the emt-b certification process
The following sections provide a brief overview of the process of becoming EMT-certified in the state of California as well as some frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions or your question is not answered here, please e-mail us or attend any of our events and we would be glad to assist you.
Contents:
1. how do I become an emt-b?
1. Complete an AHA BLS CPR course. See below for more details.
2. Complete an accredited EMT course.
3. Pass the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
4. Get a Live Scan background check.
5. Get your Medical Examination Report from a certified medical examiner.
6. Apply for San Diego County EMT certification (county affiliation).
7. Pass the Ambulance Driver's License (ADL) test at the DMV.
8. You may now apply for EMT positions.
2. Where can i get cpr-certified?
Click this link to find training centers near you
Important: Make sure you receive you certification through the American Heart Association (AHA). Most courses will not accept American Red Cross (ARC) CPR certification. Also make sure your course is aimed toward health professionals.
3. Where can i take an EMT course?
EMT courses in San Diego:
https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/careers/emt-schools
EMT courses in Los Angeles:
http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhs/206551_ApprovedEMTPrograms.pdf
EMT courses in San Francisco:
The fastest EMT course in the USA (to our knowledge):
4. What is the NREMT?
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is an agency that certifies pre-hospital providers. It administers a national standardized test that one must pass in order to become EMT-certified. The test must be taken at specialized testing centers or online, and usually consists of 70-120 questions.
For more information regarding the material covered in the NREMT and where to take the NREMT:
https://www.emt-national-training.com/nremt
A live scan is a method of taking ink-less fingerprints, which are digitalized and transmitted directly to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ then checks the fingerprints against known criminal history records.
UCSD Human Resources offers live scans, but requires an appointment in advance.
Find a live scan location near you:
5. What is a live scan?
6. What is a medical examination report?
A physical examination must be conducted by a medical examiner associated with the Department of Transportation (DOT). The examiner must be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. Please note that not all physicians are licensed medical examiners.
7. how do i acquire an ambulance driver's license?
First, make an appointment with your local DMV. The Ambulance Driver's License (ADL) test is purely a written test. You will not be physically driving an ambulance to get your ADL. The DMV website recommends buying the handbook to study for the test. However, we recommend using free on-line resources instead.
The following is a useful reference:
https://quizlet.com/174355878/california-ambulance-drivers-license-flash-cards/
8. What can I do with my license and where can i work?
If you are taking a gap year or are able to make a full-time commitment, we recommend applying to American Medical Response (AMR) or Falck Ambulance. These companies respond to the majority of the 911 calls in San Diego. We do not recommend applying here if you are looking for part-time work. Part-time work is extremely unpredictable in the 911 system, and you could be wait-listed for a part-time position for as long as two to six months.
There are many other ambulance companies in San Diego that are eager to hire part-time EMTs, such as Care Ambulance, Express Ambulance, San Diego Ambulance and MaxCare Ambulance. However, keep in mind that while these companies do run some emergency calls, the vast majority of the calls involve pre-scheduled dialysis transports and Inter-facility transports. Our group consists of student EMTs with a broad range of working experience. If you would like advice on choosing a company, we will be happy to help.