If you’re an emergency medical technician (EMT) in Colorado, your state certification is valid for three years. Anyone who has a current National Registry of EMT (NREMT) number is exempt from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) continuing medical education (CME) requirements for Colorado state EMT certification.
EMTs without a valid NREMT number can follow the Colorado renewal method by applying within six months of their certification expiration.
What Are CME Hours?
EMTs must stay current on the latest best practices and technologies in the emergency medical services industry related to patient care. EMTs need to renew their NREMT certification by either taking forty credits of approved continuing education classes or passing an exam to prove their level of knowledge and competency.
The NREMT model requires hours that include national, local/state, and individual components. The national component must be at least twenty hours: six hours of medical, five hours of cardiovascular, two hours of operations, four hours of airway/respiration/ventilation, and three hours of trauma.
The local element includes ten hours of continued education related to state-specific emergency medical services. The individual component requires ten hours of emergency patient care.
How CME Works in Colorado
The State of Colorado accepts the CME hours you complete for NREMT certification, so you don’t have to duplicate your efforts. If you aren’t certified by NREMT, Colorado has an alternative EMT certification renewal method:
- Complete the required amount of CME with a program recognized by CDPHE. EMTs and Advanced EMTS in Colorado following the state process, must complete thirty-six hours of CME (one hour in preparatory, two hours in obstetrics, two hours in pediatrics, six hours in trauma, five hours in patient assessment, three hours in airway, six hours in medical/behavior, and eleven hours in elective topics.
- Verify your skills competency through your approved education program.
- Apply online for renewal through the OATH system administered by the CDPHE.
Purpose of Completing CME Hours
The state of Colorado, like many other states, is facing various challenges that impact the health of its residents and the healthcare provided, including an aging population, national and global pandemics, and severe climatic conditions that lead to the contamination of air, water, and food. In addition, there’s currently a national shortage of emergency medical service professionals.
It’s essential that EMTs in the state maintain high levels of competency and ethical standards. CME requirements ensure that EMTs in Colorado align with the rapidly changing medical needs and the advancing medical world.
Prospective EMTS are often concerned if it’s hard to become an EMT in Colorado. To be honest, it is a demanding process that consumes a considerable amount of time. However, understanding the whole process and leveraging various learning resources, such as The Paramedic Coach, can make it easier to accomplish.
In Conclusion
Most EMTs in Colorado are required to hold a NREMT certification. You need to show evidence of completing a CME program during the twenty-four months since your last renewal.
If you’re preparing for EMT recertification and you wish to compare Colorado EMT study tools and resources, check out The Paramedic Coach. Our one-time fee gives you lifetime access to nearly 500 videos that will be incredibly helpful in refreshing your knowledge of emergency care!
