EMT Online Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose EMT Utah over other programs?
EMT Utah is the largest EMT training program in the state of Utah and has been training emergency medical professionals for over 10 years. Being a large program has afforded us the opportunity to teach thousands of EMT students over the past decade and has provided our instructors with unparalleled teaching experience. Despite serving so many students each year, you can still expect the attentiveness and care from each of our instructors and administrative staff that you would receive from a smaller program. We have several full-time administrative staff members who are available to answer your questions and who are dedicated to being advocates for each of our students. All of our instructors and course coordinators are state-endorsed EMS educators and current or retired professionals in the field of emergency medicine with a broad range of backgrounds including fire departments and ambulance services, flight medicine, rural EMS, hospitals and clinics, and much more. Two of our instructors are available throughout the online and in-person portions of the course to answer questions and provide remedial training, and they will go out of their way to help you reach your goal of becoming an EMT.
How much does the program cost and why is the online EMT program so much more expensive than the traditional EMT program?
The online EMT course is $2250, including online classroom access, eBook access, a 70-hour in-person skills boot camp including lunch and snacks, a 15-hour live Zoom lecture series, two EMT Utah t-shirts, and a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. This program is more expensive than the traditional EMT courses because it utilizes a more advanced (and therefore more expensive) online classroom for the didactic portion of the course. In addition, the skills boot camp is generally held in groups of 12 or fewer students with a higher ratio of instructors to students than our traditional course, and we provide meals and snacks while on campus during the boot camp week. The online EMT tuition also includes both the textbook and the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, which are not included in the tuition for the traditional in-person EMT course. There are also additional certification fees that will be paid to NREMT ($104) and Utah BEMS ($110.25) after the course begins.
How do I obtain the supplies included in tuition?
You will receive a code to access your eBook and the online course within three business days of registration. If you would like a physical copy of the textbook, you may purchase one for $125 and then call us to arrange pick-up or shipping (shipping costs will be an additional fee). Your t-shirts, blood pressure cuff, and stethoscope will be provided to you on the first day of boot camp.
Does EMT Utah accept FAFSA, federal financial aid, or the GI Bill?
EMT Utah is a privately owned company and is not federally funded. This means we are not eligible to accept any Department of Education federal financial aid or the GI Bill. This also means we are not eligible to provide 1098-T tax forms.
Do you offer financial aid, tuition assistance, or payment plans?
EMT Utah does not offer in-house financial aid, tuition assistance, or payment plans. All tuition is required to be paid by the first day of class. However, the Department of Workforce Services offers tuition assistance programs for certain individuals that meet their qualifications and we encourage students to look into that option if they cannot afford the program. Additionally, many employers have tuition reimbursement programs, so it is always a good idea to check with your employer, as well.
How long does it take to complete the program?
This course consists of 35+ required hours of online instruction and content plus a 15-hour live Zoom lecture series and a 70-hour, in-person skills boot camp. The online portion of the course can be completed as quickly as you desire, but must be completed within nine months of registration. Most students take 3-4 months to complete the online portion. The Zoom lecture portion will be held in three 5-hour evening sessions the week before the in-person boot camp. The in-person skills boot camp is completed in seven 10-hour days. Boot camp weeks are scheduled every other month and must be completed after all online coursework is done. You must attend one full, dedicated boot camp week in its entirety and cannot mix and match days from multiple boot camps.
Can I take this course if I do not live in Utah?
Yes! Our online course is set up in such a way that you may complete the online portion anywhere that you have access to a computer and internet. The only part that is held in person is the required week-long boot camp at one of our campuses. Once you complete our course and pass the NREMT cognitive exam, you will receive a Utah EMT certification and will be eligible to submit an application for reciprocity with whichever state you are planning to work in. For more information on what’s required for reciprocity, visit the EMS website for your state.
After taking this course, could I work as an EMT in another state?
Utah utilizes the National Registry of EMTs for their certification exams and therefore all new EMTs in Utah must receive an NREMT certification. Most other states also recognize the NREMT and have set processes for reciprocity for those who have an NREMT certification. Before you start practicing in another state, contact that state’s EMS office to go through the process of reciprocity and get certified in that state.
Where is the skills boot camp held?
At this time, we will be holding all skills boot camps at our Murray, Utah campus, located at 302 W 5400 S, Murray, UT 84107.
Are the online quizzes, modules, and final required?
Yes, you must complete the entirety of the online course (including interactive lectures) before you are permitted to attend the skills boot camp and you must receive 80% or better on all EMT Utah chapter quizzes and the final exam.
What are the requirements to pass this course?
In order to pass the online EMT program and be eligible to take the NREMT cognitive exam, you must complete all of the online modules/lessons, pass the online EMT Utah chapter quizzes and final exam with a score of 80% or better, and then complete the full boot camp, including passing off all of your skills. You must attend every day of the boot camp and are not permitted to miss any hours, as Utah requires that you attend all live hours in order to pass the course. Following the boot camp, you must turn in 100 patient assessments (these will be explained and demonstrated during your boot camp week). You must also demonstrate professionalism and the ability to work effectively on a team as an EMT in the field.
If I start the online program, but then decide I’d rather take the course in-person, can I switch?
We handle these requests on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to our office to discuss your situation if you are in this position.
If I start the program and don’t like it, can I get a refund?
Once you redeem your online access code, there is no way for us to de-activate it and give it to another student, so therefore you are responsible for the $750 deposit that is paid upon registration.
Is this course approved by NREMT and Utah BEMS?
Yes! Our program is state-approved and prepares you to take the NREMT cognitive exam to gain national and state certification. The state of Utah requires all new EMTs to become NREMT certified in order to gain state certification.
What is the dress code for boot camp?
When you arrive, you will receive two EMT Utah t-shirts. You will be required to wear your t-shirt, long pants, and closed-toed shoes throughout the boot camp week.
If I have a criminal record, am I still eligible to take this course?
The state of Utah has some criminal background restrictions on eligibility to certify as an EMT. As part of the certification process, you will be required to undergo a criminal background check, and if you are found to have any charges on your record that are contained in Utah Admin. Code R426-5-3200, you will not be eligible for certification and licensure. However, regardless of whether you are eligible to certify, anyone is welcome to take our course just for the information.
What is the testing process like for EMT?
There are two tests that EMT students must complete: the cognitive exam and the psychomotor exam. The psychomotor exam will be administered by your Course Coordinator on the final day of your skills boot camp. Once you complete the boot camp and turn in all required documentation, your Course Coordinator will send a letter of recommendation to the Program Director, who will then send it on to EMT Utah’s Medical Director. Once it has been signed by the Medical Director, the Program Director will submit Course Completion approval for you on your NREMT account and send the letter on to the state EMS office (BEMS). Once BEMS completes their skills verification approval on your NREMT account, you will receive an email from NREMT notifying you that you have received authorization to test, including instructions to schedule your cognitive exam. This process of authorization to test usually takes 2-3 weeks from the final documentation due date provided to you during your skills boot camp. Typically, you will have completed all requirements and be eligible to test within 30 days of the last day of your skills boot camp.