How to Prepare for EMT & Paramedic School

This week's video is all about tips to prepare for both paramedic and emt school. Unfortunately there is no magic pill that can replace hard work in class but if you are someone who is worried about workload and learning the information in a short amount of time these tips should help make sure you don't fail.
NREMT Skill sheets EMT: nremt.org/EMT/...
NREMT Skill sheets Paramedic: nremt.org/para...

[@deanburney]

Sign up, do your best, and study hard. IF YOU FAIL - FINE ! Now go take the class again AND PASS! What do you call somebody who passes on the 2nd try? “A Paramedic!” Who cares that you took the class twice? “NOBODY!” WILL EMPLOYERS MIND THAT YOU TOOK THE CLASS TWICE? “Hell No!”⛑🚑

[@DanielJW247]

You´re right, yeah. Nobody really cares if you failed once.

[@dailyconvo9758]

This is actually really reassuring, Im very nervous about failing my 1st test, but there really isn't a reason to be

[@thamararodriguez9986]

@@dailyconvo9758 good luck on your test I wish you well👍🏼

[@lindseyc.216]

@@dailyconvo9758 Did you take it yet?

[@gabrielcastaneda5275]

Thank you

[@RAKRail]

In addition to your suggestions of what to do to prep for the class, the best suggestion I could provide is get field experience with units that allow 3rd person student / observer / rider. This is typically a volunteer position but the experience, IMO is pure gold. I found the more field experience I had, the easier skills came when it was time to take tests...

[@catherinemadeline5741]

Where do you go to get field experience?

[@JS-zb1vv]

If you’re not taking national register style tests every single day . For the states that require it You’re not test taking ready . These tests are stupid I think but it’s a hurdle you have to pass my medic class we took a test at the start of class and at the end . Every class . We were so tired of tests but it builds memory and you will hopefully not have as much test anxiety. We had a perfect pass ratio on the first try. 18 for 18 Good luck to all .

[@iamback7028]

Na bro it is importamt.

[@prettygirl3497]

What sites would you suggest?

[@InformalGreeting]

@@prettygirl3497 limmer’s tests are great. They are more difficult than the NREMT and written in the same style. If you can do well on their tests you’re in good shape.

[@keypetty6788]

I have the worst test anxiety so i hope they do this at my course 🥹

[@JS-zb1vv]

@@keypetty6788 have a shot before you test !!

[@FessanPanafric]

The trick to success in these programs just like any other programs is to study study and study again 📖. After the training class, take time to review all chapters, use study guides like EMT FLASHCARDS, and CRASH COURSE EMT (great books). I always say don’t just study to get a license but study to actually know what to do in an emergency and of course you will pass the test for your license too 😊📖✍🏾👌🏾🚑🙏🏾

[@shedagamer4926]

I'm already a m.a. I'm so ready to start next month!!! Thanks love your videos❤❤❤❤❤

[@benjaminrivera3190]

Great vid. Thanks! Best part - "That's not good enough...." - Truth.

[@benjaminlong4916]

Just started...so excited!!

[@tacticalveterinarian]

Excellent advice!!!

[@brendand7948]

Just finished my psychomotor for paramedic. Good God I've never been so nervous in my life lol. I passed tho

[@duaneohearn7860]

Great video but that content is no longer available on their website. Even when using your provided links.

[@juliakern9226]

thank you for the tips I'm thinking about being a paramedic

[@firstlookpro7282]

Great video John!!

[@czareahgodette387]

Any recommendations for EMT courses or schools? I’m in NYC and I’m looking into it !!!

[@transgodgurl5268]

Hey! I love your vids!

[@dorothydromgoole8040]

Am thinking of taking classes to become a CNA can that be a good starting point? I want to become an EMT and I was just wondering. Love from Marysville, California

[@LittleBunchOfEverything]

What is the best role of EMS. Is it a medivac nurse, paramedic, emt, supervisor what do you think?

[@deanward3445]

Do you research on the schools. Not all schools are treated equal. There’s some places that just teach you to pass the test. And there’s some the teach you to be a Paramedic and some teach you to be a practitioner.

[@prisonmike2165]

I'm only 13 but it's my dream and has been for a long time.. Is it weird to be watching this at this young, cause honestly i feel like i could pass paramedic school right now.

[@Jibbz707]

2000 hours on an ALS rig prior to medic school.

[@ashtonmason7926]

Someone with a learning disability who want to be a paramedic how would they make it to the paramedic school easier easier

[@ericgarcia5400]

I start EMT school this upcoming Monday and I’m so nervous my brothers are RTs so there’s a lot of pressure for me to pass

[@Djmack11]

I start in a couple weeks to

[@khiala9397]

how has it been for you so far ?

[@Because4545]

Alcohol helps too

[@mattpage7423]

I am a certified EMR will any of that help in the EMT class?

[@marymckinney4472]

I curious. Do you have to take the vaccine?

[@PrepMedic]

It was optional and I chose to get it

[@spicyleonardoii4289]

Need help with a hammer paramedic preceptor. I cant delegate any ALS skills so when we have a critical call I am doing med math for peds dose, med draw up, med admin, IV access all while talking to the patient. Its overwhelming since I havent been a paramedic for more than 10 shifts and im being held to such a high standard, when the passing standard is "competent entry level paramedic". Any advice would be great

[@PrepMedic]

Some tough love incoming..... Everything you described is a baseline minimum for a paramedic and is not above and beyond by any sense of the word. A lot of systems (including the 911 system I work for) run with one ALS provider and one BLS provider. When I run critical calls on our ground ambulance I am doing everything from the IVs, to drugs, to airway, while still managing the scene, talking to the patient, coordinating with family and getting a history. My service employs new, fresh out of school paramedics and we expect them to do all of this day 1 off of orientation. To me, it sounds like your preceptor is doing their job. Any of your classmates that have soft preceptors will be in for a rude awakening their first day on the streets as full medics. Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. You are going to make mistakes, you are going to be yelled at, you are going to feel like crap sometimes. This is GOOD. Now is the time to put it all out there, it's not like your preceptor is going to let you kill anyone so if you are going to mess up, now is the time to do it. Last point, don't make excuses when you do inevitably make a mistake. If your preceptor tells you to work on something the only words out of your mouth should be "yes sir, I understand", even if you think it is unfair or wrong. None of this is meant to be insulting. I get it, I have been in your shoes many times. It can be hard when you don't feel confident in your skills and have a lot of expectations on your shoulders, but the ability to push through that an learn is what is going to make you a good provider.

[@spicyleonardoii4289]

@@PrepMedic Thank you message received

[@faithinchristt6569]

Is there a minimum age like 18 or what? Im 17 1/2

[@alphaholloway]

Typically to get into emt school you have to have a high school diploma

[@faithinchristt6569]

@@alphaholloway I did. I have a high school diploma. I graduated just before I turned 17🙂

[@faithinchristt6569]

@@alphaholloway Do I have to have the vaccine?

[@Bradley-b1h]

Revoke the first criminals from you...

[@nickdalton886]

So I’m almost done with my EMT-B course and I’ve sat at around 92-94% the entire time, my biggest tip is pay attention to every single detail. Obviously courses differ from instructor to instructor but mine dumped a bunch of “street” knowledge on us. Also, KZbin rocks if you’re stuck on something. I won’t lie, it saved me when it came to medical assessment because there’s literal terabytes of videos on how to do it

[@anaiyahmckesson3079]

❤❤thanks needed a little Boost

[@nickdalton886]

@@anaiyahmckesson3079 just wait for your medic dawg, I just passed registry a little over 2 weeks ago. Same advice applies: pay attention to everything said in class, study them drugs like your life depends on it, and don’t be afraid to youtube stuff you’re unsure/insecure on. My biggest pieces of advice are 1.) make sure you have at least one day a week off from clinicals, class, and work. You will get burnt out if you don’t give yourself time to not be a medical provider. 2.) take some time when you’re sitting with your friends going through it and genuinely enjoy the mutual suck you’re going through. You won’t realize till it’s over but that was hands down the worst and most fun time I’ve ever had.

[@AZ-Z71]

Currently in an EMT course and loving it. You are an inspiration and I always enjoy your videos. Thank you! Stay safe out there! ⚕️

[@ryanduke2368]

Hey AZ, are you enrolled in an online EMT course, if so how do you like it and what company was it?

[@SkinnyMedic]

Great advise!

[@darthryking]

The experience of going through lifeguard training definitely helped to ease me into the EMT mindset. Stuff like spinal immobilization, cardiac arrest management, basic bleeding control, doing an (extremely simplified) primary and secondary assessment, and taking histories were all concepts that I'd already seen after having taken a lifeguarding course. EMT school took those concepts and expanded them further and much more elaborately, but I didn't have to spend too much initial effort coming to terms with the overarching ideas since they were already familiar enough to me.

[@missprincesslaura12]

Oh that’s cool, you went from life guarding to EMT school? Me too!

[@aidyngangemi1341]

I'm in my second month of EMT school and I couldn't agree more! I already had my personal trainer certification so I had a leg up with A&P and had a good foundation on medical terminology. Definitely a huge advantage.

[@paintballfanatic7231]

I'm on my first month still. Any tips?

[@aidyngangemi1341]

@@paintballfanatic7231 yeah I'd say some of the easiest is read the chapter before the lecture. What you gain from the lectures isn't necessarily the chapter itself but the insights from the instructors with years of experience. Make sure you understand + know your patient assessment, SAMPLE/OPQRST, drug indications/contraindications. Ask any questions and have fun! So far it's been a great experience for me and I have super cool classmates. 😎 Good luck!

[@paintballfanatic7231]

@@aidyngangemi1341 thanks! Best of luck to you also!

[@ep_med7822]

I did EMT school in one month. I envy those that get get more time

[@ep_med7822]

@@paintballfanatic7231 LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT MEDS

[@Mcfeelster]

Joined the army reserves to pay for schooling and after doing the medical training I believe I found a passion in the medical field. Can’t wait to enroll in an EMT course once I get home 😄

[@simonsaysdie3155]

What was joining the reserves like ?

[@Mcfeelster]

@@simonsaysdie3155 Its amazing in my opinion! You chose a job, go to basic training, then after basic training you go to AIT (Job training basically) then you come back home and go to Drill every month for 2-3 days and work for the army

[@kaladin4138]

Yo that’s so funny I’m also a reservist and I joined to pay for school. I got back after 6 months of training and didn’t go back to school but I’m in EMT training now

[@beckelmore8448]

I watched a man die today after being hit by a truck. There was nothing anyone could do to save him in time due to massive internal injuries, but it solidified for me that this is what I was meant to do and I never, ever, want to be unprepared again. I'm going to immediately start becoming physically fit and starting courses. Thank you for these tips. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle the mental part of the job? I work well under pressure and am not at all squeamish, but knowing that I watched him die... That is taking a very hard toll on me mentally.

[@potterwoodlawncare2680]

This response is a tad late and I do hope you are doing well now. It never gets truly any easier and something that is always in the back of your mind. Just lean on your peers and keep your head up. Stay strong… Curious to see where you have wound up on that journey a year later!

[@HUNTER-ve3iw]

there are also some review apps like LC Ready and EMT Pocket Prep that are really useful imo

[@williamgolden330]

You and your videos have inspired me to plan to become an EMT and then hopefully a Paramedic after I graduate HS! Thank you!

[@aaronshreffler8937]

Great video! Thank you bro. I've been a paramedic for 10 years. I passed my practicals first try no problem. It took me 4 times to pass my written. Do not give up!!! You will pass do not worry. It will also make you a better provider!!!

[@stevecissna4010]

My girlfriend is a Cardiac Nurse so I've been reading her books. I'm thinking a better understanding of the systems will help with the diagnosis and treatment? I'm going to Firefighter which requires EMT here in Illinois. I bought just about everything in your videos to practice with. Classes don't start till June. I got my CPR Cert, finished the BLS and ACLS books so far. Anatomy and Cardiac System next. Thoughts? Please and thank you! Love the videos!

[@paintballfanatic7231]

Dang... I'm already in my EMT class and your already really ahead of me.

[@DanielJW247]

If you keep practising and memorising the important knowledge, you´ll achieve your goal. In my opinion, beeing interested and motivated is the most important thing, if you want to get your dream job.

[@HeavenlyWolf666]

Impatiently waiting for NREMT to get back to me on my testing date 😑

[@jonaslipensky4097]

Thank you for this video. Im currently trying to get into EMS school. Tho here in Czech republic you go to university to get bachelors degree as a paramedic, so thats what im doing. Thank you for being an amazing inspiration Sam. Have a good day.

[@ep_med7822]

You can hear the contempt for ride alongs and boots in his voice 😂

[@PrepMedic]

In all honesty I love ride alongs (if they aren’t obnoxious). I always feel that it is a great time to share my passion for EMS before some salty burnt out paramedic gets to them.

[@ep_med7822]

@@PrepMedic I was only kidding Sam, we all wish we could have done our ride alongs and internships with you

[@ep_med7822]

@@PrepMedic also would you be willing to make a video on TXA?

[@PrepMedic]

I know man 😁 I have had some pretty horrible people ride with me over the years. When I get fed up enough that I send you home 3 hours into the shift you know you messed up lol.

[@ep_med7822]

@@PrepMedic I'm chuckling imagining that ride back to the station 😂

[@nolanbowman4005]

Great video. love the second camera angle. I want to take the EMT course in about a year and I have been wanting to start studying now. thanks for the tips

[@gilbertojones6788]

my son is in the ambulance youth corp in my town, also hes taking EMT classes at night 3 week nites a week, hopefully this is the formula he needs to decide if hes staying with EMT or Paramedic..

[@OXMUDNAJEWELERS]

Bro did they patch that website?? I cant find the answers.

[@anthonypetrillo841]

You should ask your wife to do a video with you about how to have the best experience in med school clinical rotations!

[@Maddawg31415]

For medic school, my regime really helped. I mean I was a bio major/chem minor in college, so the scientific part was easy. Other stuff. Take ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS on your own.

[@1_benjy_1]

I’m taking the EMT course next semester and it’s my senior year! Wish me luck. I’ve already finished my CNA and in the process of taking my MA so it’s pretty crazy rn.

[@Hal-Robinson]

You mentioned lifeguard and ski patrol for experience I volunteer with a search and rescue organization in Florida where we do a large amount of medical standbys and it gives lots of opportunities for people that do not have medical background to learn medical as well as working with EMTs and paramedics that are on our team.

[@JohnMadden-ue5qm]

Hello I’m thinking about taking EMT classes at Santa Fe college

[@jasonlall7712]

I got a job shadow start tomorrow for emt and I’m going to school on the 5th any tips guys?

[@Bradley-b1h]

Remember your higher talents...reconstructuring...

[@Finkardop]

One thing I’ve noticed about EMT school are people who claim they’ve taken other courses that are “bad” and failed the NREMT because of this, resulting in having to take the course again. But I’ll see them in class not taking notes.

[@Psychguy00]

Thank you for making this video possible, it's very helpful and informative. I'm enrolling in EMT class this summer and I'm a little bit nervous but we all got to try and start somewhere. Don't let fear and self doubt keep you from pursuing your dreams and goals. If you're scared of failure just know that in order to be successful, obstacles, challenges and failure will always be in your way until you get up and do something about it. Good luck to everyone and I wish everyone success for the prospective emt students.

[@joshuaenberg8951]

Medical Terminology is fantastic! If you are taking an A&P course that Medical Terminology is so helpful!

[@Missstyyyy]

ive been doing a internship with a local fire department and i feel like some of the things ive seen and how to use equipment and what things are used for will help a lot.

[@ampieum3331]

Nice. What did you do to obtain that internship at your local fire department?

[@eduardomachado6594]

I love 💕 EMT djguayotjmex 👍

[@hader102]

Also a paramedic in CO here, working on the military side right now, but I have had a hand in EMT education for the past 5 years as well. While I understand where you are coming from and how it relates to the purpose of this video, I feel it is important to touch on one aspect of those NR skill sheets you talked about. I've found/seen more success from EMT students that pay less attention to those for testing purposes and really focus on just building those fundamental skills and abilities related to just running through a scenario as naturally as possible. The skill sheets do have their place, but I generally caution against their use as a study tool, or at the very least try not to portray them as an end-all-be-all for testing purposes, which I think it what most students fall into doing as testing time approaches. They can certainly be a helpful tool for some if they help your learning style, but should not be relied upon entirely or else you run the risk of getting way too used to verbalizing what is on the sheet and not actually doing the skills within correctly, or at all. As you're going into school, they can definitely help you get some preparation for expectations, but even when it comes to test prep later on, I usually do not recommend to students to utilize these sheets in depth, or sometimes even at all (if I have a good grasp of their learning style and abilities).

[@ep_med7822]

Also various universities and colleges have Paramedic prep courses

[@mervs-verves]

Hey more camera work and side shots!

[@dscrive]

Some states, like Mississippi, permit the driver of the ambulance to "just" be a driver. I'm hopefully going to be starting EMT school soon, and after I pass registry I'll know if having spent several months out in the field helps, I think it should since I try to ask good questions, and boy am I lucky to be partnered with medics who actually like helping me learn!

[@jessie19painter]

I live in NE, MS and yes! True! I’m thinking about resigning up for the emt course! I’m just so nervous!

[@chasemoon3049]

The national site took down the answers

[@wilfbm9067]

2nd angle really adds to the video 👍

[@EBMisKing]

This is a great video! Thanks Sam!

[@dashawnjefferson5097]

Even a pt care tech will help

[@renegade7493]

Well KZbin just asked me to rate this video, 5 stars.

[@PrepMedic]

Did KZbin actually ask you to rate the video? That is super strange.... and slightly concerning.

[@na-dk9vm]

Anyone have any advice on the EMT OSCEs? (The final practical test) or even the MCQs (multiple choice questions )

[@navrhy3075]

Been watching your videos since 2018. After extensive thoughts and research I finally enrolled in the course. Have my national registry exam coming up. Wish me luck!

[@remy7156]

I start tomorrow and I’m nervous lol

[@SubNormalPig]

Don't be. Of course book work is hard and boring, but the lab (hands on material) makes up for it. Definitely study when you have the chance especially with cardiology and respiratory. Thise are the biggest and hardest subjects. Also don't be shy during clinicals. When I did my clinicals I preformed 2 CPR cases, went to a homicide cover up fire, bagged a body, and much more. The clinicals will definitely test you to see if you're capable of doing EMS. I'm not listing those to scare you off. I'm just saying definitely study because when you're on clinicals they think of you as a EMS provider and let you provide care.

[@remy7156]

@@SubNormalPig scary for the first 2 days but now I’m having a blast the 4 hours of lecture really sucks but you were right the labs really do make up for it!

[@simonchamberland7916]

I just got accepted to Paramedic School (here in Quebec, EMTs = Paramedics, same formation), I’m the only student that hasn’t graduated yet, all the other are students from other programs that transited over. Am I anxious about it? Of course! But I’m just super grateful I got accepted, and I’m even suprised they accepted a 16 years old, meaning I’ll finish at 19. Anyways thanks for the tips, I got another 6 months before training begins, hope everything goes well, and my work paid off.

[@jenniferpoints4492]

I have my CNA/CMA/CDP/MHT/BLS . Will this give me a okay start in school

[@christyward3632]

I just finished my EMT class. This summer I’m working on getting my EMT license. Do you have any tips on that? I feel like I could use it. I just got accepted to paramedic school and I’m so excited

[@jsdoyle2934]

Quick question. Why are the logos/names censored? I remember watching the 2020 ambulance tour and it was pretty clear who you worked for because it reminds me of the University of Cincinnati’s ambulances. Same design as well as the same name

[@wolfpackstudiosnjrotccadet2617]

Hi I'm HS and My parents told in lifeguard traning you don't learn first aid thank you for clarification. I was looking CPR, AED ,and first aid classes.

[@reyjtt99]

My concern is that my college here focuses on BTS (Behind The Scenes) for the entertainment industry. We don’t have classes such as anatomy, nor do we take general classes such as math, and English. If we do so it is solely for the purpose of understanding how we would use those subjects within our chosen courses in the Entertainment business. Is it possible to take an EMT course without going through those Anatomy classes, without knowing anything? I’ve done my research and I don’t see that as a requirement, but is this something that could potentially hurt me in the future? Thank you in advance, any help would really be appreciated.

[@Table_Top_Farms]

I still do not understand why EMR is not pushed more. The class goes over a lot of what EMT’s go over, but just not as in depth. The main skill sheets are the same. The test is almost identical. I did EMR, and we push a lot of our guys on the department to start at EMR. 100% success rate going in and becoming an EMT then. Everyone says that the EMR class covers 60-70% of the EMT class and it is almost just a refresher course with added detail.

[@kusunoki4481]

Is there anatomy and physiology in tctc for Juniors and Seniors. Or do they teach this for the ems Thing.

[@montesimpson7092]

I'll just "weave" my comment here. 😂 I enjoyed the video👌🏾

[@michaelwolgast6993]

Ha! HAHA I had my exams last year

[@FessanPanafric]

Which one or should I say which ones? You nailed it? Nailed them? I’m going for my EMT test in a few weeks 📝😊🙏🏾

[@egarcia549]

Should I worry if I don't have native English?

[@KarlPHorse]

Start EMT training in 7 days. I will certainly try to study as much about anatomy and medical terminology as I can before I start. Thanks.

[@NewFieldsNoyes]

I went to the website you were referring to, to try to find the sheets that you said lay out what we will be graded on but I cannot find them anywhere. Can you provide a link? Thanks

[@LonnieD-jq9rt]

I'm a certified phlebotomist and EKG tech will this help with emt school?

[@adamharrigan2905]

Hay what do you think of EMS explorers and explorers in General?

[@Andrew65118]

Thanks for the video man! I'm in denver and I take my NREMT next week, this helps!

[@SubNormalPig]

Did you pass?

[@Andrew65118]

@@SubNormalPig Yea, I passed my EKG course too, I have my IV one on the 21st

[@SubNormalPig]

Nice good luck!

[@astrangerontheinternet6901]

Any good anatomy or physiology courses I can take?

[@India-re2jm]

How would you get started? I want the training but not exactly become a ems yet

[@rileyhaug808]

Things such as pocket prep do help but are not necessary at all they are tools that definitely will not hurt to have but unless you are putting in the work in school and out of school that app isn't going to help.

[@guitarkid1997dv]

Took zoology in high-school and you learn alot about a and p on animals similar to humans as well as zoology

[@brianmayfield5697]

Curious on your thoughts on EMT/Paramedic Programs to stay away from.

[@EMkilroy100]

Awesome advice! Hey, you should check out and maybe review the 1110 gear ETAK! It’s a small med kit made for police to wear on a vest or duty belt. It’s awesome, and I think it would be cool to see you do a review! Keep up the good work.

[@longviewstud26]

Great video. Before I got my EMT I was a FF. And did Ride alongs on the ambulance for a few months before I started and the whole time I was in school.

[@annnaward]

This was some really great advice, thank you so much!!

[@azpeach5680]

This was a very good run down! Thank you so so much!

[@shaqattac]

Finally got into EMT school after a long wait to be old enough!👌👍

[@jadeawillmeth7205]

Thank you for this! I’m going to be going into emt school with the goal of a paramedic, and this was helpful thank you

[@smeltzer9833]

I was struggling with everything involved with getting through my classes, then I found you. I don’t know how difficult this would have been without your advise!

[@ashtonmason7926]

Can someone make it through paramedic school with a learning disability

[@SubNormalPig]

Definitely! Alot of studying and watching videos but anybody can as long as you put in the work.

[@PewPewFreedom]

May I please know what kind of ambulance is in the thumbnail?

[@sociallyawkwardblackkidfro1016]

UCHEALTH Critical Care Ambulance, or possible their Stroke unit. Things are monsters

[@jenniferpoints4492]

#EMTSchool

[@nickmoenkhoff4212]

Second