Becoming an EMT

Start your Career in Emergency Medicine

Becoming an EMT is a Process

There are a series of steps to follow in order to become a certified EMT. But all of them start with a drive to do it.

Step 1

Register for a Class

Classes are available from multiple providers. This includes Grady EMS Academy, Georgia EMS Academy, and RC Health Services. There are also plenty of others in other locations for out-of-state students.

Step 2

Get CPR BLS Certified

Some EMT programs will get you certified as you take them. However, there are others that require you to be certified to the BLS level before starting the class. Note that this is different than being CPR certified as a layman. If you take a class with EMSaT or Fire-Safety, you’re certified to this level.

Step 3

Pass the EMT Class

Successfully complete the EMT course that you’ve registered for, pass all of the course’s exams, and pass the course’s psychomotor (hands-on) exam.

Step 4

Pass the NREMT Exam

The National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) will administer a cognitive knowledge-based exam. Passing it requires a lot of hard work and studying, so don’t fret if you don’t do it on your first try! You can schedule one by following these instructions.

Step 5

Apply for a State License

To apply for a Georgia license after being certified by the National Registry, there are two steps you must complete: submit an online application and complete a fingerprinting/background investigation.

Step 6

Congratulations!

You’ve just become certified as an EMT in the state of Georgia! You can now start applying for jobs and join EMS at Tech’s operational branch.

Frequently asked.

I’m licensed in another state. Can I practice emergency medicine in Georgia?

Not quite! Each state has it’s own EMS licensing system, meaning being an EMT in New York doesn’t let you act as an EMT in Georgia. However, if you’ve taken the NREMT exam as part of becoming licensed in your state and still have an active NREMT license, then you can use that to apply for a Georgia EMT license.

How much does it cost?

Programs can admittedly be expensive. For instance, Grady EMS Academy charges approximately $1,800. Having said that, certain programs will allow you to take the class for low/no cost, if you promise to work for a certain agency for a few years. Grady EMS does so, as do many volunteer fire departments.

What type of opportunities exist for EMTs?

There are a ton!

We have an entire presentation on this for members, but the opportunities are truly endless: 911 ambulance, interfacility transport, helicopter EMS, event EMS, search and rescue, firefighting, tactical EMS, ski patrol, park ranger, lifeguard…

If there’s something you’re interested in, there’s probably an EMS career you can make out of it.

So, now what?

You know what it takes and you have all the steps. Now it’s time to take the first one. Sign up for an EMT class today! Still have questions? Contact EMS at Tech to learn more about becoming an EMT or joining the organization.

Contact EMS at Tech