There are a number of EMT programs in Wyoming available for anyone who is interested in entering the emergency medical services in that state. The Wyoming Department of Health is a good place to begin when looking for the ideal program for you to attend. When selecting a program it is important that you broaden your options and compare as many different programs as possible against your personally established criteria. Once you have looked at the school in detail, you should apply for at least three different schools in order to improve your chances of being accepted. Once you are accepted at the various programs you have applied for, you will then need to make a more refined decision regarding which one is the best one for you to attend.
EMT Training In Wyoming
Requirements
EMTs in Wyoming must meet the following requirements:
- They must have completed an EMT training program
- They must possess either a BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card or an American Red Cross Professional Rescuer card
In order to enter an EMT training program in this state there are additional requirements that you will need to meet:
- You must be able to pass a criminal history check
- You must be able to pass a drug screen
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must have a GED or high school diploma
In order to become certified at the EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic level, trainees must already have their certification as an EMT-Basic.
Programs
EMT programs in Wyoming are usually offered through community colleges and technical schools, but organizations like the EMS Office at the Wyoming Department of Health as well as local medical centers and EMS providers may also provide EMT training to individuals interested in entering the profession. It is extremely important to note that all EMT programs in Wyoming must be approved by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), which accredits only those schools that adhere to the National Standard Curriculum. If the program is not approved, there is no point in attending it. If you are from another state and would like to become an EMT in Wyoming, you will be able to do so if you present a current certification card from your out-of-state training.
Classroom Instruction
Although being an emergency medical technician is an extremely practical and hands-on line of work, the majority of an EMT training program occurs in a classroom environment. Courses include:
- Information about dealing with a variety of emergency situations
- Information about dealing with bleeding
- Information about dealing with wounds
- Information about dealing with transporting injured victims
- Information about dealing with childbirth
- Information about dealing with restricted airways
If you want to advance your career in this line of work there are a number of advanced skills that you will need to learn:
- You will learn how to perform Endotracheal intubations
- You will learn how to administer medications
- You will learn how to read electrocardiograms (EKGs
Clinicals
Part of your EMT training will involve clinical training. This essentially means that you will need to spend a set amount of time in the field shadowing experts in the EMT profession who are well aware of what they are doing. The more advanced the qualification within the emergency medical services that you are striving to attain, the more clinical and field experience you will have the opportunity to engage in. however, at the more basic levels, your clinical exposure may be somewhat limited. If you are presented with any additional opportunities to engage in field work, take them. The more experience you gain during your training, the better prepared you will be when you actually start working as an EMT. Although classroom learning is extremely important, clinical training is as valuable. Some people consider it to be more valuable in preparing you for your job, so this dimension of your training cannot be ignored and must be taken seriously.
Licensure
In Wyoming you will be required to write the state-approved test for official Wyoming EMT certification. To do this:
- You must send in documentation from their training in order to receive approval to take the exam
- You must take the NREMT exam to become officially licensed
The NREMT exam consists of the following dimensions:
- A cognitive, question-based section
- A psychomotor portion where test-takers need to demonstrate their skills firsthand
You will need to become recertified once every two years by taking a test at the EMS Office in Cheyenne.
How To Become An EMT in Wyoming
There are five basic steps involved in becoming an EMT in Wyoming:
- The first step entails looking closely at your options of EMT training courses by visiting the Wyoming Department of Health’s website. This website is mentioned in the references at the end of this article. This is the most comprehensive source of information available to help you make your decision about EMT programs in Wyoming. The site has a list of training courses in various locations throughout the state, including at Emergency Medical Service (EMS) facilities and medical centers. You can’t apply on the website as the system requires you to express interest by physically contacting a course coordinator.
- Once your application has been accepted you simply need to enroll in an EMT training course at your desired location. According to ehow.com you will learn how to “respond to various medical situations like poisoning, bleeding, seizures, choking, difficulty breathing and heart attacks”. In short you will be provided with the skills necessary for intervening in emergency medical situations.
- In order to complete the course and become an EMT you will need to meet the entire course requirements involved. This includes attending the compulsory 120 hours of intense training that you will need to complete in order to be an effective and skillful EMT. All EMT programs in Wyoming are developed in such a way that you will learn everything you need to know in the time provided.
- Once you have actually completed your training you will need to prepare for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician exam. The National Registry’s website has practice tests on their site to help you prepare for the exam. In Wyoming you will not be able to be an EMT unless you take and pass the required examination.
- That means that the last step involves passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician examination to become certified. The test is computer based.
EMT Programs In Wyoming
There are several schools in Wyoming that offer ERMT training, including the following:
Central Wyoming College
2660 Peck Ave.
Riverton, WY 82501
307-855-2000
cwc.edu
Laramie County Community College
1400 E. College Drive
Cheyenne, WY 82007
800-522-2993
lccc.cc.wy.us
Casper College
125 College Drive
Casper, WY 82601
307-268-2100
caspercollege.edu
The Wyoming Department of Health also offers a number of training programs for prospective EMTs. TO find out more, use the following information:
- For the training program in Casper at Casper College contact Russ Christiansen on 268-2693
- For the training program in Cheyenne at Laramie County Community College contact Amy Long on 778-1149
- For the training program in Douglas at Converse County EMS contact Jennifer Everett on 351-3624
- For the training program in Laramie at Laramie County Community College contact Curt Orde on 399-7316
- For the training program in Riverton at Fremont County EMS contact Laurie Wempen on 857-3669
- For the training program in Saratoga Elk Mountain at South Central Wyoming Ambulance contact Bill Dahlke on 329-8005
- For the training program in Sundance at Sundance EMS contact Ken Maston on 283-3501 Ext 125
- For the training program in Wheatland at Eastern Wyoming Ambulance contact Jason Evans on 331-1656
- For the training program in Wright at Campbell County EMS contact Colleen Long on 689-0445
The State of Wyoming Office of Emergency Services also offers training to prospective EMTs and can be contacted by using the following information:
Contact Information:
State of Wyoming Office of Emergency Medical Services
Hathaway Building, 4th Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Toll Free: 888.228.8996
Phone: 307.777.7955
Fax: 307.777.5639
Andy Gienapp – Emergency Medical Services Administrator
Email: Andy.Gienapp@wyo.gov
www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems
Clearly different programs will differ in terms of the level of education offered. In addition some employers will only accept EMT who have gradated form certain EMT programs in Wyoming, so if you have a particular employer in mind you should find out if there are any preferred programs before you begin the application process. Because EMT training is extremely practical because of the nature of the work involved, so you will need to be able to devote the time required to your studies. Most programs require you to display a 100% attendance rate before you will be allowed to graduate and take the required examination. Being an EMT is a highly intense line of work that does not suit everyone.