The emergency medical technician (EMT) refresher course in New York allows practicing EMTs to relearn foundational and essential emergency medical services (EMS) concepts and stay up-to-date on new policies and protocols. It costs anywhere between $500 to $1,500 depending on the provider and the program–though most fall on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Taking the New York State (NYS) EMT refresher course, or a similar EMT test prep course, is an essential step in ensuring successful recertification or license renewal as an EMT in New York.
What Is the EMT Refresher Course?
The EMT refresher course is designed to refresh a practicing EMT’s knowledge of previously learned material and to help them learn the most updated information in the field and practice. It allows practitioners and trainers to evaluate the current skill and knowledge of EMTs taking the program, verifying their eligibility for recertification and their ability to continue their work effectively.
Who Can Take the EMT Refresher Course?
There are several instances when an EMS student or EMT should take the EMT refresher course. You should undergo the program if you:
- Currently hold an NYS EMT license that’s about to expire or has already expired
- Have failed the practical skills portion of your NYS EMT exam within one year
- Have failed the written test portion of your NYS EMT exam after a second attempt
- Have received permission from the NYS Bureau of EMS to enroll in an EMT refresher course as a result of filing for reciprocity (applicable to out-of-state EMTs)
When Should I Take the EMT Refresher Course?
If you’re taking the EMT refresher course for recertification purposes, it’s recommended that you take the program within nine months before your current license expires. If you’re wondering how to renew your EMT license in New York, it typically requires taking another EMT exam after finishing a refresher course. That said, you may also opt to take continuing education so that you don’t have to take an exam.
For those who are taking the EMT refresher course to retake the NYS EMT exam after failing one of its sections, you may take the refresher course right before you do the exam again, making sure that your program finishes with an adequate time window before then. If you’re an out-of-state EMT looking to get certified in New York, you may take the EMT refresher course before processing reciprocity.
What Happens After I Take the EMT Refresher Course?
Students who complete all requirements of the EMT refresher course are eligible to take the NYS EMT certification exam to obtain or renew their license. The certification will be valid for thirty-six months (three years).
Do I Need to Take the EMT Refresher Course?
The EMT refresher course is an important step in the certification, recertification, and reciprocity processes concerning New York EMTs. In most cases, taking it is a prerequisite for taking the NYS EMT exam that will grant EMTs license to practice in the state.
Alternatively, however, eligible EMTs may take a continuing education recertification program. This allows EMTs who are in continuous practice, have demonstrated competence in applicable behavioral and performance objectives, and have completed appropriate continuing education to renew their certification without having to pass a written exam.
The Video Vault: An Affordable EMT Refresher Resource
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