EMT School First-Week Checklist

Print this, or keep it on your phone, and check things off. Getting these handled early means your energy goes into learning instead of chasing paperwork.

Before day one

• Read your syllabus and program handbook front to back. Highlight attendance, uniform, grading, and remediation policies.
• Put every class, lab, quiz, and exam date in your calendar.
• Get the required textbook and any online access codes your program uses.
• Start immunization records, titers, and any health screening your clinical sites require.
• Start your background check and drug screen if required.
• Confirm whether you need a CPR card before class or whether it is taught in class, and which course is accepted.
• Set up a study space and a daily study time.
• Start learning terminology: 10 minutes a day on the vocabulary game or flashcards.

Gear

• Uniform pieces your program requires (shirt, pants, belt, boots or shoes).
• A watch that shows seconds.
• A basic stethoscope and a penlight, if your program asks you to bring your own.
• Trauma shears, if your program asks.
• Black pens, a pocket notebook, and a binder or folder for skills sheets.
• A water bottle and snacks for long lab and clinical days.

Do not overbuy gear before class starts. Ask your instructor what you actually need.

During week one

• Introduce yourself to your instructors and learn their names.
• Find two classmates for a study group and exchange contact info.
• Get copies of every skills sheet you will be tested on.
• Finish all assigned reading before the lecture it covers.
• Start a missed-questions notebook.
• Do your first set of practice questions and read every explanation.
• Learn normal adult vital sign ranges and the steps of the primary assessment.
• Talk to your family or roommates about your schedule and your study time.

Habits to lock in

• Show up early. Every time.
• Study a little every day instead of a lot once a week.
• Ask questions in class. Somebody else is wondering the same thing.
• Practice skills out loud between labs.
• Take care of yourself: sleep, food, movement, and people who support you.

This guide is general education written by Forrest Munden, a 21-year firefighter/paramedic and EMS educator. It is not medical advice and it does not replace your program, your state EMS office, your medical director, or your local protocols. Program requirements vary. Always confirm details with your own school and with the National Registry (nremt.org).