Being an EMT in GeorgiBecoming an emergency medical technician in Georgia is not something that you can simply walk off the street and do but it is something that is very achievable if you are willing to put your mind to it. By the time that you have read this article you could be well on the way to deciding that it is time for a career as an EMT.
For starters, one must meet the following requirements in order to enrol in EMT training in Georgia:
- Must be 18 years old
- Must have a high school diploma/GED
- Must be certified in CPR
- Some programs will require individuals to pass a criminal background check/drug test
Finding and being accepted into a school is the first step that you will need to take if you are serious about pursuing this career path. Depending on the type of school you will gain either a certificate or an associates degree.
- To become a licensed EMT in Georgia you will need to complete 124 hours of course work.
- To become an intermediate EMT you will need to finish 176 hours of course work.
- To become a top level EMT/Paramedic you will need to finish 504 hours of course work.
This can be a pretty intensive course where you will be expected to learn about anatomy and
physiology, psychiatric emergencies and trauma as well as respiratory, cardiovascular neonatal and pediatric emergencies. Additionally, you will learn about how to respond to medical emergencies and patient trauma.
In addition to this you, will also have clinical assignments. These assignments are designed to give you some real work experience and will normally take place in hospitals or ambulances or in some cases you may be offered experience in both.
Once you have completed your education process, you will then need to finish out your EMT training with the process of becoming licensed by the state to operate as an EMT.
All states have various requirements for licensing, but most states nowadays work with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, which has created and administers the NREMT exam (a standardized test) that you must pass in order to become a licensed EMT in Georgia.
The state of Georgia stipulates that all licensed EMT’s must go through refresher training of 40 hours of EMT training every 24 months in order to maintain their state licensing.
Other Information:
Georgia EMT Procedures, Forms, Applications, and Other Documents
Georgia NREMT Exam Test Center Locator
Georgia Emergency Medical Services
2600 Skyland Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30319
phone: 404-679-0547
fax: 404-679-0526
e-mail: phemsinfo@dhr.state.ga.us