EMT Training - Become an Emergency Medical Technician

EMT Training in Utah

This page will discuss what it means to be an emergency medical technician (EMT), how to become an EMT in Utah, the four levels of Utah EMT certification, and more. Scroll down for details about applying for the Utah EMT license and to learn each step in the Utah EMT training process.

 

Utah currently offers four levels of certification for EMTs and according to the National Registry of EMT (NREMT), there are 3,381 NREMT certified personnel in Utah.

Utah State Seal

 

EMS Levels Recognized in Utah

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
• Paramedic (EMT-P)

 

How to Become an EMT in Utah

The Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness (BEMSP) is the state agency that licenses and regulates Utah EMT certification. This includes all four of the Utah emergency medical services (EMS) levels listed above. The BEMSP is the lead agency in the Utah EMS system and establishes EMT training standards for Utah EMS personnel.

 

A Utah EMT will begin by taking EMT courses and then must pass the NREMT exams for certification. Next the candidate needs to apply for a Utah EMT license, which provides certification on a state level.

 

EMT School Utah 

Utah EMT training programs are offered throughout the State at a variety of locations for varying prices. You can find prices for different Utah EMT training schools at the link below by clicking on the school you are interested in. When signing up for a Utah EMT training program it’s important that it is BEMSP approved.

 

You can find a list of BEMSP approved Utah EMT training courses for all levels of EMT at: 

https://emslicense.utah.gov/lookup/training_courses/

EMR Training

Emergency medical responder training in Utah will teach students the skills and knowledge to competently perform lifesaving interventions while they wait for additional EMS to arrive.

 

EMRs are also capable of assisting more highly trained EMS personnel in the field. They are able to initiate rapid lifesaving care to critical patients and perform interventions that require minimal equipment.

 

EMT Training

Utah EMT training teaches students how to provide emergency care for sick and injured patients who access the Utah emergency medical system. Utah EMT training will teach students to use basic life support (BLS) to perform both medical and trauma related interventions on patients and provide transport when needed.

 

EMTs in Utah are part of EMS response, providing an important link from the scene to the health care system. Along with BLS, a Utah EMT is trained in patient assisted medication which allows:

– Aspirin

– Automatic Transport Ventilator

– Epinephrine by Auto-injector

– Nitroglycerine

– Oral Glucose

– Prescribed Inhaler

 

Emergency medical technician courses in Utah will be at least 120 hours long and will cover all EMR knowledge, skills and competencies. Utah EMT training classes will include observation time in the Emergency Department (ED) so the EMT can better understand ED operations and how to provide quality patient care.

 

During Utah EMT training, students will be expected to perform at least ten patient assessments while in the field. These patient assessments can be done in an ambulance, ED, doctor’s office, clinic or nursing home.

 

AEMT Training

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician training in Utah teaches students to perform both BLS and Advanced Life Support (ALS) skills. A Utah AEMT can provide emergency care and life saving interventions on a more advanced level than EMTs.

 

AEMT training will teach students to perform skills like establishing intravenous (IV) access, intraosseous access, and administering IV fluids. AEMT training also teaches students to insert a multi-lumen airway and perform tracheal-bronchial suctioning on intubated patients. 

 

Paramedic Training

Utah paramedic training is a longer and more intense program. Paramedic training will teach Utah students how to respond to emergencies using BLS and ALS skills. Paramedics are trained in advanced airway management, IV therapy, advanced cardiac life support and the use of defibrillators. Utah paramedic students will also be trained to administer many medications in the field.

 

Utah State Capitol Building SLC, Utah
State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City, UT

Utah EMR & EMT School – Requirements

EMR and EMT program requirements in Utah can be slightly different for each individual school. Here is a list of prerequisites many Utah EMR and EMT schools will require.

 

• Have a photo ID.

• EMR does not need to be at least 18 years old to attend school, but they will need to be 16 years old to obtain a license in Utah.

• Be at least 18 years old for EMT school. (Some Utah EMT schools only require the student to be 18 within 120 days of course completion.)

• Have no felony convictions.

• Be proficient in English (written and verbal).

• Have an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS-CPR for the Healthcare Provider or equivalent card. The American Red Cross – Professional Rescuer CPR card is also good. (Some schools will offer CPR class at the beginning of EMT training.)

• Proof of current immunizations or titers prior to interactions with patients (field internship, etc). This includes:

MMR
TDaP
HepB

• Provide proof of a negative TB test within the last 12 months.

• Obtain a Live Scan fingerprint based FBI criminal background check.

• Some schools will ask students to take and pass a 5 Drug Screen urine test.

• A blood pressure cuff and stethoscope will be needed for EMT class

• A watch with a second-hand will be needed for taking vitals during clinicals.

 

AEMT School Utah – Requirements

Utah advanced emergency medical technicians must meet all of the EMR and EMT school prerequisites listed above along with the following:

 

• Be an EMT by the first day of the AEMT Course. (Can be NREMT certification or a Utah EMT license.)

• Some schools may require applicant to show competence in EMT skills.

 

Paramedic School Utah – Requirements

Paramedic classes can be selective and competitive in many areas. Utah paramedic school applicants must meet all of the EMR, EMT and AEMT prerequisites listed above along with the following:

 

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a valid driver’s license.

• Have a current EMT or AEMT license.

• Provide letters of recommendation.

• May need to take Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology as prerequisites or co-requisites.

• Pass a Paramedic Entrance Exam.

• Complete and return a Paramedic Program Application.

• Some schools may require a Paramedic Interview for entrance into their program.

• Be able to comply with criminal background check requirements of UCA 26-8a-310 for certification as a paramedic in the state of Utah. Applicants cannot have any felony convictions or be on probation.

• Paramedic training programs that are at a college or University will often require applicants to provide proof of Math, English, and Reading comprehension. This can be done with transcripts, ACT scores, SAT scores, ALEKS, or by taking Accuplacer tests at the college.

• Have current vaccinations, including Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella. Utah paramedics may need Tdap vaccine to be done within one year of schooling. 

• Some Utah paramedic programs want applicants to provide proof of a physical exam by a healthcare provider. It must provide permission to participate in the paramedic program and be signed.

 

EMT Certification Utah

After completing a Utah EMT training program students become eligible to take both National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exams. The NREMT exams consist of a Cognitive exam (written) and a Psychomotor exam (practical). 

 

In Utah, changes have been made and all EMT certification levels are now required to pass the NREMT psychomotor exam. Once Utah EMT students pass both NREMT exams they become nationally certified as an EMT. For detailed information on both exams, check out our NREMT exams page.

 

NREMT EXAMS

The NREMT psychomotor exam is a hands on test that requires Utah EMT students to successfully perform scenarios and skills. EMR and EMT students in Utah will be introduced to the NREMT psychomotor exam by their EMT course coordinator towards the end of schooling.

 

The course coordinator will help Utah students set up a place and time for testing. 

 

AEMT and Paramedic students in Utah will be able to schedule their NREMT psychomotor exam through the National Registry of EMT. However, the AEMT and Paramedic psychomotor exam in Utah can be scheduled by the course coordinator and taken during the EMT training course.

 

If the Utah Paramedic or AEMT student misses the testing day at their EMT course, they will likely have to reschedule on their own using the NREMT website.

 

The NREMT Cognitive Exam 

After completing a Utah EMT training program students can set up a date to take the NREMT cognitive exam. Utah EMT students can create a profile on the National Registry of EMT website and set a date and time at the closest Pearson Vue testing center.

 

According to the Utah Department of Health website here are the available NREMT cognitive exam testing locations in Utah.

Pearson Vue Testing for NREMT Cognitive Exams in Utah:

 

Southwest Applied Technology College, Cedar City-UT

NREMT Pearson Professional Centers, Ogden-UT

NREMT Pearson Professional Centers,  (SLC) Draper-UT

Dixie College of Utah, St George-UT

NREMT Pearson Professional Centers, Bountiful (SLC)-UT

 

You will receive an an Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter with instructions to schedule to schedule your cognitive exam. Take this letter with you along with picture ID when you go to take the NREMT test.

 

The NREMT cognitive exams are a written test which is administer via computer. Utah EMT students will need to show competency and the ability to provide safe care in each section of testing.

 

For more details check out the new NREMT handbooks that were released in March of 2018. They are guidebooks to help EMT candidates get through the NREMT exams. I highly recommend checking out the handbook for your level of testing when you have the time.

 

Each EMT certification level has a different NREMT cognitive exam so it’s good to be familiar with the test you will be taking. 

 

The EMR cognitive exam is a computer adaptive test (CAT) with 80 – 110 questions that must be answered in 1 hour and 45 minutes or less. A CAT often feels more difficult than a pen and pencil test. It is able to adapt to the test questions based on your answers which is why candidates can finish the test by answering a different number of questions.

 

The EMT cognitive exam is also a CAT, but it has 70-120 questions, with a 2 hour time limit.

 

The AEMT cognitive exam is a Computer Based Linear Test (CBT) with 135 questions that must be answered within 2 hours and 15 minutes. A CBT is similar to taking a test with a pen and pencil as it allows the EMT student to skip questions, return to questions and change answers.

 

The NREMT Paramedic cognitive exam is a CAT with 80 – 150 questions that must be completed in 2 hours and 30 minutes or less.

 

After a Utah EMT passes both of the National Registry of EMT exams, the NREMT will send a patch along with their EMT certification.

 

Now that the EMT has finished Utah EMT training and earned National EMT certification, there is one more thing to do before they can work as an EMT in Utah. The next step is to apply for the Utah EMT license! 

 

Utah EMT License

After completing a Utah EMT training course and passing both NREMT exams, you are eligible to obtain a Utah EMT license. The Utah EMT license is required before an emergency medical technician of any level can begin working with patients in the State of Utah.

 

EMT candidates can apply for the Utah EMT license by meeting all of the state requirements and submitting an application. Filling out an application can be done online for all levels of EMT. Utah EMT license applicants will need to create an account at https://emslicense.utah.gov/Login and then follow the online instructions. 

 

For Utah EMT license applicants who want to contact the Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness (BEMSP), here is the contact information:   

Physical Address:
3760 S Highland Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 142004
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114

(801) 273-6666

If you have a simple question, I recommend contacting them on their BEMSP Facebook page which is linked at the bottom of their website. They answered my questions quickly via Facebook messenger. 

 

Utah EMT License Requirements

Candidates must meet the following requirements in order to receive their Utah EMR or Utah EMT license:

 

→ Applicants must be 16 years old to become a licensed Utah EMR. 

→ Utah EMT license applicants must be 18 years old to become a licensed Utah EMT.

→ Applicants for the Utah EMT license must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

→ Utah EMT license applicants will need to show a photo ID. 

→ Applicants must complete a BEMSP-approved EMT training program at the level of Utah EMT license they are applying for. (EMR, EMT, AEMT or Paramedic courses.)

→ A Utah EMT must submit a completed application to the BEMSP.

→ Applicants for a Utah EMT license must pay the fees. There is a $60 application fee and a $67 Fingerprint fee.

→ A Utah EMT must pass both the state approved NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.

→ Utah EMT license applicants must submit a statement from a healthcare provider confirming a negative TB skin test or equivalent Tuberculin exam done within the previous year.

→ Applicants for the Utah EMT license must submit fingerprints for a Live Scan FBI criminal background check. This is a requirement for all Utah licensed EMS personnel.

→ When applying for a Utah EMT license, you must have an AHA BLS-CPR for the Healthcare Provider or equivalent card. The American Red Cross Professional Rescuer CPR card is also ok.

 

Utah AEMT License

In order to apply for a Utah AEMT license, applicants must complete all of the requirements for EMTs and EMRs above along with the following prerequisite. 

  

→ An AEMT in Utah also must hold a current EMT license.

 

Utah Paramedic License

In order to apply for a Utah Paramedic license, applicants must complete all of the requirements for EMTs and EMRs above and must also do the following:

 

→ A Utah paramedic applicant must hold a current EMT or AEMT license.

→ Paramedic license applicants in Utah must submit an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card.

→ A Utah paramedic applicant must submit proof of Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Biking Jump in Utah National Park

 

EMT Physical Requirements

Often students are concerned about whether they will be able to successfully meet the EMT physical requirements of the job. There is sometimes a misconception that candidates must be very tall or very strong to succeed as a Utah EMT.

 

This simply isn’t true, there are many women, short men, skinny men, and people of all sizes who work well as emergency medical technicians.

 

The goal is for all EMTs to provide quality patient care, regardless of size or shape. The important thing is that you keep yourself physically fit and use the correct body mechanics when lifting and transferring patients. 

 

You don’t have to join a gym or “bulk up” to become an EMT.  Strengthening your upper body and legs through exercises at home can get you in shape for EMT training.

 

If you are worried that you may lack physical strength, I recommend doing online searches about proper body mechanics for moving and lifting patients.

 

Below are some basic EMT physical requirements you will be expected to do at most EMT jobs in Utah. 

 

• A Utah EMT is able to lift, balance, and carry up to 125 pounds, or 250 with a partner. (Usually on a stretcher or backboard.)

• An EMT in Utah is able to crouch, bend, kneel and crawl on normal or uneven terrain.

• A Utah EMT can work in extreme temperatures, dangerous environments, low light, and confined spaces. All while providing the highest quality patient care.

• An EMT in Utah can work well in high stress environments, often with flashing lights and loud noises.

• A Utah EMT can function efficiently throughout long work shifts while still providing quality patient care at all times.

 

What does a Utah EMT do?

 

What Does An EMT Do in Utah?

Utah EMT training will help prepare students to work in the field as an EMT. Utah EMTs learn basic knowledge and how to perform their duties, but it will take experience and more education to become great EMTs. Along with knowledge and experience, good EMTs can also benefit from having certain personality qualities.

 

Here are EMT skills that Utah emergency medical technicians will perform regularly in the field. 

 

→ EMTs will assess patients, provide emergency care to the critically ill and injured, and transport patients when appropriate. Utah EMTs will constantly reassess patients during transport and perform additional interventions as needed.

 

→ Communicate effectively with other healthcare workers. The Utah EMT must give verbal reports and take good written notes that will stay in the patient’s medical record. The EMT should use appropriate medical terminology when communicating with other healthcare professionals and while documenting patient care.

 

→ EMTs are trained to assess and treat both medical and trauma patients. A Utah EMT can control bleeding, manage respiratory distress, immobilize fractures, assist with childbirth, and treat cardiac events. 

 

→ While providing emergency care a Utah EMT can maintain the patient’s airway, apply oxygen, ventilate the patient, perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator if appropriate.

 

→ The ambulance is the domain of the Utah EMT. The EMT is responsible for checking all equipment and keeping the ambulance in operating condition. After each call they clean the equipment and restock all supplies as needed.

 

→ Being an EMT involves frequent moving, lifting and carrying of patients. The Utah EMT must use good body mechanics when transporting patients on and off the stretcher and when moving patients from one location to the next.

 

→ EMTs in Utah don’t just deal with the ambulance and patient care. If there are no law enforcement present, the EMT may need to get involved in traffic control to provide a safe environment for injured patients or passing vehicles. The Utah EMT may need to remove debris, place road flares and direct traffic to protect the injured or to protect other EMS treating patients.

 

Delicate Arch in Utah
The Delicate Arch at Arches National Park in Utah

 

Still not sure whether you should Become an EMT?

⇒ Check out 15 Reasons you should become an EMT now!

 

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