Best EMT Classes Online of 2022

Company
Cost
Duration
Certificate
Accreditation

NMETC 

Best Overall
$1,800 + study materials and travel costs 
192 hours; takes 4 to 5 months to complete 
Yes 
CAAHEP and Massachusetts Department of Health 

Allied Med Training 

Best Accelerated Class 
$1,950 + textbooks 
4 months 
Yes 
CAPCE and Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board 

UCLA EMT Course 

Best for Hybrid
$1,600 + $282 in textbooks and fees 
10 weeks 
Yes 
Eligible for NREMT exam upon completion

Prodigy 

Best for Renewal 
$225 
Complete at your own pace 
Receive certificate of completion  
CAPCE 

EMT and Fire Training Incorporated: AEMT Course

Best for Advanced EMT
$4,500
6 to 9 months 
Yes 
Accepted by NREMT 

Safety Unlimited 40 hour EMT refresher course  

Best for Refresher Course 
$200
40 hours 
Receive a certificate of completion
CAPCE, IACET, and accepted by NREMT 

Guide for Choosing the Best EMT Classes Online

Should You Take EMT Classes Online?

If you’re trying to decide if you should take EMT classes online, it’s important to be realistic about how you learn best. Some people thrive with online courses that allow them to work at their own pace, while others have a better time focusing in a classroom setting. If you already are working as an EMT, an online refresher course is a great way to brush up on your knowledge and get the CEUs you need to renew your certification. You also want to make sure you meet all the requirements of your state, so check this before enrolling in a course.

Comparing EMT Classes Online

There are many different EMT classes available online so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Take these factors into consideration.

Cost: EMT courses can range from $200 to more than $4,500, so assess your finances before committing. Some courses have financial aid or allow you to enroll in a payment plan, which may be a better choice if you don’t have all the money upfront.

Type of Class: Before enrolling, make sure you are taking the right class for your needs. If you have no prior EMT training, you will have to complete a full EMT certification course, but if you are just looking to recertify, CEU courses or a refresher course are more cost- and time-effective options. 

Accreditation: Check if the course you plan to take is accredited and accepted by your home state. Many reputable courses are accredited by CAPCE and recognized by NREMT. If you are new to the EMT profession, most states require that you complete a certain number of hands-on hours to get certified, so you will need to take 40 hours of skills lab classes in addition to the online classes.

Duration and Schedule: Some online EMT classes can be completed at your own pace, while others have scheduled live classes. If you are working or currently in school, choose a course that has evening classes or ones you can take on your own time. Courses range in duration from 10 weeks to six months, which is great for those with a timeline in mind.

Enrolling in an EMT Online Class

You can register for EMT classes online, but some require you to apply and be accepted before you can start. The process is fairly simple, and many courses require an application fee or deposit to hold your spot. Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion which makes you eligible to sit for the NREMT exam, a necessary step to being a certified EMT. Some online courses include the final NREMT exam as part of the program, which is a convenient way to make sure you get it done while the information is still fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do EMT Classes Online Cost?

Basic EMT online classes range from $1,600 to $1,900. In addition, you usually have to pay for textbooks and online material, travel and accommodations for the skills lab portion, and application and exam fees. Advanced EMT courses can cost upwards of $4,500, while refresher courses are much less expensive at around $200.

Can You Take EMT Classes Online? 

You can take EMT classes online. Refresher courses can be taken entirely online, but basic or advanced EMT classes usually require you to complete a hands-on skills lab week at the end of the online option, a national and state requirement to becoming certified.

What Do EMT Classes Online Cover? 

EMT classes cover a wide variety of topics relevant to the skills required to become an EMT. Classes may include anatomy and physiology, ethics, life support techniques for first response situations, wound care, CPR, and how to treat a variety of different patients.

Are EMT Classes Online Accredited? 

The best online EMT classes are accredited by CAPCE, recognized by NREMT, and acknowledged in your home state as reputable online programs. There are some online EMT classes that are not accredited, and although they are less expensive, they may not meet state standards for certification. Be wary of courses that are short in length or don’t include hands-on skills classes, because it is unlikely they include all the requirements to take the final NREMT exam.

Methodology

We looked at 10 online EMT classes available in the U.S. and compared cost, duration, accreditation, online reviews, and courses offered. If you are looking to start a career as an EMT and have no prior certification or education, then you must take a basic EMT course and prepare for the NREMT exam. There are many online and hybrid courses to choose from, depending on your schedule and location. If you are an experienced EMT or looking to recertify, there are many different ways to get CEUs or take a refresher course online.

We looked for courses that are accredited by CAPCE or an equivalent, are recognized by NREMT, and are approved CEU providers. We also sought out courses that prepare students for the NREMT exam and have live classes or the option to reach out to instructors for extra support. Overall, if you want to start or continue a career as an EMT but want the flexibility of an online program, there are many great options available.