emergency medicine

Finding a local EMT certification course provider and fitting the training into a busy schedule may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, especially if you’re still in school, working a full-time job — or both. 

The solution? The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s (NCOAE’s) Intensive Self-paced EMT Certification Course, which gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace, from anywhere. 

Designed for people who are passionate about emergency response but need flexibility, the Intensive Self-paced EMT Certification Course offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning that combines in-depth coursework with practical, real-world applications.

With expert instructors, engaging online content, and field training opportunities, this certification program is tailored to meet the needs of busy learners. Ready to dive in? In this post, we share most of what you need to know about this unique course offering from NCOAE and point you to sources where you can find additional details.

About the Intensive Self-Paced EMT Certification Course

Our team designed this 240-hour self-paced EMT training course to be comprehensive, practical, and efficient. The curriculum is divided into two phases: (more…)

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) play a vital role in the modern healthcare system, providing immediate, life-saving assistance to people experiencing acute medical conditions or traumatic injuries. By rapidly assessing and treating patients in critical situations, EMTs improve survival rates, minimize complications, and optimize treatment outcomes. 

Training, testing, and certification ensure all EMTs have the skills needed to respond to life-threatening emergencies. In this post, we explore the history of EMT training and certification, bring you up to speed on its current state, and look ahead to its future. Why this matters to us here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is because we offer such training for EMTs throughout the U.S.

The Evolution of EMT Testing: Past to Present

EMT testing and certification have evolved over the course of nearly six decades. Formalized training didn’t begin until the late 1960s. It was initiated by the publication of a white paper in 1966 titled, “Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society.” The paper was in response to increasing trauma and death resulting from traffic accidents in the United States.

Up to that time, ambulance services generally consisted of team members with little to no formal training, with such services often relying on volunteers. And any formalized training and testing that was being done was administered locally by (more…)

Within three weeks of graduating from the Intensive Hybrid EMT course offered by us here at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s (NCOAE), Robert Fox had obtained his national and state emergency medical technician (EMT) licenses and had a job offer in hand at a local ambulance service.

Today, this Athens, Georgia, native works full time as an EMT. In addition — and in short order — Robert in on track to attend school to become an advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) this fall. Advanced emergency medical techs provide basic and limited advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients. 

These advanced technicians possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. And after that schooling? Robert is thinking about starting a paramedic program at a local community college.

So, what prompted such inspiration for our young graduate? Robert began his career as a senior wilderness guide, working in the field from 2007 to 2013. It was while taking a course to maintain his Wilderness First Responder certification that he became interested in more advanced emergency medical services (EMS). 

But, sharing that the timing wasn’t right, Robert decided to work in behavioral health and criminal justice for (more…)