Do students need to be online at specific times for the online EMT class?
No, the videos for the course are pre-recorded. We will meet one time over zoom at the start of the class just to set up groups, and then we offer OPTIONAL Zoom Office Hours weekly, as well as OPTIONAL weekly hands-on skills practices in Missoula. The rest of the work can be completed at your own time. There are three quizzes each week that are due by midnight on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights, but those can be completed at any time, as long as they are done before the deadlines. If you choose to be in a group, I recommend that students meet at least once per week over zoom, but you will be able to figure out a time that works for everyone in your group (and I try my best to set up the groups so you are with people who have similar work schedules).
Can students complete the EMT course while working a full-time job?
Yes, most students are also working full-time jobs (or they are full-time college students) while completing the EMT course. It's not an easy thing to balance, but it's very possible (as long as students do not have a lot of other commitments outside of their full-time job). We strongly recommend that students spend at least 3 hours each day (all 7 days of the week) working on the course materials. The material is best digested this way.
Why are there no longer any in-person EMT class options?
We were consistently seeing that students in the online classes were performing better than students in the in-person classes. Online students consistently achieved higher completion rates, and higher pass rates on both the written and skills exams. To accomodate students who prefer more hands-on learning, we have added in a weekly optional skills practice with small group, hands-on learning for ALL of our classes. The skills practices are typically on Tuesday evenings at 7pm, but the times/days can vary.
Is prior medical training required to attend an EMT course?
No. The EMT course starts from square one, and even includes the required CPR training. All you need is a willingness to learn.
Can high school students attend the EMT course?
Yes. However, students will need to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., a GED) to be licensed as an EMT in the state of Montana. So high school students are welcome to take the course, and they can also complete the National Registry (NREMT) testing upon completion of the course, but they will have to wait until they turn 18 years old and complete high school to obtain a Montana EMT license, which is required if they want to work or volunteer as an EMT. Other states may have different requirements, so check with your state's board.
What medical gear/equipment is needed for the course?
While you will need some medical equipment throughout the skills portion of the course, it will all be provided.
Will students be licensed as EMTs in Montana at the end of the course?
After the course, students will need to complete a written exam (computer-based) through the NREMT ($104) and apply for licensure with the state of Montana ($50). Licensure typically takes about two weeks. For licensure in other states, check their requirements. The NREMT Skills Exam is the last day of the class, and is included in the cost of the course. You will have the option to earn NREMT certification upon completion of the course and the computerized exam.
Can students be licensed as EMTs in states outside of Montana at the end of the course? Can they hold a license in multiple states at the same time?
After students pass the NREMT written exam (computer-based), they will have NREMT certification. For licensure in another state, search online for "EMT License [State]" and look for a .gov website that will explain the requirements to be licensed in that particular state. Most states require completion of an in-state course OR that the applicant have NREMT certification, which students will earn through the Fight-or-Flight EMT program, allowing them to be licensed in that particular state with any NREMT certification at the EMT level. Students can also be licensed in multiple states at once- many seasonal workers do this if they are working in various states throughout the year.
What textbook is required for the course?
We will be using AAOS's "Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 11th Edition." You can find this textbook online for purchase or for rent. ISBN: 978-1-284-10690-9 It is imperative that you get the 11th edition. There are several changes between the 10th and 11th editions, and the 12th edition put the chapters in a different order. When you register for an EMT course, you will receive an e-mail with a discount code for purchasing the textbook.
When is full payment due for the EMT course?
After the $300 deposit, the remaining $599 is due on the first night of class. If you do not have the funds to pay up front, select "Pay Later" in the online checkout to set up a payment plan through PayPal to make 4 smaller payments towards the total.
Where do the classes take place?
The class meets at 210 N Higgins Ave in downtown Missoula. Enter through the doors between Doc's Sandwich Shop and Mood Boutique, go past the elevator and down the stairs, and we are at the end of the hall.
What funding opportunities are available for students of Fight-or-Flight (e.g., Veterans Education Benefits, Americorps Education Credit)?
Unfortunately, Fight-or-Flight does not accept Veterans Education Benefits or Americorps Education Credits. For any students needing funding, we suggest that you do an internet search for general EMT training scholarships, and consider applying with Missoula Job Services to pay for the training.
Why is this course cheaper than other EMT courses? Are there hidden fees or is the certification lesser?
Fight-or-Flight Emergency Medical Educators was founded in Missoula, MT in January 2017. As a new company, the price for EMT classes was set very low in hopes of attracting more students. After 60+ classes and over 1,500 students, Fight-or-Flight has achieved a 5-star rating and students are passing the National Registry (NREMT) exam at a rate of 97% (the national average is only 80%). However, Fight-or-Flight aims to continue offering EMT classes at the most affordable rates possible. Danielle owns Fight-or-Flight, and strives to keep prices to a minimum by teaching the EMT courses herself, as well as taking care of all advertising, social media, correspondence with future and current students, website development, etc., alongside one full-time employee, Matt Schaeffer, who was brought on full-time in 2025 to accommodate more classes and students (after working part-time at Fight-or-Flight for almost 5 years). Students taking an EMT course with Fight-or-Flight will earn the same certifications sought through other EMT courses, including NREMT certification. All fees are described at the top of the "EMT Courses" page of this website.