There are several steps to becoming a certified EMT in the state of Oregon. You must complete an approved EMT training program. As an EMT, you will be providing patients will vital care while being transported to emergency care facilities. During this time, an EMT will be assessing the patient, administering medications, providing life support such as CPR. Before becoming a certified EMT you must apply and pass a basic training course and pass the NREMT exam. This is an exam that is given by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. There are application and processing fees that are required for registering for the exam.
In order to enroll in an EMT training course in Oregon, you must meet the following requirements
- Have a driver’s licenses
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Required to be at least 18 years of age
As far as the levels of EMT training, there are three different levels in Oregon, which is similar to most other states.
Basic EMT training will cover between 40 – 48 lecture hours as well as up to 36 hours of lab work. During this time, trainees will be taught how use the necessary tools as well as learning basic medical terminology. You will also learn how to asses patients quickly. An EMT must be CPR certified. Once a trainee has completed the necessary courses, then they are eligible to take the NREMT exam that has a fee of $70.
The intermediate courses may be taken after completing the basic. The intermediate course requires that you complete 78 lecture hours and 54 lab hours as well as 8 hours of clinical work. During this course, you will learn to administer IV medications, and different cardiac arrest situations and other emergency situations. The fee for the NREMT exam at this level is $75. Once you have completed the basic or intermediate courses you are eligible to be certified as an EMT in Oregon.
The last level of EMT is paramedic. You must complete both the basic and intermediate level courses as well as coursework that consist of crisis
intervention, emergency communications, and human anatomy. The fee for the exam at the EMT Paramedic level is $200.
The salary of an EMT is based on the different levels of experience and education as well as the location of the employee. Salaries in the state of Oregon average from $43,000 to roughly $50,000 and will often include benefits.
All EMTs are trained in handling many different situations. Many of these situations may place you in a position of high stress and quick decision making, but with the right training you will learn to care for your patients with compassion and confidence.