Are you considering becoming an EMT in Arizona? This guide will walk you through the steps required by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma. Arizona EMT training begins with choosing and completing an EMT program. Next, candidates must pass the National Registry of EMT (NREMT) exams to receive national certification. Finally candidates can apply for an Arizona EMT license which certifies them to work as an EMT in the state of Arizona. Scroll down to find detailed information about each step in the Arizona EMT training process.
This page also discusses prerequisites for Arizona licensure along with Arizona EMS scope of practice skills for all levels of emergency medical technician.
Arizona EMS License Levels
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- EMT Intermediate-99 (Arizona certified only)
- Paramedic
How to Become an EMT in Arizona
While navigating Arizona’s EMS and Trauma System website you will notice they frequently use the abbreviation EMCT. They refer to EMCT certification where other EMS sites would use the term EMT certification.
What is an EMCT?
EMCT stands for Emergency Medical Care Technician.
All levels of EMS are considered EMCTs. So paramedics, AEMTs and EMTs are all considered EMCTs by the Arizona EMS and Trauma System website.
You can find information for EMCTs in the section for EMS providers at The Arizona Department of Heath Services website under the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System section.
The Bureau promotes improvements in Arizona EMT professional’s education and research. They are responsible for handling and maintaining the Arizona EMS and trauma systems. According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Arizona has around 12,007 nationally registered EMS personnel in the state.
Volunteering in Arizona
The state of Arizona Bureau of Emergency Medical Services encourages EMTs and other healthcare professionals to register as a volunteer in advance of an emergency situation. This allows them to rapidly mobilize EMTs during an actual emergency.
However, they are also interested in any “non-health community volunteer willing to be on-call to support Arizona in the event of a disaster.” This means you can register as a volunteer now, even if you don’t have any medical certifications. Then, after becoming an Arizona EMT you can upgrade your volunteer status from a “General Volunteer” to join the local “Medical Reserve Corps Units.”
Anyone interested in registering can go to the Arizona website here and begin the online volunteer registration.
Arizona will use their volunteers during disasters and declared emergency events. Joining the local Medical Reserve Corps Unit also gives volunteers the opportunity for special training and preparedness activities.
I highly recommend residents of Arizona to check out this volunteering opportunity. You don’t need medical experience and they only call you during disasters and state emergencies. Having a data base of volunteers helps Arizona EMS be prepared and handle situations in a more organized manner.
EMT Schools in Arizona
Arizona EMT training begins by finding a good training program. Keep in mind that paramedic programs need to be CAAHEP/CoAEMSP accredited. A good EMT program will prepare graduates to manage airways, control bleeding, treat burns and respond to emergency situations. Arizona EMT students will also learn how to provide life-saving care and give transport to the sick and injured.
Arizona EMT training programs will also teach graduates to complete patient care assessments, take a SAMPLE history, and use signs and symptoms to choose the correct patient care interventions.
Some common calls an Arizona EMT may have to respond to are motor vehicle accidents, cardiac events, emergency childbirth, bleeding and shock, gunshot wounds, slip and falls, along with many other medical and traumatic situations.
EMT school in Arizona will require students to complete a classroom portion along with clinical rotations. After completing an Arizona EMT program, students become eligible to take the NREMT exams.
Prerequisites EMT School: Arizona
Arizona EMT schools may have a list of requirements for admission. Not all schools have the same prerequisites, but here is a list of common requirements.
- Must be at least 18 years old at the start of EMT courses in Arizona.
- EMT courses in Arizona require a High School diploma or GED.
- Arizona EMT schools require a government-issued photo ID.
- An Arizona EMT may need to submit the Verification of Lawful Presence Form to prove U.S. citizenship.
- Some EMT courses in Arizona will want a background check with fingerprint clearance.
- Emt courses in Arizona will require a negative drug test.
- Proof of personal health insurance will be required from Arizona EMT students during the training program.
- An Arizona EMT may have to complete COMPASS, ASSET, SAT or other placement testing.