Obtaining EMT paramedic certifications means completing an education above and beyond that of a high school diploma. In fact, an associate’s degree is the closest comparable degree to the EMT certification. Many actually study far more, which means their certification is closer to a bachelor’s degree. Each state has its own rules and regulations and some local counties have even instated more rules for someone who wants to be accepted to EMT Paramedic training. This is why Stephen Varanko III recommends that people look into the requirements they have to meet specifically in their local area. That being said, the following checklist is generally correct across the board and therefore a good way of preparing yourself for the training.

Stephen Varanko III on an EMT Paramedic Training Checklist

Before you can be accepted onto an EMT training program, you are likely to have to meet the following specifications:

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. You must hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
3. You must have proof of all your immunizations and show that your varicella, mumps, measles, rubella, and tuberculosis vaccinations are up to date. In fact, your TB shots may be no older than six months by the time you start training.
4. You must complete the Hep C vaccination series. Some EMT courses allow you to indicate that you do not want to take part in that series, but this must be properly documented.
5. You must complete a college level course in English and math.
6. You must be able to pass a physical exam, or have completed one in the past 12 months.
7. You must provide proof of medical insurance.
8. You must pass a background check.

If you meet the above eight requirements, it is likely that you will be accepted to an EMT training courses. Locations that offer these courses include:

• Universities
• Colleges
• Hospitals
• Technical schools
• Firefighter training centers

Before you enrol in a paramedic school or EMT training program, Stephen Varanko III recommends that:

• You look at the reputation of the program and the qualification you will received.
• You look at how much the program costs, but you shouldn’t let this be the deciding factor in whether or not you should enrol. Financial aid is generally available.
• You find a program that prepares you for the NREMT examination and certification. This is the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and must be passed if you want to become licensed as a paramedic.
• You learn about the expectations of the training and its schedule.

Once you start your training, you must be fully committed to completing it and be consistent in your work. If you find that the schedules or routines are difficult for you to cope with, you should speak to a guidance counselor at your school as soon as possible so that they can find an appropriate solution. Once you become certified, you will embark in a challenging career that is both very rewarding and very difficult to manage. It takes a very special person to be able to do this job and if you believe that you are that special person, then you should go for it.