License Requirements for EMT in Florida
The Florida Department of Health licenses Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), in Florida. License requirements for an EMT are based on education, training, a certification examination, and qualifying for the job in a professional manner.
Every step of the licensing process determines if someone is fit to become an EMT in Florida.
Florida-approved Education Programs
One of the first requirements to become an EMT in Florida is to complete an educational program. Most EMT programs, including the one at HCI College, can be completed in four months (one semester). The program covers the entire curriculum for becoming an EMT and gives hands-on training that is invaluable on the job. You learn everything that you need to know for working with patients as an EMT. You also learn important skills like decision-making, leadership, team work, and communication.
Medical knowledge plays an important role in your career as an EMT. An approved EMT program gives you a solid foundation of medical knowledge. You learn how to care for and treat patients, and how to work in the hospital system to bring emergency patients to the ER.
Certification Exam and Renewals
License requirements for EMTs in Florida involve two exams. You have to pass both of these exams to become an EMT. The first exam that you must pass is the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam. It is a national standardized test for qualifying as an EMT. You must also pass the Florida-approved practical examination. Passing both of these exams helps to meet your licensing requirements to work as an EMT in Florida.
Passing the exam once is how you start in this career field. However, you have to renew your certification every two years. That means taking refresher courses to learn what has changed in the field as an EMT and refresh your knowledge and skills.
Other Certifications
In addition to your training as an EMT, you must also become licensed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All EMTs must hold an American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuer card or an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider. If you have a different CPR certification, it has to be approved by the state of Florida. CPR is one of the foundational skills that all EMTs must know how to do, so the state requires it if you want to be licensed and able to work in the field.
