Questions about EMT-B

I am a pre-nursing student considering taking an EMT-B class. I think it would be a good way for me to learn some skills, especially since I am hoping to go into an ABSN program, so I'll likely come out of the program with very little clinical experience. I am interested in ER nursing and thought it might help me get my foot in the door. I also thought it would be a way to get work experience in case I don't get in to a nursing program right away. Does this logic seem sound?
Is there an exam to be certified after the class is over?
Can I work as an EMT after the class is over, or are there other steps I will need to take?
Also, I am quite strong but I'm also overweight. Will this be a big problem in being able to perform the skills and get a job in this field? I am working on the weight problem, but it is going slowly... thanks for any advice you might have for me.
Just bumping my thread in the hopes of getting a response Perhaps I should post it elsewhere, but not sure of the appropriate place.
Sounds like you have a good plan. I think I overestimated the extent to which my EMS experience would give me a jump in nursing (was first a volunteer EMT-Intermediate, became a neonatal ICU staff nurse), but it's largely about remaining humble and flexible.It sounds like you're making changes in regard to your weight. Good job! Obesity seems to be as much of a problem in EMS and nursing as it is in society as a whole, so weight doesn't tend to be an exclusion in those fields.For specific questions about EMS certification, you might start with your state health department. Good luck to you!
Thanks, Eric.