EMT online recertification is the best solution for busy professionals because it enables them to hit the required forty hours of continuing education at their own pace without trying to cram in classroom learning alongside shift work. That said, if you find it easier to absorb information in person and wouldn’t consider a face-to-face recertification course inconvenient, this might be better suited to you.
The more important aspect is to ensure you know what to look for in a high-quality EMT recertification program and have 100% certainty that whichever course you choose is fully recognized by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT).
Benefits of Online EMT Recertification Courses
Look at any of the thousands of student reviews of the best EMT recertification programs online, and they all have one thing in common. EMTs talk about the relief of being able to complete their continuing education credits at any time that works for them, and avoiding the stress of needing to head back to the classroom or even retaking the NREMT exam.
Other advantages include:
- Flexibility: Dipping in and out when you have time, with a year of access, which means you’re never rushed
- Anywhere access: Logging in from whatever device you have to hand, working around family and work commitments
- Time savings: In-person courses tend to be more expensive and come with extra travel time and potentially the need to rearrange shifts or childcare
Our digital programs are CAPCE-accredited, which means students simply need to follow the content, complete the quizzes, and submit the final evaluation form. Following that, their recertification certificate will be sent straight to their email account.
Reasons You Might Consider a Face-to-Face EMT Recertification Program
As we’ve pointed out, your preferences will always be the deciding factor. However, if you’ve always recertified via a classroom course and didn’t realize online programs were available, this is likely because the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) updated the recertification rules in 2022. It now considers any approved course acceptable, regardless of where you study.
Some of the potential reasons to look at a recertification course near you could include:
- A personal preference for programs with in-person instructors
- State requirements for skills assessments that are available alongside recertification courses
- The need for immediate feedback or guidance from trainers
For most EMTs working in states with skills evaluation requirements, it’s normally more time-efficient to complete their continuing education credits online and then book a standalone skills appraisal. However, if you need a fixed schedule and feel more comfortable in a traditional learning environment, this might sway your decision.
How to Check the Quality of Online or Classroom-Based EMT Recertification Courses
We mentioned the need to be sure of the quality of your program. Regardless of your learning style, it’s vital that you choose a course that will be recognized and that will count towards your continuing education credits. You’ll need to complete forty hours of study, provide evidence of this (typically via a certification), and demonstrate that it covers twenty hours of national content and ten hours each for the state and individual components.
All recertification courses must be accredited, either by CAPCE or by the state EMS office. Anything that isn’t will be rejected by the NREMT, which means you’ll still need to complete additional study to maintain your certification.
If you’re undecided between courses or unsure whether a program you’re considering is NREMT-approved, we recommend visiting The Paramedic Coach’s explainer video, which covers everything you need to know about recertification at each stage of your EMS career!
