Preparing for an EMT Career: Steps for High School Students

Whether you dream of becoming an EMT or are simply curious about the role, starting your journey in high school can be both exciting and challenging. Before you jump into training, it's important to understand the requirements and steps involved to ensure you are fully prepared for the long-term commitment of an EMT career.

Understanding the Timeline

It's crucial to know that while you can start learning the basics as a high school student, the official training process begins after you turn 18. Until then, focus on building a strong foundation in related subjects and gaining practical experience.

Basic Medical Skills and Anatomy

A strong understanding of basic medical skills and anatomy is the first step. Familiarize yourself with CPR, basic first aid, and learn about anatomy, including the major bones, heart structure, and how the body functions during emergencies. You can use textbooks or online resources to gain this knowledge.

Essential Courses for Future EMTs

Take advanced classes that will help you build a strong foundation for future training. Consider enrolling in:

Health Science classes Medical terminology First Aid and CPR courses Biology, including anatomy and physiology Physics and chemistry Psychology Language arts, particularly for writing medical reports

In addition to academic courses, focus on physical fitness, especially for developing good lifting habits and reducing the risk of career-ending back injuries. Regular exercise, such as running at least three to five miles twice a week, can be incredibly beneficial.

Practical Experience and Resources

Gain practical experience by getting involved in school and community organizations that can provide hands-on opportunities:

Join or help start a Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapter Check if your local fire department or ambulance company has an explorer post Seek out local search and rescue organizations that can accept minors Explore civil air patrol as a potential resource

Starting Official EMT Training

Once you turn 16, consider signing up for EMT courses offered by your local community college or fire department. These courses may be night classes or weekend classes, making it easier to balance with high school responsibilities. You may need parental permission or school approval.

Civilian Offerings and Military Preparation

While EMT training is not typically available through JROTC programs, if you're interested in a career in healthcare, JROTC can still be beneficial as it provides guidance and motivation. However, joining the military does require passing the Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). To prepare, you might take CPR and EMT courses if they are offered as sophomore options, and engage in regular physical training.

Building a strong foundation in both civilian and military environments can greatly enhance your chances of success in an EMT career. Remember, the commitment to this path is significant, but the rewards can be invaluable for those who choose to pursue it.