9 Tips for Succeeding in EMT School
The path to becoming a certified EMT isn’t an easy one. Sure, it’s a deeply rewarding profession, but getting there can be tough. As an EMT, human lives are in your hands, and being a first-line medical and emergency responder is demanding. You have to be confident and competent in what you do, think fast on your feet during high-pressure situations, and be exceptionally well trained. Achieving all this means you first have to succeed in EMT school.
Here are a few tips to accomplish that:
1. Anticipate the volume of reading required for training
EMT training is a combination of hands-on, practical experience, and comprehensive classroom instruction. There is a lot of material to cover, and extensive reading which serves as the foundation of your learning. This requires you to be attentive and diligent regarding your studies. Teachers and instructors will expand on what you learn through textbooks. The success of your classroom instruction and hands-on training will greatly depend on how well you understand the concepts introduced in the reading materials.
2. Avoid cramming
Set aside time to study. An EMT education requires extensive dedication. If you don’t prioritize your studies, readings and assignments can accumulate to a point where it will be impossible to keep up. Avoid cramming months of readings, lectures, classes, and seminars in a short period of time.
3. Hone your communication skills
Succeeding as an EMT is much more than just training and earning your certification. In addition to the skills you learn during training, the job requires clear and professional communication with patients who are often in distress. Honing your communication skills can help you stand out as an EMT student. Make an effort to improve your interpersonal skills, especially if you’re naturally reserved. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and remember that your ability to communicate clearly and with compassion is just as important as executing your lifesaving skills.
4. Practice makes perfect
EMT training requires a combination of academic and technical instruction that needs to be practiced to perfect your skills. Take every opportunity to practice even the most basic EMT tasks so you can conduct them with ease and proficiency.
5. Approach your education and training with a positive attitude
Training to be an EMT can lead to a rewarding profession that lets you make a real difference in people’s lives and contribute to the community. That said, some days you might feel overwhelmed. While the training can be tough, seeing it through with a positive attitude means you can attend class ev