Due to the fact that EMT requirements are set at the state level, the requirements to become an EMT in Chicago are identical to the requirements to become an EMT in any city within Chicago. The requirements in Chicago are set by the IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health). So if you plan on being eligible to apply for various EMT jobs in Chicago, your first step is going to research EMT classes in Chicago and pick one that suits you best. You’ll want to consider a number of factors when picking an EMT class, and these generally include how close the location is to you, the price, and so forth. Once you have completed the EMT course, you’ll be eligible to take an exam which will determine whether you will become a certified Chicago EMT. Now, while most states use the NREMT exam, which is a standardized test, the state of Illinois administers their own exam (they are one of the few states who choose to not use the NREMT exam). Similar to most other states, there are three different levels of EMTs in Chicago. These levels include:
- EMT-B (EMT Basic)
- EMT-I (EMT Intermediate)
- Paramedic
You will have to start off at the EMT-B level, and once you have completed that level of training, you can decide whether you would like to pursue further training, such as EMT-I training, or paramedic training in Chicago.
First off, before registering for any EMT classes in Chicago, make sure that the course is accredited. In order
to find out whether a course is accredited by the state of Illinois, you should get in touch with your local EMT/EMS agency. There are a wide variety of EMT programs in Chicago, and finding one that fit your schedule should not be a problem. There are classes that are on weekdays during the morning, weekdays during the night, and even classes on weekends for those who have other commitments on weekdays. EMT programs in Chicago are often offered at vocational institutions, community colleges, and a few universities. Needless to say, the price of the programs will differ from one program to another, but in most cases, programs are below $1200. Keep in mind, this price is for 100+ hours of instruction, so it is well worth it.
When you have successfully finished your EMT training in Chicago, you will have to fill out the Illinois Department of Public Health Application in order to be eligible to take the EMT exam. Once you fill out the form and send it in (you should include any application fees required when mailing this in), the testing institution will send you a letter back that will allow you to take the EMT exam. You can take that letter to any testing location near you, and can then take the exam. Be sure to bring a government issued ID along with you.
If you pass the exam, you will receive your EMT certification in the mail within a few weeks, and can then begin applying for EMT jobs in Chicago. In most cases, it will take roughly a month to receive the results of your exam. Since this will only be your EMT-B certification, you will only be able to apply to EMT B jobs in Chicago until you pursue further training. As you gain some experience, you can decide whether you would like to pursue EMT-I training, and after that, if you would like to pursue paramedic training in Chicago!