The Colorado state EMT certification rules align with the national standards set by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). In short, this means EMTs can follow the NREMT regulations and recertify every two years.
We often hear from practicing professionals comparing a Colorado EMT online course to in-person learning. The great news is that our CAPCE-accredited recertification programs are 100% digital, which means you can study at your own pace alongside your busy work schedule.
In this guide, we’ll recap the recertification requirements and discuss why getting ahead of your renewal could be highly beneficial in the competitive Colorado job market.
Why Do EMTs in Colorado Need to Recertify?
Recertification is one of the standards overseen by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). This national body also administers the NREMT exams you must pass to work as an EMR, EMT, AEMT, or paramedic.
Like most states, Colorado requires NREMT certification before EMTs can apply for state-level licensure. It also allows professionals to opt for two-year NREMT recertification to maintain their credentials, or choose a state-specific renewal process every three years.
Either way, renewal and recertification is all about ensuring medical professionals dealing with emergency scenarios have up-to-date knowledge. Protocols, policies, or even treatment approaches can change rapidly in the fast-evolving world of medicine, which is why achieving certified status once isn’t the end of the learning journey.
The programs provided through our Video Vault are an accredited, done-for-you resource that makes recertification faster and easier. However, you can also opt for a continued education route, which means you’ll need to record and evidence all your learning, and verify that this matches the standards and content you need to cover.
How Does State Renewal and NREMT Recertification Differ for EMTs Working in Colorado?
One peculiarity of the recertification system is that in Colorado, the state technically requires EMTs to recertify once every three years, not every two years as specified by the NREMT. There are several compelling reasons to keep your nationally recognized certification up to date, despite this being required more often.
- State-level licensure still requires all applicants to pass the NREMT exam; you cannot skip this, and there is no alternative.
- Renewing only your state license means your NREMT certification may lapse, which could be a serious concern if you ever plan to relocate outside the state, where a Colorado license won’t be recognized.
- Colorado’s three-yearly license renewal process uses a continued education pathway, which most emergency medical responders know is time-consuming and often onerous. Each applicant will need to pay for separate courses and tuition and check whether each program ‘counts’ towards their continued education.
- Alongside a minimum number of continued education credits, EMTs renewing state licensure in Colorado must undergo a skills competency test through the Colorado EMS office.
Retaining your NREMT-certified position is essential if you’d like the best possible career prospects. With a comprehensive, proven recertification program offered by The Paramedic Coach, it’s quicker to complete, involves no practical skills exam, and ensures your recertification documentation is delivered straight to your inbox.
Why Is Recertifying as a Colorado EMT Important?
NREMT recertification is a simple way to stay current, refresh your knowledge, and ensure compliance with the state renewal rules.
How competitive is EMT job market Colorado, and what difference does prompt recertification make? Employers hiring EMTs will need to confirm you hold the necessary certification to work as an emergency responder, so allowing your state license to lapse or failing to adhere to the NREMT recertification rules can have a disastrous impact.
Our recertification programs are created specifically for professionals at all stages of their careers and are split into national, local, and individual content, so you can be assured that you’ve covered all your bases!
