 95 hours of classroom, and 72 hours of clinical rotations. If your interested in becoming an EMT in Texas, this training program is the PERFECT choice for you! It has constantly ranked in the top 10 EMT programs in Texas.

Admission Requirements:

18 years of age at the time course concludes.

High School Diploma or GED.

Under 18 years of age can take the class and become NREMT certified.  The graduate will not receive their Texas Department of State Health Services (TxDSHS) certificate (to work) until a high school diploma/GED is provided and turns 18 years of age.

Those convicted for any type of sexual assault may not become certified by TxDSHS, and all other criminal acts are reviewed by TXDSHS on a case by case basis.  Contact the school to speak with a program coordinator for assistance.

Computer or another viewing device with reliable internet service to view online lecture videos.

Criminal background check

Immunizations

Program Tuition and Cost:

$1525 (a minimum of 1/2 of the course fee is due at the time of registration to reserve a seat and is non-refundable.  The remaining balance is due the first night of class.) EMTS does accept the GI Bill.

Includes; course textbooks, classroom, lab and clinical fees, clinical polo, liability insurance $1m/5m, AHA BLS certification.

It does not include; immunizations, if not current, drug testing fee ($40), stethoscope ($15), and trauma shears ($5).  Upon completion of the course, students will be responsible for NREMT exam fees ($80), TxDSHS application ($64), and FACT criminal background for certification ($42).

Address:

3410 Midcourt Rd
Suite 136
Carrollton, TX 75006
(972) 527-3687

3) Training Division

Current Rating: 4.1/5

This EMT-BASIC program offered by the Training Division will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become an entry-level EMT in Texas. It meets all the requirements to be an EMT in Texas, and you will be eligible to sit for the state exam after successful completion of the training. This program does include in-class and hands-on sessions at their training center. Check out this review left by a RECENT graduate of the program –

"Dear TrainingDivision: Thank you for all your teaching. I just got a job in Rawlins, WY, as a Probationary Fire Apparatus Operator. They were impressed with my Firefighter I/II, HAZMAT A/O, and EMT-B certifications. All certifications have transferred. I have had the opportunity to work with each shift so far, and most are quite impressed with my hard work ethic, professional attitude, and knowledge of firefighting. They are looking for more people like this, so please pass this on to any other recruits who are self-motivated, willing to work with volunteer firefighters, and would love to live in a small city. Sincerely."

Admission Requirements:

18 years of age at the time course concludes.

High School Diploma or GED.

Criminal background check

Drug screening

Complete list of shot records: MMR, Influenza, Varicella, Negative TB Test (within last six months), Tetanus (within last ten years)

Program Tuition and Cost:

TOTAL COST: $1,285.00

Includes eBook, eWorkbook, Traditional Textbook (optional), 2 Polo Shirts for Skills Week and Clinical, ID Badge for Clinical, Clinical Set Up, Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen & Liability Insurance

Address:

10300 FM 1902
Crowley, TX. 76036
877-470-3473

4) Texas EMS School

Current Rating: 4.5/5

This EMT training has a rating of 4.5/5 and is one of the BEST EMT programs in Texas. The Texas EMS School has a program structured with online training, in-class, and clinical rotations. It will prepare you to apply for entry-level EMT jobs in Texas and even offers a payment plan to help you get started. Texas EMS School is part of Axxon Education, which has been approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services to offer an EMT-Basic course. You'll learn to report, bleeding Control/shock management, assessing the patient, opening the airway, and other topics you'll be tested on the state examination.

Once you have successfully PASSED the training, you will be eligible to sit for the EMT state examination in Texas.

Admission Requirements:

Complete an online application.

Be at least 18 years of age.

Be a high-school graduate or hold a GED or its equivalent.

Pass a criminal background check.

Students must have personal health insurance.

Program Tuition and Cost:

TOTAL COST: $1650.00

Cost includes:

Textbook

Platinum Planner

ID Badge

Clinical Rotation Fees

CPR Certification Course

Payment plan available. $100 discount for advance payment.

Address:

Texas EMS School
473 Cypress, Ste. 110
Abilene, Texas 79601
(866) 466-0911

5) Bell County EMS Training

Current Rating: 4.6/5

Bell County EMS Training is located in Killeen, Texas, approx. 1-hour away from Austin. It has a current rating of 4.6/5, making it one of the BEST EMT certification programs in Texas. The course will prepare you to become an emergency medical technician in the state of Texas. You will be learning in an in-class and clinical environment. They are able to set up a payment plan for you, but the deposit must be paid in full.

Please contact Bell County for additional information regarding their program – (254) 702-9919

Admission Requirements:

2MMRs on your shot records

tetanus (Td) within the last 10 years

3 Hepatitis B shots (it is a series)

a Varicella vaccine (or have had chickenpox)

a PPD within the last 90 days

Some clinical sites want a current flu shot on file.

An 11-panel drug screen will be required before starting clinical rotations.

a copy of High School Diploma or GED

*You do not have to have this done before classes start, but they must be complete before starting clinical.

Program Tuition and Cost:

The course will cost $1100.00.

We will need a $300.00 non-refundable deposit when you submit your application.

All applications must be submitted no later than the first day of class. The deposit will be applied to your tuition cost. You may pick up books once the deposit is made.

The cost of the books is included in the course cost. It is the "Preferred package" and includes the textbook, the E-workbook, and the Navigate test prep.

Address:

602 N. Gray Street
Killeen, TX 76541
(254) 702-9919

6) South Texas College

Current Rating: 4.0/5

South Texas College provides several EMT training programs giving you the opportunity to further your career. This is one of the BEST EMT training programs in Texas because of the comprehensive structure. For example, you will be in-class and in a clinical rotation setting learning the vital knowledge and skills required to perform as an emergency medical technician. After the successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the Texas EMT state examination. South Texas College offers the EMT Advanced program and paramedic program that you can enroll in after successful graduation from the EMT-Basic program.

Here is the course outline to get a better understanding of what to expect –

Admission Requirements:

Participate in the Prospective Student Information Session.

Be admitted to the college as a high school graduate or GED equivalent, except for dual credit students.

EMT-Basic Certificate TSI exempt.

Advanced EMT Certificate TSI exempt.

Paramedic Certificate or AAS Degree Option: Meet TSI College Readiness Standards or meet TSI exemption standards.

Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all courses completed at STC or, if currently a high school student, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on the high school transcript.

Be 18-years of age to be eligible for certification by the Texas Department of State and Health Services or National Registry.

Hold a valid Texas Driver's License or Texas ID.

Clinical/Practicum Requirements (Complio)

Pass a criminal background check, 10-panel drug screen, current CPR status, current accident/health insurance, and complete all required immunizations, including Hepatitis B series.

Submit a completed program application.

Meet the technical standards of the program.

Program Tuition and Cost:

Please view cost here – Estimated Tuition Cost

Address:

Pecan Campus
3201 W Pecan Blvd
McAllen, TX 78501
855-468-6782

7) Fire In Texas

Current Rating: 5/5

Fire in Texas is located in Sulphur Springs, which is an approx 1-hour drive from Dallas. However, many students DON'T mind the commute because they're attending a comprehensive EMT training course from a top academy. Fire in Texas has a current rating of 5/5 on Google and provides training in both the in-class and online format. The in-class training lasts 8-weeks, and online MUST be completed within 3-months. Both training programs have been accredited by Texas Health and Human Services. This training academy does fulfill all the requirements to be an EMT in Texas, and you will be eligible to sit for the EMT state Texas exam after successful completion of the program.

Admission Requirements:

Graduation from high school or completion of a General Education Degree (GED)

18 years of age

Shot Records

Physician's Release Statement

TB test

Drug Test

Started HEP – B series

Flu Vaccination

MMR

Varicella

T-DAP

Background Check

Program Tuition and Cost:

Traditional EMT Class (in the classroom) $1040.00 Onsite Schedule Classes for 8 Week

Online EMT Course $1000.00

Address:

1334 Sharon Ln,
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
888-347-3789

8) El Paso Community College

Current Rating: 4.4/5

The El Paso Community College provides a comprehensive EMT-BASIC program for anyone looking to get started in the medical profession. This program has both in-class and clinical modules that will prepare you for entry-level EMT jobs in Texas. This program has been accredited by the Texas Health and Human Services department. After successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Texas EMT state examination.

Admission Requirements:

The student must have a High School Diploma or GED.

Must be fully accepted by EPCC as an academic credit student. If applicable must complete the TSI Assessment tests

Background Check

Immunizations: Initial TB skin test, Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccinations (MMR), etc

Current CPR Certification

Drug Screening Clearance

Health Care Insurance (for clinical rotations)

Physical Exam

Program Tuition and Cost:

General State Tuition Applies to All Programs. View Tuition and Fee.

Address:

MDP Campus
10700 Gateway East, RM D-132
El Paso, TX
(915) 831-7079

Final Thoughts

When choosing an EMT training program in Texas, it's important you visit the school's website and read what they have to offer. Some training programs WILL have more to offer, like job assistance, financial assistance, longer hours in class, and more hours during the clinical rotations. However, the bottom line when choosing a program should be applying to a school that gives you the BEST chance of successfully PASSING the Texas EMT examination. We have done our BEST to give you the information we feel you need to know—for example, rating, program length, program description, and if they are an approved institution. You'll notice some programs offer a way for you to further your career through advanced programs like paramedic and EMT Advanced Level II training.

At this time, we hope that this guide provides you with the information you need to become an EMT in Texas. We hope this guide answers MOST of your questions and allows you to take the first step towards following your dreams.

Please help others find the information they need to start their career in nursing by sharing this guide. If you have any questions, we have a support community where you can POST questions for FREE and get the answers you need

Additional Resources

The Best 5.11 EMS Pants for Men And Women
How to Become an EMT in California – Requirements, Schools, Salary and More

How Long Does It Take To Get Emt Certified

Source: https://collegelearners.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-an-emt-in-texas-2/

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