There are very few schools within Connecticut that provide EMT Training. To become an EMT in Connecticut, students must complete EMT training in a state approved class or program. After completing training, students must the skills examination from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians to receive licensure or certification.
Each state sets its own requirements for EMT students. Here are the requirements for becoming an EMT in Connecticut:
- An EMT applicant must be 16+
- An EMT applicant must successfully complete a Department-approved Emergency Medical Technician program in Connecticut with a minimum of 150 hours (including written and practical examinations).
Topics covered in the EMT Training include:
- Cardiac arrest
- Inadequate airway
- Diabetes
- Burns
- Fractures
- Dislocations.
Students are also taught about legal features of EMS processes and roles and responsibilities such as driving ambulances and management of an accident scene.
Applicants under 18 will require parental consent before enrolling.
The EMT Examination Process.
Connecticut EMTs must complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination process. They must pass a standard written examination and a state-approved practical examination too.
The written exam is directed in a computerized format at centers throughout Connecticut. The candidate will need an NREMT exam. The National Registry will authorize you to take the exam after completing the EMT program and you have paid the fees.
The examination fee is approximately $100 and the fee is due each time the examination is attempted. Connecticut permits up to six attempts but will recommend a refresher course after the third attempt.
The practical skills test includes: trauma assessment, medical assessment, immobilization skills, spinal immobilization, cardiac arrest skills and bag valve mask. Candidates are permitted to re-sit the exams but it depends on how many tests you have failed. If the candidate fails more than three will need to retake the entire examination.
Out-of-state EMTs
A student who holds licensing in another state will need to provide verification. He or she will have to fill part of a form found on the Department of Public Health website, then forward it to the EMS office in the other state.
Out-of-state Emergency Medical Technicians can be approved in Connecticut on the basis of the following:
- Current NREMT certification
- Licensure in a state which is in line with Connecticut requirements.
- Licensure in any of these states: Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey or Vermont.
EMT Training Programs in Connecticut
- Capital Community College. Capital Community College is located in Hartford and offers various certificate options. The EMT Basic program is 160 hours long which is about a week only. This training covers issues such as trauma, patient assessment, airways, EMT operations, infants and children. In addition to that, students can major in emergency management response, paramedic, EMS instructor or fire science and can also receive a certificate or an associate’s degree.
Courses offered:
- EMT Basic Certificate
- Emergency Medical Services Instructor certificate
- Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic certificate
- EMT- Emergency Management Response Certificate.
The full EMT course at Capital Community College takes 2 years to complete.
- Goodwin College. Goodwin College is also located in Hartford and offers a certificate in the paramedic course. The paramedic course is a typical next step for most EMTs as applicants for the program must have a certificate for EMT Basic or EMT Intermediate. The certificate program takes 4 semesters to complete and it is 30 credits in length. The curriculum requires many EMT Paramedic courses, a field internship, a few clinical classes and also several anatomy and physiology courses. The coursework is in line with the requirements set by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s standards national paramedic curriculum.
Courses offered:
- Certificate in Paramedic- EMT. This course takes 4 years to complete.
- Fairfield University. The courses at Fairfield University are taught by officers from Fairfield University’s Department of Public Safety. Topics taught include cardio pulmonary resuscitation, safety at accident scenes and pediatric emergencies. You will also learn to provide pre-hospital care for emergencies such as respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies, head trauma etc. You will be trained in ambulance operations and dealing with dangerous materials
- Tunxis Community College. Tunxis Community College has partnered with Bristol Hospital EMS and together they offer an EMT Basic course that takes place twice a week in the evening hours and sometimes on Saturdays. The textbook, CPR manual and stethoscope are all inclusive of the fees. In addition to the class work, you will also gain hands on experience with Bristol EMS. Once you complete the EMT Basic training program and pass the certification test, you can earn EMT Advanced certification through another course also offered by Tunxis and Bristol EMS and which are coordinated by the college’s continuing education department.
Tuition and Fees per year.
Capital Community College.
$4,464 for Connecticut residents and $13,232 for out-of-state students.
Goodwin College.
$20,898 for all students.
Fairfield University.
$48,350 for all students.
Tunxis Community College.
$4,464 for Connecticut residents and $13,232 for out-of-state students
EMT Training Online – Connecticut
Online training is designed to enable students to work at their own pace. It also makes it easier for students who are parenting or working to fit studying into their schedule.
The Online EMT training prepares students for the NREMT written and practical examination. Students will be required to complete daily and weekly classes and attend weekly instructor led psycho-motor skills instruction needed to become an EMT.
- Access to online lectures for each required chapter
- Audio Book
- Flash cards
- Digital Textbooks
- Electronic homework assignments
- Electronic grade book
- Video based scenario simulations
- Forum to communicate with staff and other students.
The EMT Online Training comprises of:
There are some items that students are required to have in order to successfully complete Online training:
- A portable computer/laptop for the first day of class and the final written exam.
- A computer outside the classroom for assignments and online lectures.
- A good internet speed for you to be able to stream videos.
- A clinical uniform with these requirements: Black pants, polo type shirt, solid black non-permeable shoes, a digital watch and a small spiral bound notebook.
This is a 12 Week course that includes 4 hours per week of Skill Instruction.
EMT Training Course FAQs.
What tests do I need to take for certification? You’ll need to take the NREMT written and practical exam. The practical exam tests you on skills such as medical patient assessment and trauma.
How long do I have once I complete class to take the exams? We recommend you to take exams as soon as you graduate because the content is still fresh in your brain. Candidates have 2 years from course completion to get exams done.
Can I become an EMT if I have a disability? Yes, we provide accommodation for disabled program participants. You can receive extra time for testing and reasonable accommodation for skills can be provided upon request and approval from OEMS. Requests should be made to your program director.
Do you participate in any grant programs? Yes. Our program is approved by Workforce Alliance / American Job Centers.
How does payment work? When you register online you can choose to pay in full or to pay $200 deposit to hold a seat in the class. Deposits are usually non-refundable but may be transferred to another course date. The balance of your payment is due by the first day of class.
