EMT training online can be convenient for those with time constraints. However, if this type of training is accepted in your state, you will have to arrange your hands-on clinical hours with local ambulance services and hospital emergency rooms. These hours will require an appropriate supervisor that will sign an agreement with your training program provider.
State Training Regulations
States that will approve online training are:
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Nevada (except Clark County)
Some other states will approve EMT training online only for yearly continuing education, and it is usually mandatory for your employer or base hospital to approve the curriculum.
There are a few states that do not accept any online or self paced credits such as:
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Alabama
Pitfalls of EMT Online Training
It’s very important that you know your states requirements for your EMT certification. There are a lot of online programs that may seem convenient, but they may neglect to inform you that the curriculum is not acceptable in your state. Don’t sign up for an online program until you check with the authorities in your location and are certain your online credits will be acceptable.
There are some important drawbacks to taking these types of classes online. The most obvious is that you won’t have one on one time with the instructor. Though you can converse via internet, Skype, or phone, it is just not the same.
During regular class discussions and demonstrations you can ask questions and receive immediate feedback, while with online classes or self paced books you may have to wait for a conversation to discuss a question you may have forgotten by then.
In online EMT programs you also miss out on brainstorming with other students, and learning from others mistakes and successes. Group study sessions also enhance learning and may be hard to set up with online learners.
In order to be successful with EMT online classes you must be disciplined, organized, and a self-starter.
Most classes provided in standard classroom settings allow for hands on practice of the concepts learned on mannequins and other students. Equipment for practice is also readily available. Online learning may require you to wait until the book portion is complete before actual hands-on practice begins. Being able to have immediate hands-on practice of concepts you have learned from books and discussions is invaluable for learning retention.
EMT Online Training for CEUs
All but four states will allow online classes for CEUs necessary for renewing your EMT certification each year. Some will also let you take online classes to upgrade your current certification. More advanced training may include intubation and advanced respiratory care, IV therapy and hydration, advanced cardiac life support, and administration of emergency medications.
Today’s online world is full of scams that advertise classes that have no accreditation whatsoever. Beware of this fact and ask your certifying authority about any classes’ acceptability before enrolling.
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