In Alabama, you will find around 20 schools that provide EMT Training, each with their own set of requirements and a variety of courses provided. These schools provide a number of similar courses such as; EMT Basic, EMT Advanced and Paramedic training. Students can acquire EMT certificates, Advanced EMT certificates, Paramedic certificates or a Paramedic associate’s degree. On completion of the programs outlined above, graduates are able to acquire certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This certification is a necessary requirement in order to be able to work as an EMT in Alabama.
Apart from classroom learning, students are also able to gain hands on and lab experiences. Internships are also available for students as part of the learning process and to gain further experience as an EMT. Usually, courses can be completed in less than a year, however, there may be some students who are either working or have other responsibilities and they can therefore be privileged to attend evening classes or timings that are suitable to them.
EMT Certification in Alabama:
- EMT certification is granted through the NREMT which is a non-governmental organization that registers EMTs from all over the world. However, certification can only be granted if EMT Training has successfully been completed. This requires the candidate to have completed both classroom learning and practical skills too.
- Upon receiving National Certification, EMTs can then apply for a state license.
- The EMT program must have been completed just two years or less before applying for certification and must meet specific standards.
Requirements for EMT Certification in Alabama:
- Candidates are required to fill in an application form that proves that they are aware of state regulations and they will adhere to those rules and regulations.
- Candidates must have a clear criminal record.
- The candidate has to be 18 years at least within a year of completing the EMT Basic course.
- A current CPR card.
EMT Schools in Alabama.
Bevill State Community College. Bevill State Community College is located in Sumiton. At this college, students have various options; – an EMT certificate course, advanced EMT certificate, a Paramedic certificate and a Paramedic associate’s degree. The EMT Certificate program provides the student with theory and lab courses.
The Paramedic certificate and Paramedic associate’s degree program extends over topics in patient assessment and management, paramedic leadership and trauma management skills.
Gadsden State Community College. Located in Gadsden, and provides 3 EMT programs. Gadsden State Community College offers the EMT Basic program, an advanced EMT Certificate and a Paramedic’s associate’s degree. Depending on the students’ pace, the EMT Basic program can be completed in only one semester while the advanced EMT course and Paramedic associate’s degree takes up to four semesters.
George C. Wallace Community College. Located in Dothan, Alabama. This college offers 4 EMT programs; the EMT certificate and Advanced certificate program which include two courses. The Paramedic certificate program and associate’s degree program. The Paramedic programs include, paramedic operations and cardiology.
George C. Wallace Community College – Hanceville. This college provides a variety of EMT programs for students. The EMT Certificate and Advanced EMT both of which are one semester long. These two EMT programs include two courses that a student must complete. The Paramedic Certificate program which can be completed in three semesters and the Paramedic associate’s degree which can be completed in five semesters. These Paramedic courses include field experiences.
James H. Faulkner State Community College. Located in Bay Minette and offers four different EMT courses. Students can achieve an EMT Certificate and an EMT Advanced Certificate. The Paramedic Certificate program and the associate’s degree program can be completed in four semesters altogether. Paramedic programs require students to complete a number of different courses including theory, lab work, and pharmacology and trauma management.
Jefferson State Community College. Jefferson State Community College has campuses in Birmingham and Hoover and each offers three EMT programs. The EMT Certificate program is on semester long while the advanced EMT certificate program requires students to complete a second semester for additional training. Students interested in advancing to a Paramedic training are required to apply for the associate’s program offered by the school.
John C. Calhoun State Community College. Located in Tanner, offers four EMT programs. The EMT certificate and Advanced certificate programs which can be completed in evening classes or daytime classes. For the Paramedic Certificate program and associate’s degree program, students are required to hold licensure before applying.
Lawson State Community College. Located in Birmingham and offers the EMT certificate program. The program includes three courses; EMT theory, lab lessons and decision making skills are covered as well.
Southern Union State Community College. Offers four EMT courses at Opelika campus. The EMT certificate program which has to be completed in order to take the EMT Advanced course. The Paramedic course and associate’s degree program take up to five semesters. Students are also required to complete a month of paramedic coursework and clinical experiences.
University of South Alabama. Located in Mobile. Offers students a chance to achieve certificates in all three EMT courses; EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate and EMT Advanced. Students also have an opportunity to achieve a bachelor’s degree in EMS.
- Alabama Fire College – Tuscaloosa, AL
- Coastal Alabama Community College – Bay Minette, AL
- Columbia Southern University – Orange Beach, AL
- Enterprise State Community College – Enterprise, AL
- Fortis College – Mobile, AL
- H. Council Trenholm State Community College – Montgomery, AL
- Herzing University- Birmingham – Birmingham, AL
- Northeast Alabama Community College
- Northwest- Shoals Community College – Muscle Shoals, AL
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College – Phenix City, AL
Tuition and Fees for EMT courses in Alabama Schools.
College. | In-state | Out-of-state |
Bevill State Community College | $5,086 | $9,214 |
Gadsden State Community College | $3,840 | $7,056 |
George C. Wallace Community College- Dothan | $4,680 | $8,550 |
George C. Wallace Community College- Hanceville | $4,740 | $8,610 |
James H. Faulkner State Community College | $4,740 | $8,610 |
Jefferson State Community College | $4,800 | $8,670 |
John C. Calhoun Community College | $4,820 | $8,690 |
Lawson State Community College | $4,740 | $8,610 |
Southern Union State Community College | $4,440 | $8,310 |
University of South Alabama | $8,396 | $16,292 |
EMT Online Training – Alabama
Online training is a learning method designed to enable students to work at their own pace and flexibility. It is a great help for students who are working or parenting during the week.
How does it work?
There are 3 parts of the online training. There’s a didactic/informative portion, the hands-on skills portion and clinical rotations.
The didactic portion: Gives students 6 months from the time they begin to complete all aspects of this course. It is the theory part and students are required to complete 140 hours of didactic portion online.
The hands-on skill days: There are usually 2 days out of the six months used for skills practice and at least one day for the National Registry Skills Testing. These dates are usually given in advance in order to accommodate all students’ schedules.
Clinical Rotations: These are provided by several major hospitals across the state of Alabama and throughout the United States. Students will complete 48 hours of EMS with at least 6 emergency patient transports and 24 hours of Emergency Department time.
FAQs
What education do I need to become an EMT? You need a high school diploma and formal emergency training.
How long does an EMT course take? Three weeks usually, however, some students have busy schedules therefore for them, these courses may take approximately 10 weeks to complete.
May I enroll in the EMT program as a non-credit student? No, students who wish to enroll in the EMT program are required to submit an application to the University’s admission office and be formally accepted as a credit seeking student.
What can I do with an EMT certification? Successfully complete an approved EMT course and pass the NREMT exam.