How to Become an EMT in Indiana

The path to becoming a firefighter at Portage Fire Department requires a solid foundation in emergency medical training. To equip aspiring firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge, obtaining an EMT Basic certification is a prerequisite. Here’s a quick guide on how to become an EMT Basic in Indiana and the contact information for local EMT programs.

What is an EMT Basic?

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a vital role in pre-hospital emergency care. They’re trained to provide basic medical support in emergency situations, ensuring that patients receive essential treatment before reaching a hospital.

Affordable & Flexible: Jumpstart Your EMT Career

Choosing a career as an EMT doesn’t just promise rewarding experiences; it also offers an accessible entry point. The cost of embarking on this journey is surprisingly affordable, making it an attractive choice for many aspiring medical professionals. Cost to become an EMT typically doesn’t exceed over $2000 making it a reasonable cost of entry into the medical field. 2024 starting EMT salary at Portage fire is $62,069.99.

Additionally, the path to certification can be swift. Some courses are as short as 5 months, allowing you to start making a difference in a relatively short time frame.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, various institutions offer flexible class timings. Whether you’re a daytime learner or need evening classes due to other commitments, there are options tailored to fit your schedule, ensuring that your dream of becoming an EMT is always within reach.

A grant for Indiana residents to obtain your EMT certification to consider:

The Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant covers the cost for qualified students to get their EMT certification for free via Ivy Tech Community College. for more information on that program check out EMT Certification Courses: How to Become an EMT in Indiana | Next Level Jobs

Steps to Become an EMT Basic in Indiana:

  1. Meet the Basic Requirements:
    • Must be at least 18 years old.
    • Possess a high school diploma or GED.
    • Have a valid driver’s license.
  2. Complete an Indiana State-Approved EMT Basic Course: This program typically lasts 150-170 hours and covers emergency care methods, patient assessment, and emergency medical procedures.
  3. Clinical Practice: As part of your training, you’ll need to complete clinical practice hours, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in the field.
  4. Pass the National Registry Exam: After completing your course, you will need to pass the Indiana EMT-Basic cognitive and psychomotor examinations. (for more information about the National Registry click here)
  5. Apply for Certification: Once you pass the state exam, apply for certification through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s EMS Certification Section.
  6. Maintain Certification: Your EMT Basic certification is valid for two years. To recertify, you must complete the required continuing education hours or retake the EMT exam.

EMT Programs in Indiana:

  1. MAAC Training Facility
    • Location: 4203 Montdale Park Drive
      Valparaiso, IN 46383 United State
    • Contact: 219-510-9111
    • Website: Click here for all the upcoming classes at the MAAC https://maacfoundation.org/all-classes/
  2. St. Mary’s Medical Center EMS academy
    • Contact: 219-947-6875
    • Email contact: Heather.a.howell@comhs.org
  3. IVY Tech Valparaiso
    • Location: 3100 Ivy Tech Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383
    • Contact: Gale Hawkins gfranklin2@ivytech.edu Or Yvonne Rodriguez yrodriguez32@ivytech.edu
    • Website: Course Search (collegescheduler.com
  4. Superior Ambulance
    • Location: Highland
    • contact Terry Johnson at tejohnson@superiorambulance.com
  5. Franciscan Alliance
    • Location: Crown Point
    • contact: emsacademy@franciscanalliance.org
  6. Methodist Hospitals
  7. New Castle Career Center

Becoming an EMT Basic is a rewarding and essential step towards a fulfilling career in firefighting. The skills and experiences you’ll gain during your EMT training will prepare you for the dynamic challenges of emergency response. If you have questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact the institutions above or our department directly. There are other programs throughout the state. These are the programs that wanted to actively be listed on our page.

For more information on becoming an EMT in the state of Indiana please visit https://www.in.gov/dhs/training/ems-training/

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