How do I Become an EMT?
To become an EMT, you need to take a state approved EMT course. Once you have successfully passed the EMT course, you need to apply for your EMT license with the Washington State Department of Health and a registered state approved EMS Agency. After you have applied for your license and the Medical Program Director for our county has signed his approval to your application, you will receive an EMT License in the mail 3-4 weeks later. Once you receieve your EMT license you will need to follow the KCSO sponsorship process Steps 2 & 3.
Approved EMT Training Courses
There are two types of EMT-B course providers in King County. County sponsored courses (county pays for your tuition) and State run courses (Community Colleges - you pay your own tuition).
Pre-requisites for acceptance into the Basic EMT (EMT-B) class are:
- High School Graduate or G.E.D.
- At least 18 years of age at the start of the course.
- Healthcare Provider CPR endorsement (or equivalent). The DOT EMT Curriculum requires that applicants be CPR certified prior to beginning an EMT course. The certification must be an "American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider" endorsement or an "American Red Cross, CPR for the Professional Rescuer" card. No applications will be accepted without this certification.
- You must have the physical strength to perform the normal functions of an EMT.
- Six months minimum with sponsoring EMS agency or a full time career position.
King County Sponsored EMT Course
To Apply for a King County Sponsored EMT Course:
Return the following application materials to Deputy Kathy Decker, SAR Coordinator:
- King County BLS Training Application. (available now)
- Photocopy of your Washington Driver's License (birthdate and picture need to be legible).
- Photocopy of your current "American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider CPR" card or "American Red Cross, CPR for the Professional Rescuer" card). This is mandatory - no application will be accepted without this.
| File Name | Word | |
|---|---|---|
| KCEMS BLS Training Application (Spring 2008) | 82Kb | 44Kb |
Review the application materials to be sure that they are complete before submitting them to KC EMS. No applications will be accepted without the above 3 items. No applications will be accepted after the application deadline. Please do not send the materials via fax. Students will fill out the Washington State Initial Application for EMT Certification at the completion of the course; please do not send it in prior to the EMT class.
Spring 2008 Deadline for applications:
- Applicant's Deadline to turn application into Deputy Kathy Decker: January 4th
Please mail or deliver the EMT Training Application to:
King County Sheriff's Office
Attn: EMT Training
7300 Perimeter Road South, Room 143
Seattle, WA 98108-3848
You may obtain a County EMT Course application from Kathy Decker kathleen.decker@kingcounty.gov
Once you have completed your County sponsored EMT course, you will need to follow the directions on how to become licensed. See New graduates of any EMT Course
State Run EMT Courses - Community Colleges
Other EMT-B classes are available, but the student is responsible for the tuition, in addition to supplies. For example, North Seattle Community College offers an EMT-B class most quarters. The cost for an EMT-B class in the King County area is generally between $400 and $600. See NSCC course catelog for details on dates and application process.
Once you have completed your State run EMT course, you will need to follow the directions on how to become licensed. See New graduates of any EMT Course
Last updated on December 14, 2007.