How long does it take to get started after completing the EMT course?

[Snake Doctor]

Hi, how long does it usually take? I will be done with the course in mid March... how long does it take to get everything process and officially start working as an EMT?

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[emttim]

Hi, how long does it usually take? I will be done with the course in mid March... how long does it take to get everything process and officially start working as an EMT?

Takes 1-2 months after you finish the course to get the NREMT-B test done, depending on how slow or fast the geniuses at National Registry go; plan on them going slow. After that, it completely depends as far as how long to find a job....depends on the job market in your area, how many people applying for the open jobs have experience (since they'll have preference to employers over you), etc. I'd say assume 3-6 months to be safe.

 

[Snake Doctor]

Thanks!

 

[jlittlej]

Get all the necessary state and national paperwork in as soon as possible. People from my class who passed the national registry and had their paperwork in early got their state licenses anywhere from three to 12 weeks after finishing clinicals and the exam. Just remember with a government bureaucracy, if anything can go wrong or be delayed, it may well.

My file got lost on someone's desk in the state office and was complete for three weeks before I called and a nice lady realized what had happened.

As for employment, my experience has been that for the private transport services, apply and they'll be offering you the job that afternoon. For the EMS 911 services around here, they have testing dates a number of times a year and there's sometimes a significant delay between testing and an employment start date. For either of these types of jobs, there may be a mini-academy that lasts M-F 8-5 for a couple weeks, so be cognizant of that if you're taking college classes at the same time.

 

[TarHeelEMT]

It depends on where you are and who you're trying to work with. Count on a month or two for processing your exam and getting the certification to you.

It took me six months to get onto a volunteer rescue squad in town, because we have a ridiculous surplus of EMTs around here. That said, a lot of convalescent ambulance services will offer you a job the moment you have your certification.

 

[NPEMTIV]

Hi, how long does it usually take? I will be done with the course in mid March... how long does it take to get everything process and officially start working as an EMT?

It really depends on your state. If the state accepts NREMT only as a license then it shouldn't take long. I know in TN you have to apply for a state license after you get your NREMT so that took forever! Some places will let you work even if you don't have your card, but the number is approved and available online. See your employer or agency about their policies.

 

[MichiganEMTInt]

Like the above post stated...depends on where you are.

As an example (I did my basic and specialist (intermediate 1985 curriculum) in Michigan.)

Basic took ~3 months for the training, I took the NREMT exams right after, and had a job with a private ambulance company in less than a year (because I am a full time undergrad, etc)

Specialist took ~2.5 months for training, NREMT in less than a year, still employed by same private co., looking for other jobs (maybe in rescue?)

Good luck!

 

[foxmedic108]

i also did my training in michigan where i am now a medic and it really didn't take long at all to get started. even my medic training went quickly. that only took a total of 9 months and then i had to wait a month to take my national registry tests. in less than a year i was a medic.

 

[MacBook]

I think you'll need to be more clear as to where you are located in order to get a good answer. Out here once you have finished and passed your EMT program you have to pass provincial exams. Once thats done you're good to go to find a position on an ambulance service.