How to Prepare for EMT Class

Understanding the EMT Role

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a crucial role in providing frontline medical care in emergency situations. As an EMT, you'll be responsible for assessing patients, providing life-saving interventions, and transporting patients to medical facilities. This demanding yet rewarding career requires a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, which you'll gain through your EMT class.

Choosing Your EMT Class

The very first step to becoming an EMT — and often one of the most crucial — is choosing the right class to attend. The number one reason students struggle to pass their NREMT exam is inadequate preparation from a poor EMT class.

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing your class. Since COVID, many schools have begun offering online and accelerated EMT courses. While this may seem convenient, be aware of the potential downsides. Learning your course material well enough to pass your class, your national exam, and be a competent medical provider is no small undertaking. Unless you have a tremendous amount of time available for self-learning and research, stick with an in-person, semester-length EMT course if you can. It gives you the ability to actually absorb the material as you learn it and ask questions for clarification on the many complex topics you'll face.

Familiarize Yourself with Medical Terminology

Having a basic understanding of medical terminology can significantly reduce the stress of — and enhance — your learning process in an EMT class. Terms related to anatomy, physiology, and common medical conditions are used constantly in course materials and practical training. Going into your EMT class without knowing these terms is like going to another country and only understanding half the language — it greatly diminishes your ability to absorb already-complex material.

If possible, take a medical terminology course before your EMT course (many schools require it anyway if you plan on pursuing your paramedic certification). Another great option is your school textbook — if you can, get access to it before class and make flashcards of the key terms. If neither is viable, study EMT medical terminology flashcards made by other EMTs on Quizlet, or use a quiz app like NREMT Tutoring. Even a little familiarity here goes a long way.

Podcasts and Other Students/Providers

Emergency medicine is constantly evolving, with new protocols and guidelines introduced regularly. Staying current on developments and protocols will help you pass your EMT class and become the best medical provider possible for your patients. Find EMT/EMS podcasts you enjoy and make them part of your regular content consumption. Joining a local volunteer fire department or other EMS-related volunteer programs is another great way to make connections and get familiar with the environment.

Mentally Prepare for Challenges

Many students underestimate the quantity and complexity of material they'll need to learn, and the time they'll need to dedicate to class, studying, and ride-alongs/clinicals. This is another reason to avoid online or accelerated classes in most cases. Having the right outlook and expectations going in makes all the difference.

Understand you may have little to no time outside of class for its duration — especially if new concepts take you more time or effort than other students. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed, especially the first few weeks; that's completely normal. Many students don't feel confident with the material until near the end of, or even after, class. Stay focused on learning the current week's material thoroughly, one week at a time, and eventually all the pieces will fall together.

Utilize Available Resources

Finally, take advantage of the resources available during your training — reach out to instructors for clarification on difficult topics, participate in study groups, and use online forums for EMT students. Don't be afraid to ask questions in class; another student is likely wondering the same thing, and you need to learn the content correctly to pass your NREMT exam.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to succeed in your EMT class and start a fulfilling career in emergency medical services. Enjoy the process, and good luck on your EMS journey!