ETA EMT courses use a hybrid approach to EMT training. Our institute is licensed by the PA Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, and follows the National EMS Education Standards. Unlike traditional courses, which require up to 200 hours of in-class learning, our hybrid EMT course is designed for students to learn the majority of the material—the “book work”—online. Students then watch a series of skills videos and practice skills on their own. Finally, students attend in-person skills sessions for 2 to 3 days.
This program provides students the necessary skills to function as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). EMTs traditionally provide emergency medical care with local ambulance companies or college EMS units. An EMT can function as a volunteer or choose EMS as a career. Many of our students use EMS as a means to obtain patient contact hours for medical school or a Physician’s Assistant program. Upon successful completion of our hybrid EMT training program, students will be eligible to complete the National certification exams to become a Nationally Registered (NREMT) and PA certified EMT.
ETA recognizes that people have very busy schedules and may not be able to commit to sitting in a classroom 6–10 hours or more per week. So we’ve made it easy. Now you can limit the number of days you must be in class to as few as 2 ½ in-person class sessions through our hybrid/online EMT program. The remainder of the course is completed online. We provide all the tools and material you need to learn the core content online, at a time that works best for you. You will first learn the “book work” and then watch a series of videos to learn and practice the skills. After practicing certain skills at home, and submitting the required coursework, you will attend a few in-person sessions to practice with equipment otherwise not available and to review and fine-tune the practical skills necessary to function as an EMT. This format has been proven successful and is a great alternative to a traditional classroom setting, providing you have time management skills and the desire to learn. This format, however, is not for everyone. If you learn best in a traditional classroom setting, rather than independent learning, our course may not be your best choice.
Due to the structure of the course and relatively few in-person hours, students are not permitted to miss ANY in-person skills hours. Please look at the schedule to ensure you are able to attend all in-class sessions.
The current tuition is $1650 for the basic eBook package. This cost includes the eBook and all online material. Interactive Lectures are available for an additional $175 fee. Please note that access to the eBook requires an internet connection. Students must also purchase a few supplies including a stethoscope and BP cuff prior to attending the in-person skills session. A list of supplies will be provided. The total cost is generally $60–$75. ETA does not require additional attire such as a uniform, work boots, work pants, etc.
Upon successful completion of the EMT course, students will be eligible to complete the state/national certification process. Students must complete a state psychomotor (skills) exam as well as the NREMT cognitive exam. Passing both exams will result in both NREMT and PA EMT certification. The state psychomotor exams are offered through Regional EMS Councils throughout the Commonwealth on various dates. The NREMT cognitive exam is offered at PearsonVue testing centers throughout the nation. The cost for the NREMT cognitive exam is $104 payable directly to NREMT when scheduling the exam.
The course is 16–20 weeks in length. Because this is a hybrid course, we only require students to attend approximately 20 hours of in-person time, while completing the remainder of the program online. Our online program provides chapter quizzes, flashcards, games, and a midterm. In addition, our instructors help you learn the material. In addition, our hybrid program comes with a suggested course schedule, although flexibility is extended. The “book” work takes approximately 120 hours to complete and the at-home skills component takes another 30–40 hours.
Topics include: Preparatory, Patient Assessment, Medical Emergencies, Traumatic Injuries, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Patients with Special Challenges, Operations, Ambulance Operations, Rescue Operations, and Terrorism and Disaster Management.
Proof of professional CPR certification is a prerequisite for all EMT classes. Prior to the first in-person skills session, students must possess a professional-level CPR certification recognized by the PA DOH Bureau of EMS, demonstrating successful completion of a CPR class with a minimum of 6 months remaining prior to expiration. If you are not certified, please check our class schedule for a list of upcoming CPR classes.
Students must acknowledge that they may be required to undergo a state registration application and disclose any positive criminal history. A positive history will not prevent acceptance into the course, however, it may impact one’s ability to obtain state certification. Authorization for certification is solely at the discretion of the PA DOH Bureau of EMS.