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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training

How Do I Get Information or Get Started?

Please visit the Danbury Hospital Emergency Training Resources web site.

Who is ETR?

Emergency Training Resources (ETR) was formed in 1999 to provide the highest quality initial and continuing education for public safety and healthcare professionals.

ETR is the premier EMS and Corporate Safety training agency in the greater Danbury area and is affiliated with Danbury Health Systems.

What Does an EMT Do?

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the entry-level certification for an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider.

EMTs typically work on an ambulance responding to medical emergencies. EMTs can also work in other areas including:

  • Private transportation
  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Fire/rescue agencies

There are no prerequisite courses needed for an ETR EMT program. Read more about this in the "About Becoming an EMS Provider" flyer.

What Do You Learn in Class?

ETR's training programs teach above and beyond the basic requirements for EMT. Our students learn not only how to treat patients experiencing medical and traumatic emergencies, but also why.

Our additional Assessment and Hands-On Skills sessions produce EMTs capable of acting with confidence in all manner of emergencies.

What Employment Opportunities Will I Have as a New EMT?

A new EMT can apply for work in a variety of fields.

  • Private ambulance companies and municipal EMS services employee entry level EMTs
  • Emergency Departments hire EMTs to act as Patient Care Technicians (PCTs)
  • Many Fire Departments across the United States now make EMT certification a prerequisite for employment

New EMT Basics will typically earn from $10-$15 per hour. While ETR does not offer job placement per se, we can assist you in contacting local employers of EMS personnel including our affiliate, Danbury Hospital (which also offers tuition reimbursement to current employees).

Professional emergency training is an attractive item to have on a resume for a job or school application in any field.

How Long Does the Course Run?

ETR’s EMT programs run on:

  • Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to approximately 10:30 PM

Our programs also include some additional evening classes on:

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
  • As well as some Saturday classes from 9:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The courses run approximately 12 weeks.

Schedules and information are available at myETR.org.

Upon completion of the EMT class students become eligible to take the State and National EMT certification exam.

How Much Does the Course Cost?

Tuition for each course is posted on the calendar. Tuition includes:

  • ETR Training Program Manual
  • EMT textbook
  • Practical lab fees

Each student must also purchase, or have available for the duration of the class:

  • Stethoscope
  • Blood pressure cuff
  • Trauma shears
  • Other items

Costs not directly associated with the course may include:

  • State testing fees
  • Optional supplies such as field guides

Additional fees are typically less than $100.

How Can I Offset Course Costs?

There are many options available to offset course costs.

Volunteer Services

ETR always recommends that EMT students become affiliated with a volunteer EMS provider. Volunteer EMS services typically provide valuable support and assistance for study and practice for class. Virtually all Volunteer EMS services offer equipment and tuition reimbursement and/or compensation for EMT classes.

Employer Reimbursement

Many employers, including DHS, reimburse for adult education. Many places of employment have or may be interested in "first aid squads" or "rapid response teams," which may require EMS training.

VA Benefits

ETR is approved by the VA for tuition reimbursement.

Connecticut agencies offer reimbursement, but each has its own policy. Please talk to the participating agency directly to find out what their options and policies are regarding tuition reimbursement/coverage, etc.

Is College Credit Available for EMT Class?

Many colleges will allow transfer or credit equivalents for EMT class. EMT programs are typically 6 credit hour courses. Keep this in mind when considering how much time and work is required to complete your ETR EMT program.

For More Information

Please call us at 203-797-7554 if you have questions about EMS Training a Danbury Hospital. For more information about classes, please visit the Danbury Hospital Emergency Training Resources web site.

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