EMT Certification Courses: How to Become an EMT in Indiana
Becoming an EMT in Indiana can be a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. If you’re interested in learning about or starting a career as an EMT, we’ll break down the certification and courses you’ll need, as well as provide you with information on how you can qualify to earn your basic EMT certification for free!
What is EMT certification?
EMT certification is required in order to become an Emergency Medical Technician. To get EMT certification in Indiana, you must take an EMT course with a state-approved program and then sit for the NREMT exam. There are two main sections to this test: cognitive and psychomotor. In both sections, you will be tested on your knowledge and skills as it pertains to the material you learned in class.
How to get your EMT Certification
As previously mentioned, to become an EMT in Indiana, you must enroll in a state-approved program. Many of these programs take approximately 120 hours to complete and run for around 17 weeks. This includes classroom time as well as clinical rotations which will allow you to practice your skills on the job under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Once completed, you will take a psychomotor (practical) exam with an individual instructor and a cognitive (written) exam, the EMT NREMT Cognitive Exam.
EMT Certification Costs
The cost of EMT certification in Indiana can vary based on the program you enroll in. If you want to become an EMT quickly and learn through hands-on experience, many schools offer programs that run for about $1,500 and can be completed in 3-4 months.
The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant covers the cost for qualified students to get their EMT certification for free via Ivy Tech Community College.
What can you do with basic EMT certification?
With your EMT certification, you can work as a first responder in emergency situations. You will be able to assess the situation and provide the initial care before transferring the patient to a higher level of medical care.
You can drive an ambulance or other type of emergency vehicle. In some cases, you may need to transport individuals who have been injured or are in need of surgical care.
You can also work as a first aid instructor or trainer, teaching others how to properly respond to medical emergencies. You will be able to teach individuals how to perform CPR on victims who have sustained cardiac arrest and may provide other life-saving skills for those who require immediate attention due to injury.
How long does EMT certification last?
EMT certification lasts for two years. If you want to stay certified, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education courses during this time period. This is usually accomplished by attending one training seminar every year.
EMT Certification Programs
There are a variety of EMT certification programs offered throughout the state of Indiana. It’s important to select one that is state-approved. One of the most popular programs is done through Ivy Tech Community College.
Tuition-Free EMT Certification
Qualified applicants who want to pursue their EMT certification at Ivy Tech Community College can do so for free through the Workforce Ready Grant Program.
This certificate is based on the training program developed by the Department of Transportation and the Emergency Medical Services Commission of Indiana. It covers theories, techniques and operational aspects of pre-hospital emergency care within the scope and responsibility of the emergency medical technician (EMT). It requires laboratory practice and clinical observation in a hospital emergency room and ambulance.
For more information about the program, visit Ivy Tech’s Paramedic Science homepage.
How long does it take to get EMT certification?
The EMT certification program takes approximately 3 months to complete and includes 360 hours of clinical experience and 400 internship hours of hands-on experience in actual patient care settings.
EMT Certification Classes
EMT certification classes are a combination of lectures, demonstrations, in-class skill practice and clinical rotations. You’ll learn theories, techniques and operational aspects of pre-hospital emergency care.
Jobs with EMT Certification
Once you receive your EMT certification in Indiana, you can work as an EMT for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, hospitals, nursing homes, industrial sites, sports arenas and more.
Where can I work with EMT Certification?
EMT certification is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in addition to Indiana’s state registry. This means that your skills are recognized across state lines in all areas where EMTs are needed.
EMT Responsibilities and Duties
The responsibilities and duties of an EMT include:
- Providing care for people who are sick, injured or experiencing a medical emergency.
- Administering CPR and other basic life support skills to patients whose hearts have stopped or who aren’t breathing.
- Providing basic care and transporting to definitive care to the sick and injured in non-emergency situations.
- Carrying out medical instructions provided by a physician via two-way radio.
- Assisting physicians during examinations and treatments.
- Providing emotional support to patients and their family members.
The tasks that an EMT performs on the job may include:
- Patient assessment administration of CPR, oxygen, trauma care or other necessary first aid
- Moving patients to appropriate facilities for further treatment
- Utilizing stretchers, backboards and other means of immobilizing patients during transport
- Operating ambulance equipment Monitoring vital signs of patients, such as pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate
- Performing patient follow-up activities after transportation
- Providing pre-hospital care to patients during transportation between medical facilities
Basic EMT Certification Salary Range
As of January 2022, the average EMT salary range in Indiana is between $32,789 and $41,309.
Why become an EMT?
EMTs play a critical role in the healthcare system, saving lives and helping people get back to their normal routines. If you’re passionate about pre-hospital emergency care, EMT certification is an excellent way to pay for your education while receiving potentially life-saving training.
