Deciding on whether to renew your emergency medical response (EMR) certification online or in person is usually based on several factors, including your recertification schedule, preferred learning style, and personal goals.
This article offers a breakdown of the pros and cons of both in-person and online emergency medical responder (EMR) recertification. We’ll also explain why an EMT recertification online course might be better than an in-person course.
How Online EMR Recertification Works
Online EMR recertification is the process of completing your EMR recertification with an online continuing education course or online cognitive exam. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) requires that emergency medical technician (EMT) and EMR professional certificates be renewed every two years. EMRs must complete sixteen credits through an approved continuing education program or take an adaptive computer-based test.
One of the top time management tips for EMR recertification is to complete the process online. An online recertification course is one way of avoiding delays in EMR renewal. An online program saves you time and the hassle of traveling long distances to complete an in-person continuing education course.
Advantages of Online EMR Recertification
Various online courses can help with your EMR recertification. For instance, you can sign up for virtual training or on-demand courses that align with NREMT’s continuing education requirements. You can also do an online EMR refresher course and take practice tests to prepare for the cognitive test if you choose that route.
Online courses offer the flexibility of fitting the process into your schedule. You can complete your continuing education coursework anytime and anywhere.
An online EMR renewal process allows you to complete your training without wasting time commuting to and from the training center. You can study and take continuing education courses from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere else with internet access.
The Paramedic Coach has an online, CAPCE-accredited EMR recertification program that meets all of the NREMT requirements for continuing education. If you choose to recertify by examination, The Paramedic Coach also has valuable resources like training videos, practice quizzes, and study groups to help you prepare for the recertification exam.
Disadvantages of Online EMR Recertification Process
No recertification process is perfect. For example, studying and taking your EMR continuing education courses can be challenging, especially if you have noisy relatives, friends, and pets. Also, it requires you to be in an area with strong internet connectivity.
How In-Person EMR Recertification Works
Conversely, an in-person EMR recertification process involves attending a physical class for studying and testing. In this scenario, you can demonstrate and assess your skills in providing and managing care for critically ill patients.
Advantages of In-Person EMR Recertification
Some people prefer in-person recertification because it allows them to learn and practice their skills live, including patient assessment, splinting, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), under the supervision of instructors. Unlike online training and testing, in-person recertification involves studying in a classroom where everything is well organized and controlled; this setting can enhance focus.
Your instructor will correct and clear doubts instantly. You can also ask for clarification from your EMR peers in the class and get their instant feedback.
Disadvantages of In-Person EMR Recertification
Even if you prefer in-person programs, consider some disadvantages of being recertified this way. You need a budget to cover your travel expenses. In addition, most learning materials and resources used in the in-person recertification are expensive.
In-person training and testing follow strict schedules that might clash with other commitments like work and family obligations, as well.
In Summary
Online EMR recertification is often a better option than recertifying in-person because it’s convenient, flexible, and cost-effective. If you’re looking for someone to help you complete your EMR recertification process successfully, The Paramedic Coach has your back–check out our recertification tools now!
