How long does it take to become a certified EMT?

Getting certified in firefighter 1 academy before getting EMT B to become paid on call firefighter?

• I want to become a paid on call firefighter. I thought about either getting an EMT B license or paying my way through a fire academy. I have a bachelor's degree though as well. Would I be able to get on a paid on call department with only a firefighter academy certificate? Would that help a lot with a volunteer fire department? If I could I would rather attend the academy over EMT, and once I'm hired by the department attend the EMT and paramedic.

• Answer:

  continue to do everything that will increase your chances of being hired. every cert helps. don't forget volunteer or wildland experience. with the recession, most areas aren't hiring, but they still create "lists". find out when testing is for departments across the US & start taking them. the more tests you take, the better your scores become & the more experience you get with orals. don't forget to maintain a high level of physical fitness, too.