Online EMT Refresher Course and Continuing Education Information

Fully online emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic refresher courses are available and can be completed in as little as one day. Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses are also available online. These courses are intended for currently or formerly licensed and registered EMTs. State and local continuing education requirements vary and a few states do not allow online learning.

Overview of Online EMT Refresher Courses

Emergency medical technicians provide medical transportation and care to individuals needing acute medical aid. All states require EMTs to be licensed or nationally certified. Licensing requirements vary by state and usually require renewal every two or three years. Most states require certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
Online refresher and CME courses for all levels of EMTs, from basic to paramedic, result in a certificate and may be applied toward continuing education requirements. The focus of courses listed below will be based on the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard refresher course for basic emergency medical technicians (EMT-B).

Course Requirements

Online courses require a computer with Internet-access, audio and video capabilities. E-mail may be used for communication. Most courses consist of lecture, text and graphics or video for demonstrations. Exams are completed and submitted online.

List of Courses

Health and Safety Course

This course focuses on the EMT's role in maintaining standards of safety and hygiene through knowledge and implementation of proper emergency care practices. Some topics discussed include scene safety, body substance isolation (BSI) and the use of protective equipment. Students learn how to safely lift and move patients for transportation. A study of medical, legal and ethical issues is also covered.

Airway Management Course

In this course, students learn how to assess and manage breathing of patients. Techniques and interventions for airway clearing are taught. Students also review the medical equipment designed to aid respiration, such as resuscitation devices. Anatomy and physiology are also another area of study in this course.

Patient Assessment Course

Students review the proper methodology in assessing both medical and trauma patient in this class. The course also focuses on special concerns for geriatric and pediatric patients. Appropriate communication and documentation methods are also covered.

Medical/Behavioral Emergencies Course

In this course, students learn about medication administration and pharmacology through review of various medical emergency categories such as poisons and overdose, cardiac and respiratory. The course also addresses handling of psychological patients and medical-legal issues that may arise.

Obstetrics, Infants and Children Course

Students in this course review common emergency health problems or injuries in infants and children. Normal and abnormal delivery procedures and care are another topic for review.

Trauma Course

Emergency medical care and assessment methods in cases of traumatic injury are covered in this course. Students will learn the best methods for assessing signs and symptoms of injury, as well as care of trauma patients with internal and external bleeding, soft tissue damage and shock.