EMT Course Informationgmwebservices2026-09-28T14:55:54-04:00
Thinking About Becoming an EMT?
Start Your EMT Training with SIEMT
Emergency Medical Technicians are often among the first healthcare professionals to reach someone during an emergency. The work calls for practical skills, good judgment, clear communication, and the ability to stay focused when it matters most.
SIEMT has been training EMTs and emergency service professionals since 1976, helping students build the skills and confidence needed to begin a career in emergency medical services.
EMT training is a starting point for many careers in emergency medical services, healthcare, fire service, public safety, and related fields.
As an EMT, you may respond to medical emergencies, accidents, injuries, and other situations where someone needs immediate care. You will learn how to assess patients, provide basic emergency treatment, communicate with other healthcare professionals, and help transport patients safely for additional care.
It can be demanding work, but for people who want a hands-on career helping others, becoming an EMT can be an important first step.
What Does an EMT Do?
An EMT’s role begins with assessing what is happening and determining what care a patient needs before and during transport.
Depending on the situation and the EMS agency, responsibilities may include:
Assess Patients
Evaluate a patient’s condition, identify immediate medical needs, take vital signs, and watch for changes.
Provide Emergency Care
Use approved Basic Life Support techniques and equipment to provide care for illnesses, injuries, and other medical emergencies.
Communicate & Document
Speak with patients and family members, communicate important information to other healthcare providers, and accurately document the care provided.
Prepare Patients for Transport
Assist with moving, lifting, positioning, and safely transporting patients to an appropriate medical facility.
What Will I Learn in EMT Training?
SIEMT’s EMT Basic program follows the New York State Department of Health EMT curriculum and combines classroom education with clinical and practical training.
Students develop the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond to real-world medical emergencies, including areas such as:
The goal is not simply to learn information for an exam. Students practice applying what they learn so they are better prepared to respond when someone needs help.
Hands-On Experience Is Part of the Training
Learning emergency medicine takes more than sitting in a classroom.
SIEMT EMT Basic students complete classroom and clinical training along with a 16-hour field internship on an ambulance, arranged by SIEMT. This gives students an opportunity to see how EMS professionals work in the field and connect classroom instruction with actual patient care.
What’s Included with SIEMT EMT Basic?
SIEMT provides students with many of the materials and resources they will use throughout the program.
Current EMT Basic course materials include:
- CPR certification card
- EMT textbook
- Blood pressure cuff
- Pen light
- Oxygen wrench
- SIEMT golf shirt
- Access to online protocols
- Online lecture materials
- 16-hour ambulance field internship arranged by SIEMT
Course inclusions are based on the current EMT Basic program and may be updated as course requirements change.
New York EMT Certification Requirements
Completing an EMT course is part of the process of becoming a New York State certified EMT.
Under current New York State requirements, an EMT candidate must:
- Be at least 17 years old by the last day of the month in which the EMT course is completed
- Complete a New York State-approved EMT course
- Successfully complete the required practical skills evaluation
- Pass the cognitive certification examination approved by the New York State Department of Health
- Meet the other eligibility requirements established by New York State
Current regulations give students up to two years after the course end date to complete the required practical skills evaluation and cognitive examination.
What Happens After I Finish My EMT Course?
Once you have successfully completed your course requirements, the certification process continues with the required New York State testing.
1. Complete Your EMT Course
Finish the required classroom, practical, clinical, and field components of your program.
2. Complete the Required Skills Evaluation
Students must demonstrate the practical skills required for EMT certification.
3. Receive Authorization to Test
After the end of the course, eligible students receive an Authorization to Test from New York State’s testing provider.
4. Schedule Your Cognitive Exam
New York State EMS certification examinations are administered by computer. EMT candidates may schedule testing at an approved testing center, and EMT students currently have a live remote proctoring option as well.
5. Receive Your NYS EMT Certification
After successfully completing the required certification process and meeting New York State eligibility requirements, you can receive your New York State EMT certification.
