So you want to be an EMT?

Here's what it takes.

Contact your local college or other institution offering EMT classes, sign up, pay an arm and a leg for tuition (OR apply for financial aid ASAP) and be prepared to pay more fees for drug tests, background checks, immunizations you may need, supplies for class, and required reading material. Here is a break down of what I paid....

BEFORE CLASS:

• TUITION: $1000 (Look into scholarships, I've learned most colleges will not tell you about them unless you ask the right question! ASK about EMS scholarships!!)

• BOOK: $100

• SUPPLIES: $28 Give or take a little (Your college should tell you what to buy so this expense may vary)

• BACKGROUND CHECK (FBI): $70

• BACKGROUND CHECK-FINGER PRINT (CBI): $22 For in state check, if you lived out of your current state within the past few months you will pay a little more.

• DRUG TEST (UA): My college covered mine 

• IMMUNIZATIONS: Mine were FREE thanks to awesome insurance, but remember you may have co-pays for each time you go in for a shot/test...for example a TB (tuberculosis) test requires two separate office visits, one for the test and one to read the test a day or two later. 

• UNIFORM: 
• EMT PANTS: $50 (I bought only one pair. Look for local medical supply stores or even google "EMT pants" online. Also, for ladies with a little junk in the trunk...if you have problems finding a good fit in your normal size try the men's pants.)

• WHITE POLO SHIRT: $20 (I found mine at Wal-Mart on clearance for $5 each and bought 4.) 

• STEEL TOE BOOTS: $45 (Don't let anyone tell you to just buy black boots, you need steel toes to protect yourself when you start your ride alongs...you may encounter angry patients that want to stomp on your toes!...just a word of advice =)

• BLACK BELT (If required...I didn't buy one)

TOTAL: $1335 But don't freak out most colleges/institutions allow a payment plan for tuition or if you qualify for financial aid you may have to pay nothing!

TO BE CONTINUED.....