EMT courses can help you learn patient assessment, airway management, trauma care, and emergency response protocols. You can build skills in effective communication with patients and healthcare teams, critical thinking in high-pressure situations, and the use of medical equipment like defibrillators and oxygen delivery systems. Many courses also cover the use of software for patient documentation and reporting, ensuring you can efficiently manage information during emergency calls and provide accurate data to healthcare facilities.

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Patient Evaluation, Airway Management, Trauma Care, Emergency and Intensive Care, Medical History Documentation, Patient Communication, Child Health, Childbirth, Automated External Defibrillator, Medical Terminology, Health Assessment, Maternal Health, Patient Advocacy, Basic Patient Care, Respiratory Care, Neurology, Medication Administration, Cardiology, Pharmacology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Emergency Medical Services, Patient Evaluation, Medical History Documentation, Patient Communication, Medical Terminology, Health Assessment, Basic Patient Care, Clinical Assessment, Emergency Medicine, Patient Positioning, Occupational Health, Anatomy, Health Systems, Technical Communication, Personal protective equipment, Stress Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Emotional Intelligence, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Patient Communication, Self-Awareness, Patient-centered Care, Resilience, Professional Development, Health And Wellness Coaching, Application Design, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Content Management, Digital Design, User Centered Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Trauma Care, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Patient Evaluation, Triage, Clinical Assessment, First Aid, Patient Transport, Wound Care, Vital Signs, Physiology, Anatomy
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Patient Communication, Patient Evaluation, Emergency Medical Services, Patient Education And Counseling, Basic Patient Care, Care Management, Clinical Assessment, Triage, Emergency Response
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Patient Evaluation, Pharmacology, Airway Management, Cardiology, Medication Administration, Medical Emergency, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medicine, Respiratory Care, Neurology, Critical Care, Health Assessment, Mental Status Examination, Vital Signs, Anatomy, Physiology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Medical History Documentation, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Electronic Medical Record System, Medical Records, Endocrinology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Orthopedics, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Neurology, Gynecology, Urology, Hematology, Anatomy, Immunology, Diagnostic Tests, Patient Treatment, Physiology, Communication
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Emergency and Intensive Care, Medical Emergency, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medicine, Life Support, First Aid, Patient Advocacy, Acute Care, Mental and Behavioral Health, Nephrology, Airway Management, Pharmacology, Patient-centered Care, Patient Evaluation, Cardiology, Pharmacotherapy, Clinical Assessment, Physiology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Phlebotomy, Blood Collection, Sterilization, Urinalysis, Patient Communication, Medical Terminology, Patient-centered Care, Nutrition Education, Infection Control, Asepsis, Pathology, Basic Patient Care, Patient Education And Counseling, Vital Signs, Geriatrics, Hand Hygiene, Electocardiography, Anatomy, Pediatrics, Patient Evaluation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

MedCerts
Skills you'll gain: Medication Therapy Management, Medical Privacy, Pharmacology, Asepsis, Pharmacy, Drug Interaction, Medication Administration, Patient-centered Care, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacist Assistance, Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, Patient Communication, Patient Education And Counseling, Intravenous Therapy, Healthcare Ethics, Sterile Procedure, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Pharmacy Operations, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Infectious Diseases
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Active Listening, Emergency Response, Trauma Care, Psychological Evaluations, Interpersonal Communications, Personal Care, Mental Health, Stress Management, Patient Referral
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Respiration, Respiratory Care, Pulmonology, Pain Management, Physiology, Health Assessment, Cardiology, Thermal Management, Neurology, Patient Evaluation, Anatomy, Clinical Assessment
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing immediate medical care in emergency situations. They are often the first responders to accidents, medical emergencies, and disasters, ensuring that patients receive timely assistance. The importance of EMTs lies in their ability to stabilize patients, administer life-saving interventions, and transport them safely to medical facilities. Their training equips them with the skills necessary to assess patients' conditions quickly and make critical decisions under pressure.‎
A career in EMT can lead to various job opportunities within the emergency medical services sector. Common positions include EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic, each requiring different levels of training and certification. EMTs can work for ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, and even in industrial settings. Additionally, experienced EMTs may advance to supervisory roles or specialize in areas such as critical care transport or tactical medicine, providing a pathway for career growth.‎
To succeed in the EMT field, you'll need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include patient assessment, basic life support techniques, and knowledge of medical equipment. Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, physical stamina and the ability to work in high-stress environments are crucial. Training programs often emphasize these skills, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the demands of the job.‎
If you're looking to enhance your EMT knowledge, several online courses can help you get started. The EMT Foundations course provides a comprehensive introduction to the skills and knowledge required for EMTs. For those preparing for certification, the Prepare for the EMT Certification Test course offers valuable insights and practice materials. Additionally, the Become an EMT Specialization is designed to guide you through the entire learning process, from foundational skills to advanced techniques.‎
Yes. You can start learning EMT on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in EMT, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning EMT involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Start by enrolling in an online course that covers the fundamentals of emergency medical care. Engage in hands-on training through simulations or clinical experiences, which are often part of certification programs. Additionally, consider joining study groups or forums to connect with peers and share resources. Regular practice and real-world experience will enhance your learning and prepare you for certification exams.‎
Typical topics covered in EMT courses include anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, trauma care, medical emergencies, and basic life support techniques. Courses also address legal and ethical considerations in emergency medical services, as well as communication skills necessary for effective patient interaction. Understanding these topics is essential for providing high-quality care and ensuring the safety of both patients and EMTs.‎
For training and upskilling employees in the EMT field, the Become an EMT Specialization is an excellent choice. This specialization offers a structured approach to learning essential EMT skills and knowledge. Organizations can also benefit from the EMT Foundations course, which provides a solid grounding for new hires or those looking to refresh their skills. These courses can help ensure that employees are well-prepared to meet the demands of their roles in emergency medical services.‎